Niger Delta Leaders, PANDEF, INC, NUJ, IPF, CEPEJ, DOPF Celebrate Congress TV/Newspaper at Five Years of Media Excellence
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
The Niger Delta stood united in celebration as eminent leaders, statesmen, traditional rulers, media professionals, civil society organisations, and public office holders gathered to honour Congress TV/Newspaper on the occasion of its fifth anniversary, describing the media organisation as a shining example of resilience, credibility, and professional journalism in the region.
The colourful anniversary celebration attracted goodwill messages and commendations from prominent personalities and organisations across the Niger Delta, who applauded the media outfit for sustaining quality journalism despite the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria’s media industry.
Leading the list of dignitaries was the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, whose congratulatory message described the fifth anniversary as a landmark achievement worthy of celebration.
In his official message, Ambassador Igali acknowledged the invitation extended to him as Special Guest of Honour and commended the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Congress TV/Newspaper, Hon. Comrade Ozobo Austin, for demonstrating exceptional leadership in nurturing the media organisation from inception to its current level of influence.
“There is no gainsaying that this is a landmark achievement worthy of celebration as it tells the story of consistency, persistence and growth,” Ambassador Igali stated.
He further praised the management for remaining steadfast despite daunting challenges, expressing confidence that Congress TV/Newspaper would continue to attain greater milestones in the years ahead.
One of the major highlights of the anniversary was the announcement by the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief (Barr.) Macdonald Igbadiwei, that the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation had formally adopted Congress Newspaper as one of its official media platforms.
Chief Igbadiwei commended the newspaper for consistently promoting people-oriented advocacy and giving visibility to issues affecting the Ijaw nation and the wider Niger Delta.
He described the Publisher, Hon. Comrade Ozobo Austin, as a principled and consistent advocate who has remained unwavering in promoting the interests of the Ijaw people.
According to him, the publisher is following in the footsteps of the late Nigerian nationalist and media icon Ernest Ikoli, whose legacy of courageous journalism continues to inspire generations.
“I have known Comrade Ozobo Austin for several years and have found him to be consistent, principled and unwavering in his commitment to the liberation, development and protection of the interests of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta at large,” Chief Igbadiwei remarked.
Chairman of the anniversary celebration, Ambassador Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP), a former Chairman of the Egbema/Gbaramatu Development Foundation, also praised Congress TV/Newspaper for maintaining the ethics and standards of journalism throughout its five-year journey.
Describing the publication as “our own newspaper,” Ambassador Ukori urged Niger Delta stakeholders to continue supporting the media organisation, expressing optimism that within the next five years it would command even greater international recognition.
The National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief Sheriff Mulade, Ph.D., described Congress TV/Newspaper as one of the fastest-growing indigenous media organisations in Nigeria.
According to him, although only five years old, the publication has demonstrated the maturity, credibility and influence of a media institution that has existed for decades.
“Congress is our proud voice. It is accurate, balanced and investigative. Within just five years, it has grown from an indigenous newspaper into a nationally recognised publication. We will continue to support it until it becomes a global media brand,” he said.
Representing the Commissioner for Ijaw Nationality on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Hon. Spencer Okpoye, Mr. Raphael Olomieghene reaffirmed the commissioner’s support for the growth of the media organisation, noting its significant contributions to public enlightenment and regional development.
In a remarkable demonstration of confidence in the organisation, retired Wing Commander Peter Yerindi Biakpara, former Nigerian Air Force officer and former Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture, pledged to donate a substantial portion of his pension to support Congress TV/Newspaper over the next twenty years.
He described the organisation as a dependable platform dedicated to promoting the aspirations of the Ijaw people and the broader Niger Delta region.
“I will donate a substantial portion of my pension to the media organisation for the next twenty years. Congress TV/Newspaper has remained committed to building a credible and dependable voice for the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta,” Biakpara declared.
Other notable personalities who sent congratulatory messages included Chief Akpos Meze, Mrs. Eunice Ngozi, wife of former Delta State governorship aspirant Dr. Braduce Angozi, Hon. Ebisinne Kofee Amasuomo, General Godstime Ogidigba, Ambassador Truston Gbenekama, and several distinguished leaders from across the region.
Professional bodies and socio-cultural organisations that joined in celebrating the milestone included the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Meinbutus, the Human Rights Congress, CONFAB, the Ijaw Women Rights Protection Forum (IWRPF), among several others.
In their various goodwill messages, the organisations applauded Congress TV/Newspaper for its unwavering commitment to investigative journalism, balanced reporting, transparency, accountability, and the promotion of sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
They unanimously described the publication as a dependable voice that has consistently amplified the concerns, aspirations and developmental needs of the people while upholding the highest standards of professional journalism.
The anniversary celebration also served as a tribute to the vision, resilience and dedication of Hon. Comrade Ozobo Austin, whose leadership has transformed Congress TV/Newspaper into one of the region’s most respected indigenous media platforms within just five years.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the organisation would continue expanding its reach beyond Nigeria, strengthening democratic values, promoting good governance, and becoming a globally recognised media institution dedicated to truth, justice, equity and sustainable development.
As Congress TV/Newspaper celebrates five years of impactful journalism, the overwhelming goodwill from respected leaders and organisations across the Niger Delta stands as a strong endorsement of its growing influence and enduring contribution to media development, public accountability, and the advancement of the Niger Delta cause.
Source: Congress TV/Newspaper
Report by: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
Website: https://globalegberi.com.ng
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