As part of its ongoing efforts to expand grassroots media engagement across the Niger Delta region, GbaramatuVoice has officially launched the Niger Delta Media Volunteers at the Niger Delta Media Centre in Ogunu, Warri, Delta State.
The launch, which took place on Wednesday ahead of the organisation’s 10th anniversary celebration on August 28, was attended by key members of the GbaramatuVoice team, including CEO Jacob Brakere Abai, Managing Editor Mr. Asiayei Enaibo, COO Mrs. Vanessa Abai, Mr. Onos Bikawei, Mr. Joel Fiafiawei, and other editorial and technical staff.
The Niger Delta Media Volunteers is a community-centered initiative created by GbaramatuVoice to identify, train, and integrate young media enthusiasts into its central newsroom. The goal is to give grassroots storytellers a platform to report stories from their own communities — especially those often ignored by mainstream media.
Speaking during the launch, Managing Editor Mr. Asiayei Enaibo described the initiative as a timely response to the region’s need for inclusive, people-driven journalism.
“This project is not just a newsroom extension — it’s a movement to take the media back to the people. We are equipping young volunteers from the creeks, the riverine communities, and the hinterlands with the skills and platform to report stories that matter,” he said.
Mr. Enaibo added that the volunteers would undergo capacity-building training in mobile journalism, ethical reporting, content development, and digital storytelling, enabling them to contribute verified and impactful news to the GbaramatuVoice platform.
Also speaking, CEO Jacob Abai emphasized the importance of community voices in shaping the media space, particularly in the Niger Delta.
“When we started GbaramatuVoice in 2015, it was about creating space for the unheard. This launch today is a step further — giving people in the field the power to tell their own stories. From the creeks to the cities, this newsroom belongs to the people,” Abai said.
The volunteers are expected to serve as field correspondents across various Niger Delta communities, providing real-time reports and grassroots insights to strengthen GbaramatuVoice’s regional coverage.
This launch represents a significant step forward in GbaramatuVoice’s growth and its ongoing dedication to elevating the true stories of the Niger Delta.
With the recent commissioning of the Niger Delta Media Centre, GbaramatuVoice now boasts a state-of-the-art digital newsroom, broadcast suite, and training facility, enhancing its capacity to serve the region.
