By Cletus Opukeme, Warri
Niger Delta renowned figure and High Chief in Ijaw land, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, received accolades from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for his significant contributions to boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production and enhancing internal security.
The ceremony, held in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, saw Tompolo conferred with the “Internal Security Meritorious Award.”
In his address, Tompolo expressed his unwavering commitment to ensuring an increase in Nigeria’s daily crude oil output, emphasizing its crucial role in bolstering the nation’s revenue.
He underscored the importance of the media in promoting peace and stability, urging for their continued appreciation and support.
The NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, commended Tompolo’s efforts in addressing crude oil theft, particularly in the Niger Delta region, stating that his initiatives have significantly contributed to reducing criminal activities in the area. Isiguzo emphasized the vital role of the media in democratic governance, stressing the need for collective action to tackle insecurity in the country.
Highlighting Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd. (TSSNL), which has been instrumental in curbing oil theft in collaboration with government security agencies, Isiguzo praised the significant achievements in this regard.
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He acknowledged Tompolo’s commitment to national development and urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at enhancing internal security.
“But today, somebody has risen to the occasion and gathered an array of young men who have taken it upon themselves to help this country to continue to survive as a peaceful and united nation. By his commitment, dedication and diligence, Nigeria as a country has to a very large extent, reduced activities of men of the underworld consistently engaged in pilfering and taking our common patrimony for their selfish gains.
“We decided that we must accord the necessary recognition to the man who carries the flag, and birthed this organisation. A man who has exceptionally distinguished himself, and has been celebrated by Nigerians across all works of life.
“A general in his own right, who has distinguished himself, ensured and maintained an appreciable level of internal security. We have come to Oporoza to confer on him, the Internal Security Meritorious Award of the NUJ,” he said.
Isiguzo, flanked by the National Secretary of the NUJ, Shuaibu Leman, and others said that the media remained the oxygen of democratic governance, noting that “if it collapsed, Nigeria will collapse”.
He said the issue of insecurity was a collective responsibility of Nigerians and not the government alone, urging all hands to be on deck to address the problems.
“In your neighbourhood, if you provide intelligence information to security operatives and agencies to help achieve peace and tranquillity, you have made your contribution to solving the insecurity challenges.
“When there is peace in all parts of the country, it will give birth to development and take our country away from being a third world to second or perhaps first world country,” Mr Isiguzo noted.
In the same event, the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) also inducting Tompolo into the Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame for his remarkable contributions to internal security and economic development.
Amidst parades by TSSNL personnel and traditional dances from Gbaramatu Kingdom, Tompolo’s dedication to the service of his people and the nation at large was celebrated.
