In a significant show of respect and gratitude, the Publisher and Managing Director of GbaramatuVoice, Mr. Jacob Abai, on Tuesday, led members of the management team on a special visit to His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
The visit was part of preparations toward the 10th Anniversary of GbaramatuVoice and the 2025 edition of the Niger Delta Night of Honor, scheduled to hold on August 27-28 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The purpose was to seek the royal blessings of the revered monarch and to express profound appreciation to the kingdom that birthed and supported the vision from the very beginning.
Oboro-Gbaraun II warmly received the team and offered prayers for the Publisher, the management, and the continued growth of the media organization.
He commended GbaramatuVoice for its consistent efforts over the past decade in giving a voice to the region, documenting its realities, preserving its culture, and serving as a platform for advocacy and development.
“Ten years is not a joke. You started from nothing, and today the entire country knows the name GbaramatuVoice,” the Pere said.
“I remember when the idea started, many didn’t understand it. But you remained focused. Today, you are not only giving the Niger Delta a voice, you are projecting our identity and cultural strength nationally. That is a thing of pride to this kingdom.”
“GbaramatuVoice will go upward and forward ever. Whatever you publish will be heard all over the world. Even while I was in Lagos, Yoruba people told me they watched our Amaseikumor on GbaramatuVoice. As you have reached Abuja, you are at the apex. From there, you will cross into the diaspora. It shall be so.”
“I give you my blessings. May God continue to protect your team. Let this 10th anniversary be a stepping stone to higher things.
In an emotional speech, Mr. Abai thanked the Pere and the entire Gbaramatu Kingdom for their steadfast support throughout the years. He noted that the success of GbaramatuVoice would not have been possible without the solid foundation laid by the kingdom and the collective backing of its leaders, sons, and daughters.
“Your Majesty, we are deeply grateful. This brand was born here in this land, in Gbaramatu Kingdom. And over the past ten years, it is the prayers, support, and encouragement from this palace, our traditional leaders, and the people that have sustained us. We do not take this for granted,” Abai said.
He further acknowledged the sacrifices and faith shown by the kingdom even in the early days when the platform faced numerous challenges. He emphasized that the upcoming anniversary is not just a celebration of a media house but a celebration of a people, the Gbaramatu people, who believed in the dream when it was still only an idea.
“Our journey is your journey. This milestone belongs to Gbaramatu Kingdom, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta at large. We are going to Abuja, not just to celebrate, but to honor and showcase what this region have given to Nigeria,” he added.
In attendance at the palace were prominent traditional leaders including the Peregboluwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief P. T. Heavens; the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief (Dr.) Godspower Gbenekama (JP); the Ibakurowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Daniel Ekpebide; the Ibe-Benemo-ere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief (Dr.) Vero Tangbowei (JP); the Ebikobo-ere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief (Mrs.) Garner Pondi; the Miyenkeremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief George Timiyan; and Apostle Labort Tonfawei, the immediate past Chairman of Oporoza community.
The visit marks a major highlight in the lead-up to the 10th Anniversary of GbaramatuVoice, which has evolved from a creek-based media initiative into a national platform amplifying Niger Delta voices and issues with credibility, cultural relevance, and integrity.
See photos below:
