By Warefa Pereke.
Izon Times Media.
Prominent statesmen, traditional chiefs, public officials, and leading media bodies from across the Niger Delta converged to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Congress TV/Newspaper. These leaders credited the media house’s milestone to its unwavering resilience, structural growth, and deep commitment to professional journalism.
The anniversary ceremony featured a distinguished lineup of regional figures, including:
- Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali – National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)
- Chief (Barr.) Macdonald Igbadiwei – President, Ijaw National Congress (INC)
- Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP) – Event Chairman & Former Chairman of the Egbema/Gbaramatu Development Foundation
- Wing Commander Peter Yerindi Biakpara (Rtd.) – Former NAF Officer & Delta State Commissioner of Agriculture
- Chief Sheriff Mulade, Ph.D – National Coordinator, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ)
- Hon. Spencer Okpoye – DESOPADEC Commissioner (representing Ijaw Nationality).
Solidarity messages were also delivered by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), and several other influential socio-cultural groups.
Dignitaries heavily praised the leadership of the Publisher and CEO, Hon. Comrade Ozobo Austin. They commended his vision for building an independent media platform that successfully amplifies grassroots voices and champions development-oriented journalism in a tough economic climate.
In an official letter, PANDEF Chairman Amb. Godknows Boladei Igali lauded the milestone: “There is no gainsaying that this is a landmark achievement that is worthy of celebration, as it tells the story of consistency, persistence and growth. I must commend Congress Newspaper under your exceptional leadership for its doggedness to stay the course, and seeing this vision come alive despite daunting challenges.”
In a major announcement at the event, INC National President, Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei declared Congress Newspaper as an official media platform for the Apex Ijaw Socio-Cultural Organisation. Likening Comrade Austin’s dedication to the late Nigerian media icon Ernest Ikoli, Chief Igbadiwei remarked: “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.”
Key Endorsements and High Praise
Dignitary Key Takeaway / Quote Amb. Jude Ukori (Chairman) “I congratulate Congress TV/Newspaper for creating a voice for the indigenous people… hopefully in the next 5 years it will be pulling global attention.” Chief Sheriff Mulade (CEPEJ) “Within 5 years, it has moved from an indigenous paper to a national paper. We will not stop supporting Congress until it moves to the global space.” Hon. Spencer Okpoye (Represented by Mr. Raphael Olomiegbene) Stated that Congress Newspaper has earned every bit of its support based on its track record and promised to help scale the platform globally. Wing Cmdr. Peter Y. Biakpara (Rtd.) Pledged a substantial financial contribution from his personal pension for the next 20 years to secure the platform’s future. A broad coalition of stakeholders—including Hon. Ebisinne Kofee Amasuomo, Mrs. Eunice Ngozi Angozi (wife of Dr. Braduce Angozi), General Godstime Ogidigba, Amb. Truston Gbenekama, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Meinbutus, Human Rights Congress, CONFAB, and the Ijaw Women Rights Protection Forum (IWRPF)—joined in celebrating the media outfit.
The collective message from regional stakeholders was clear: Congress News has cemented its place as a trusted, vital voice. The editorial team was urged to stay the course, upholding strict journalistic ethics while championing truth, equity, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
