NDU Inaugurates Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom as Advisory Council Chairman

The Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa State, has inaugurated the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, as Chairman of the Advisory Council of its Institute for Niger Delta Studies.

The inauguration was conducted by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Allen Agih, during a ceremony held on Monday in Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Speaking at the ceremony, Agih said the Advisory Council would play an important role in providing strategic direction for the Institute for Niger Delta Studies.

He explained that the council is expected to guide the institute’s research and development activities, particularly in addressing environmental, socio economic and cultural challenges affecting communities across the Niger Delta.

“The Council is expected to provide strategic guidance for the Institute’s research and development activities, with a focus on environmental, socio economic and cultural challenges facing the Niger Delta,” Agih said.

Advisory Council Formally Constituted

Following the inauguration, the Advisory Council was formally constituted at the ceremony.

The council brings together traditional rulers, academics, civil society representatives and other stakeholders with interests in the development of the Niger Delta region.

The National President of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Bolade Igali, was appointed Co-Chairman of the council, while Professor Allen Agih will serve as an ex-officio member.

Other members inaugurated into the council include Ambassador Lawson Esaimu Ayakoroma, Chief Executive Officer of the Lawson Ayakoroma Foundation, and His Royal Majesty King Stephen Oyabebefa Ebikeme, Pere of Ekere Kingdom.

Focus on Niger Delta Challenges

The establishment and constitution of the advisory council is expected to strengthen collaboration between the university, traditional institutions, researchers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders working on issues affecting the Niger Delta.

The region continues to face significant environmental, economic and social challenges, making research and collaboration important to efforts aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving the wellbeing of its communities.

With the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom serving as Chairman and other prominent Niger Delta stakeholders joining the council, the university is expected to draw on a broad range of traditional, academic and community-based perspectives in advancing the work of its Institute for Niger Delta Studies.