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Ijaw Publishers’ Forum calls for protection of Niger Delta natural resources for future generations
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Oil theft, pollution, deforestation identified as major threats to the region’s survival
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Media advocacy highlighted as key to defending Ijaw identity and Niger Delta interests
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to safeguard the Niger Delta’s natural resources for future generations, as it held its second annual media conference in Warri, Delta State.
The conference, themed “Safeguarding the Niger Delta Natural Resources for Future Generations,” brought together media practitioners, political leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders from across the region to deliberate on environmental degradation and resource protection.
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In his welcome address, the National President of IPF, Comrade Ozobo Austin, stressed that the Niger Delta’s environment remains under severe threat from oil theft, pollution, deforestation and unchecked exploitation by oil companies and government authorities.
Austin warned that environmental pollution has destroyed fishing and farming activities, reduced life expectancy and deepened poverty and unemployment in the region. He urged international and indigenous oil companies to prioritise the well-being of host communities and halt deliberate environmental degradation.
He described the Niger Delta’s resources as its future and its environment as its true wealth, adding that crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage amount to stealing the collective wealth of the people.
The IPF president also traced the history of the forum, noting that it was established in October 2023 to promote the Ijaw struggle, protect its identity and strengthen its presence in the media space.
According to him, the forum has played a major role in correcting negative narratives, countering blackmail against the Ijaw nation and ensuring balanced media representation of Ijaw and Niger Delta issues.
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Austin said the IPF has significantly reduced the misrepresentation of the Ijaw people in both local and international media, adding that the forum would continue to defend the collective image and aspirations of the Ijaw nation.
He emphasized the need for Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to support indigenous media platforms, noting that other ethnic nationalities have strong media institutions to project their interests.
The conference attracted several prominent personalities, including the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief Dennis Otuaro; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; PANDEF National Leader, Ambassador Godknows Igali; INC Publicity Secretary, Chief Oyakemeagbegha Izinebi; and other leaders, women groups, youth representatives and student bodies.
Austin expressed appreciation to sponsors and donors of the event and reaffirmed IPF’s commitment to promoting media excellence, environmental protection and advocacy for the rights and self-determination of the Ijaw and Niger Delta people.
The conference added with a call for collective action to address environmental challenges and ensure sustainable management of the Niger Delta’s natural resources.
