President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are among dignitaries expected at the 10th anniversary celebration of GbaramatuVoice in Abuja.
The pan-Niger Delta media organisation will mark the milestone with a two-day event featuring a public lecture and the Niger Delta Night of Honour on August 27 and 28, 2025, in Abuja.
According to the organisers, the anniversary will spotlight a decade of impactful journalism, cultural preservation and consistent advocacy for peace, justice and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
The minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, are also expected at the events.
Governors of the Niger Delta states are billed to attend alongside federal and state legislators. The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi, representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, will lead lawmakers from the region to the gathering.
Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, national chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), will chair the anniversary, while the keynote address will be delivered by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
The events will also parade an assembly of traditional rulers from across the Niger Delta. His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Pere of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, will serve as host monarch. Others include King Joseph I. Timiyan, Ebenanawei of Ogulagha Kingdom; Pere S.P. Luke Kalanama VIII of Akugbene Mein Kingdom; King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass; King Bubaraye Dakolo, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom; King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom; and King Shadrach Erebulu, Pere of Kabowei Kingdom.
Notable Niger Delta leaders such as High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo; Mr Matthew Tonlagha, chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited; and High Chief Kestin Pondi, managing director of Tantita Security Services, are also expected.
The Public Lecture, “Gaps and Silences in Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Economy: Appraisal of Resource Control, Security & Media Dynamics,” will be held on August 27 in Abuja. The Niger Delta Night of Honour will follow on August 28.
Reflecting on the milestone, Jacob Abai, founder and chief executive officer of GbaramatuVoice, said the celebration was a testament to resilience and advocacy.
“This anniversary is a moment to honour our leaders and communities, amplify the voices of the Niger Delta, and chart a course for sustainable peace, justice, and development in our region and in Nigeria,” he stated.
Since its first edition in 2015, GbaramatuVoice has grown from a modest newspaper into a multimedia platform with national reach and international recognition.
