Since its inception in 2015, GbaramatuVoice has been dedicated to fostering dialogue and addressing critical issues through its annual lecture series. Over the years, these lectures have provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions on various topics pertinent to the Niger Delta region and beyond.
In 2015, GbaramatuVoice kicked off its annual lecture series with an inaugural event at the PTI Conference Centre in Effurun. The theme, “Nation Building: Information is Indispensable,” underscored the pivotal role of information in fostering national development. This event also marked the launch of GbaramatuVoice’s newspaper, further solidifying its commitment to informing and engaging the region.
The following year, GbaramatuVoice expanded its reach by launching its website at Okuemi Hotel in Warri. The theme, “Media and the Niger Delta Struggle: The GbaramatuVoice Example,” emphasized the power of media in amplifying the voices of the Niger Delta communities and highlighting its struggles.
In 2018, the annual lecture series continued with a focus on “Niger Delta Beyond Oil: Searching for Sustainable Development” at the KFT Place in Warri. This theme explored alternative pathways for sustainable development in the region, beyond reliance on oil resources.
The 2019 edition of the annual lecture series shifted to the nation’s capital, Abuja, with the theme “Crude Oil Pollution in the Niger Delta: Scopes, Challenges and Remedies” at Transcorp Hilton Hotel. This event delved into the environmental challenges posed by oil pollution and proposed solutions for mitigation.
In 2020, GbaramatuVoice returned to the Niger Delta region, hosting its fifth annual lecture at Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt. The theme, “Peace, Security and Development in the Niger Delta,” highlighted the interconnectedness of peace, security, and development in the region’s socio-economic landscape.
The annual lecture series reached new heights in 2021 with the participation of former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at Lagos Eko Hotel. The theme, “Dwindling State of Crude Demand in the Global Market: The Way Forward,” addressed the evolving dynamics of the global oil market and its implications for Nigeria.
In 2022, the annual lecture series moved to Abuja Sheraton with the theme “Oil Politics, Securing National Assets, Dependency, and Diversification.” This event examined the geopolitical challenges surrounding Nigeria’s oil industry and explored strategies for economic diversification.
The 2023 edition of GbaramatuVoice’s annual lecture series took place at the Bayelsa State Government House with the theme “Developing Maritime Agronomic Architecture: Tilling for Food Security.” This event focused on leveraging maritime resources to enhance food security and sustainable agriculture in the Niger Delta region.
Throughout the years, GbaramatuVoice’s annual lecture series has drawn a diverse array of attendees, including notable figures such as Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State; former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; former Governors of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello; former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro; former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja; Prince Adewale Adebayo, the 2023 Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential candidate; President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba; as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives from international oil companies like Chevron Nigeria Limited, academia, civil society organizations, NGOs, youth groups, lawmakers, community leaders, and chiefs.
As we anticipate the upcoming 2024 edition of GbaramatuVoice’s annual lecture series and the Niger Delta Night of Honor scheduled for August 28 at the Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt, Rivers State, excitement fills the air. Stay tuned as we reveal the theme, promising another enriching experience for participants and stakeholders alike.
Warm regards,
The GbaramatuVoice Team
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