
By Esther Eugene, Warri
The Ijaw Publishers Forum,IPF has inaugurated an eight(8) man National Executive to run its affairs in the next two years.
The inauguration ceremony held at the Tunde Smooth Playground in Warri, Delta State.
Igho Ogedegbe Esq administered the oath of office on members of the forum.
Managing Director of TANTITA Security Services Limited, High Chief(Engr ) Keston Pondi in a remark congratulated the newly inaugurated IPF on their emergence.
High Chief Pondi who was represented by the Head of TANTITA in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua McCaiver urged the IPF Executive to use their platform to seriously encourage the education of Izon youths as well as promote the Izon cultural heritage of the people. He advised IPF members to ways cross check records before filing any news story by balancing their reports to avoid unavoidable litigations and other controversies.
In his inaugural speech, IPF National President , Comrade Austin Ozobo promised to run an open door policy.
Ozobo who is the publisher of Congress Newspaper said,”I will embrace team work, I will work building a strong Ijaw owned mainstream media.
“We will undertake school outreach programmes, seminars, workshop, conferences and many more to create more awareness.
“I will maintain accountability, integrity and trust among members of the IPF and the general public.”
Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro also congratulated the IPF for their inauguration. Barr. Otuaro who was honoured by the IPF as a “Grand Patron” said the IPF is long overdue. He said it will help in telling the story of the Izon people in the right perspective.
He assured the IPF that the Izon nation will rally round them as well as give them the necessary supports.
According to him,”You have our blessings. We will support you from behind the scene.”
In a remark at the event also, the Pere of Akugbene-mein Kingdom, HRM. Pere Stanley Perediegha Luke-Kalanama VIII(JP) implored Izon sons and daughters to emulate TANTITA Security Services who supported the IPF inaugurated. The revered monarch charged the IPF executive to be accountable in their affairs. He also urged members of the exco to collaborate with the president with a view to move the forum to an enviable height.
The members of the newly inaugurated committee includes, Comrade Austin Ozobo, President, Comrade Onduku Oyinbi, Vice President, Comrade Magbei Tare, Secretary, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, Public Relations Officer, Comrade Mingo Friday, Treasurer, Comrade Ugedi Mike, Financial Secretary, Mr. Francis Abai, Chief Research Officer and Prince(Dr.) Peretengboro Clinton Bibaikefie, Assistant Public Relations Officer.
The IPF promptly used the opportunity to honour the Managing Director of TANTITA Security Services Limited as its “Patron”.
High point of the ceremony was various Ijaw cultural dancing groups who added colour and candour to the ceremony.