Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Timi Alaibe and the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col Milland Dixon Dikio have affirmed that peace and development is achievable in the Niger Delta if ex-agitators embrace peace and development.
The trio, who spoke at Arogbo Ijaw, Ese-Odo Local Government during the chieftancy ceremony of ‘Beleukoriwei’ on High Chief Biobopere Ajube, popularly called ‘Shoot-at-Sight’, at the palace of His majesty, Pere Zaccheaus Doubara Ebgunu, in Arogbo, Ondo State, enjoined ex-militants to emulate the celebrant’s disposition on peace and entrepreneurship.
Akeredolu, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while describing Ajube as a man who has touched many lives through peace and empowerment, said the honour was due to him.
He urged him not to relent in the empowerment programme but to extend similar gestures to other parts of the state.
Dikio while speaking acknowledged the celebrant for leading the charge for a peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta.
According to him, “We’re here to tell this community and indeed the world what Ajube means to us. He is very special and we’re excited that he bought into our vision in PAP which is tailored to change the narrative in the region,
“He took the lead of our Train, Employ and Mentor initiative and has pledged to have 400 of our people trained in his facility. He is the face of what can happen in the region and there is no doubt that with people like him, the Niger Delta can truly be the place to live and do business.”
On his part, Alaibe, chairman of the occasion said the conferement was due to a man, who was misunderstood by the Federal Government at the height of militancy in the Niger Delta.
The chairman noted that as head of the Amnesty Programme, he stood firmly by Ajube, to explain that he meant well.
“This honour is well deserved. The story and struggle of the emancipation and dealing with the issues in the Niger Delta will not be complete without the mention of Chief Bibopere Ajube. The story is deep for some of us.
“So, I’m proud that we’re gathered here to celebrate peace, excellence, leadership, strive for sustainable development, honest, and sincere man that loves his God. I know him when he had nothing. He is a man that has the interest of his people in his heart,” Alaibe stated
The ruler of Arogbo Ijaw Ibe, Pere Zaccheaus Doubara Ebgunu, said the chieftaincy title on the celebrant was not a mistake, but to reciprocate his kind gestures and show him that the kingdom is blessed to have him.
Other dignitaries at the event were Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Catherine Oludunni Ode, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, ex-freedom fighter Ebikabowei Victor-Ben also known as ‘General’ Boyloaf, among others.
