In a region historically rich in culture but long marginalised in national discourse, the recent Ijaw Content Creators Roundtable hosted by GbaramatuVoice offers more than just a moment; it signals a movement. Held at the Niger Delta Media Centre in Warri on April 29, 2025, the event’s impact transcended expectations, not least due to the unexpected yet electrifying presence of comedian Sabinus.
His comedic charm and motivational words underscored a larger truth: Ijaw youths are not short of talent; they are often short of platforms and tools. It is here that GbaramatuVoice, under the astute leadership of Mr. Jacob Abai, continues to distinguish itself. The platform did not merely organise a dialogue; it made investments in people. Smartphones and other production tools were provided to emerging content creators; a strategic and symbolic gesture that says: We believe in your voice.
This editorial recognises GbaramatuVoice’s bold transition from storytelling to story-enabling. In a digital age where content is currency, this shift is monumental. The empowerment of Ijaw youth through capacity building, equipment support, and networking is a direct confrontation of historical neglect. It sends a clear message: the Niger Delta is not just a site of extraction, but of expression.
What happened in Warri must not end in Warri. We urge government institutions, private stakeholders, and community leaders to emulate this model. The time has come for a coordinated, well-funded framework that supports digital education, creative tools, and platforms for Ijaw youths and beyond.
As the tides shift, we commend GbaramatuVoice for leading the swell. The future of Ijaw storytelling is digital, dynamic, and determined; and the movement has only just begun.
