The Ijaw People’s Association (IPA) of Great Britain and Ireland, United Kingdom, has described the chairman of TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, as “a treasure to the Ijaw nation.”
The group noted that Tompolo was an astute entrepreneur and businessman and a large-hearted social transformer who had brought pride and dignity to the Ijaw nation.
IPA, led by its president, Francis Akpanari, and the general secretary, Benaebi Oguoko, observed the association’s 76th anniversary and the 2024 Ijaw Day Celebration and Awards Night, held at the Kervan Banqueting Suite in London.
At the well-attended event, the IPA bestowed Tompolo with the prestigious lifetime award of “Izon-Ebi Dou Keme” (meaning a leader who wants the progress of the Ijaw nation).
They also honoured him with a “Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition” for his selfless services and sustained contributions to the growth and development of the Ijaw nation.
The foremost former Ijaw freedom fighter, Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei, a former legislator in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, was represented at the event.
IPA leaders stressed that Tompolo had contributed enormously to the socio-economic and political advancement of the Ijaw nation.
According to the group, he had also made great personal sacrifices at various critical times for the general good of the Niger Delta.
The Ijaw people in the UK further noted that Tompolo, as a compassionate philanthropist, had transformed the lives of numerous young and old people in diverse ways over the years.
The IPA said, “You (High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo) are a treasure to Izon-Ibe (Ijaw nation). You have contributed immensely to the social, economic and political development of the Ijaw nation.
“You have sacrificed yourself for the survival and success of the Ijaw nation and also transformed the lives of thousands of young people and others directly and indirectly.
“We bestow on you, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, this well-considered “Izon-Ebi Dou Keme” award and a Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition. You are indeed a social transformer sent by God to transform the Ijaw nation for the better.”
After receiving the award, Tompolo expressed gratitude to the IPA in Great Britain and Ireland for the honour he had received.
He stated that the recognition would motivate him to render more selfless service to the Ijaw nation. He believes in the Ijaw nation’s traditional heritage, goods, and development.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were their royal majesties, King Shadrack Erebulu (Kabowei kingdom), King Joshua Igbugburu (Bomo kingdom) and King Bubaraye Dakolo (Ekpetiama kingdom), who is also the chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council; Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro; President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba; President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri; some officials of the British and Nigerian governments, representatives of embassies, business leaders, and civil society and environmental organisations in Europe.
