The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to present a national merit award to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, in recognition of his significant contributions to maintaining peace in the Niger Delta and successfully combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
NUJ’s National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, announced this during a visit to Tompolo at Oporoza town, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA, Delta State. The formal award presentation is scheduled for the upcoming annual conference in Abuja in February.
Isiguzo commended Tompolo’s role in restoring peace to the once war-torn region and acknowledged his efforts in curbing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism through his company, Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL).
Highlighting TSSL’s achievements, Isiguzo praised Tompolo for ensuring the nation’s waterways became a formidable challenge for criminals. He specifically mentioned TSSL’s successful operations, such as the recent arrest of MT Kali for illegally siphoning crude oil from Shell Petroleum Development Company’s Pennington Oil field in Bayelsa State.
Isiguzo emphasized that TSSL’s dedication to fighting oil theft had positively impacted the nation’s crude oil production, contributing to economic recovery and prosperity.
He said, “Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the NUJ has profiled your activities and we are impressed by your patriotic zeal to ensure that Nigeria works again by your pursuit of those pilfering the nation’s oil wealth. The NUJ is glad to note that crude oil production is gradually on the rise and we can meet the OPEC quota with ease. With more revenue from additional crude oil production, we can have more money to run our money.”
“The NUJ also acknowledges the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta for which you have played pivotal roles. For these significant contributions you have made towards the nation’s growth and development, the NUJ has decided to honour you with one of our prestigious awards.”
“We are here to formally intimate you about the decision by the NUJ to accord you this well-deserved honour. To demonstrate the seriousness attached to this engagement, I have with me the National Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman as well other leaders of the NUJ from the state council and Warri chapter of the association .”
“We seize this opportunity to also formally invite you to the investiture and presentation of the awards during our national conference in Abuja in February,” Isiguzo added.
In response, Tompolo expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that the award would motivate him to further contribute to the nation’s development.
The NUJ delegation, led by Isiguzo, included the immediate past Chairman of Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, a Senior Journalist, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo and Chairman of Warri Correspondent Chapel of NUJ, Mr. Okies Vicky-Okpomor, one of his predecessors and Vanguard’s correspondent, Chief Akpokona Omafuaire, ThisDay newspaper Senior Correspondent, Mr. Sylvester Idowu and Mr. Gbenga Ahmed of Independent Television (ITV), Benin-city, among others.
Support Quality Journalism in the Niger Delta Region
Join us in our mission to bring development journalism, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness to the forefront. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. Donate today and be a part of the change!
