The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) recently hosted the Ijaw Media Conference and Annual Dialogue 2024, a significant event aimed at addressing the long-standing economic, environmental, and political injustices faced by the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region.

Comrade Ozobo Austin, National President of the IPF, delivered a welcome address, emphasizing the importance of the conference as a movement to amplify the voices of the Ijaw people and forge innovative strategies for sustainable growth and development.

The conference theme, “Advancing the Quest for Economic, Environmental, and Political Justice,” highlighted the need for collective action to address issues such as environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion.

The IPF, a collective of media professionals, aims to promote a truthful and balanced representation of the Ijaw people and their experiences, countering misinformation and derogatory narratives that have historically marginalized the Ijaw nation.

The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations, including the Ernest Ikoli Personality Award, which honored individuals who have contributed to the advocacy for a better Niger Delta.

The conference also emphasized the importance of social media monetization for media professionals, urging members to explore this opportunity to increase their revenue.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, a Renowned right activist Annikio Briggs highlighted the Ijaw people’s historical struggles against British colonialism and Nigerian state marginalization.

She emphasized that when leaders prioritize personal interests over those of their people, development suffers.

Briggs attributed environmental degradation to the federal government’s joint ventures with international oil companies, stressing that the Ijaw nation’s growth relies on its people, and preserving cultural heritage is crucial for survival.

Briggs lamented the shift from collective emancipation to personal struggles, resulting in neglect, poverty, and unrest, saying that for Ijaw nation to move forward to there is the need for protecting cultural identity, promoting social cohesion, and overcoming internal divisions.