Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has called on ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region of the state to embrace peace and always abide by the laws of the country, saying his administration would continue to pursue peace initiatives that will enhance development of the state.
Akeredolu stated this in Arogbo Ijaw in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state during the conferment of highest chieftaincy title in Arogbo Ijaw Ibe, on High Chief Biobopere Ajube. (Shoot-at-Sight) called on ex-agitators to emulate the disposition of Ajube in developing his immediate environment
Akeredolu who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described Ajube as a proud son of Ondo State, who had made a tremendous impact in the lives of his people after embracing the Presidential Amnesty offered by the Federal Government.
He said the honour was a testament of all he had been doing for his people and urged him not to relent but extend similar gestures to other parts of the state.
“We’re gathered here to celebrate a man who through self-development and engagement is where he is today. We’re proud of him as a true son of Ondo State. All he thinks about is development, peace and empowerment which is a good thing”, he said.
In his remarks, the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Col. Milland Dikio commended Ajube for leading the charge for a peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta, noting that he is the face of what can happen in the region.
Dikio said with the likes of Ajube, who had undertaken the task of having 400 ex-agitators trained in his Bradama facility under the PAP’s Train, Employ and Mentor (TEM) model, the dream of moving the Niger Delta from incessant protest to peace and development is achievable.
He said, “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”, Dikio added.
On his part, Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Timi Alaibe, who was the chairman of the occasion, recalled that Ajube during the height of militancy in the Niger Delta was grossly misunderstood by the Federal Government but as head of the Amnesty Programme he stood firmly by his side.
He said, “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 Senior High 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.”
Also speaking, the paramount ruler of Arogbo Ijaw Ibe, Pere Zaccheaus Doubara Ebgunu, said it was not a mistake that Ajube was honoured with the highest title, noting that the kingdom has been blessed by him and decided to display that by conferring the prestigious title on him.
Other dignitaries, who graced the event were the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Catherine Oludunni Ode, Deputy Speaker and some members of the state house of assembly, the Commissioners for Information and Finance, ex-freedom fighter, Ebikabowei Victor-Ben also known as ‘General’ Boyloaf, among others.
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