IPF Concludes 2nd Annual Media Conference with Strong Call to Protect Niger Delta Resources
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has concluded its 2nd Annual Media Conference in Warri, Delta State, with a renewed advocacy for the protection and sustainable management of the Niger Delta’s natural resources.
The conference, themed “Safeguarding the Niger Delta Natural Resources for Future Generations,” brought together media practitioners, policymakers, traditional leaders, civil society actors and youth and women groups to deliberate on the environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting the oil-rich region.
In his welcome address, the National President of IPF, Comrade Ozobo Austin, underscored the urgent need to protect the Niger Delta’s environment, warning that continued oil theft, environmental pollution, deforestation and exploitation by oil companies and government institutions pose serious threats to the survival and prosperity of future generations.
He noted that environmental degradation has crippled fishing and farming, worsened poverty and unemployment, and negatively affected public health in the region. According to him, crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage amount to the loss of collective wealth, further deepening underdevelopment in host communities.
Comrade Austin called on international and indigenous oil exploration companies to prioritise environmental responsibility and the well-being of host communities, stressing that development cannot be achieved at the expense of people’s lives and livelihoods.
Tracing the evolution of the forum, he explained that the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum was established in October 2023 to promote the Ijaw struggle, defend the identity of the Ijaw nation and ensure fair and balanced media representation. He said the forum has recorded notable progress in projecting the Ijaw narrative, countering negative stereotypes and advocating consistently for the rights of the people through professional journalism.
He added that IPF’s intervention has helped restore balance in media narratives, significantly reducing misrepresentation of the Ijaw nation in both local and international media, while strengthening the presence of Ijaw professionals in the media industry.
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 former Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba. Others in attendance included youth leaders, women organisations, student representatives and stakeholders from across the Niger Delta.
Participants engaged in discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions to environmental degradation and strengthening the role of the media in promoting accountability, environmental justice and sustainable development in the region.
Comrade Austin expressed appreciation to donors and sponsors for their support and thanked participants for contributing to the success of the conference. He reaffirmed IPF’s commitment to advancing the rights of the Ijaw nation and promoting media excellence across the Niger Delta.
He concluded by calling on leaders and stakeholders to support the growth of strong, independent Ijaw-owned media platforms, noting that such institutions are vital for protecting the region’s identity, resources and interests now and in the future.
