The entire Staff and Management of Arogbo Voice Reporters, in a collective spirit lauded Mr. Moneyman Osuobeni Ekoi for his brilliant and thought-provoking keynote address at the 2025 Ijaw Cultural Day organised by the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students, Igbinedion Chapter. This epoch making Cultural event attracting top notch Niger Delta Students and Leaders was held in Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.
In his speech titled;“The Impact of Niger Delta on the Nigerian Economy: Struggles, Sacrifice,s and the Student’s Mandate”, Mr. Ekoi passionately highlighted the indispensable role of the Niger Delta in powering Nigeria’s economy. He re-echoed the fact that over 75% of government revenue and more than 90% of the nation’s export earnings stem from the crude oil resources of the Niger Delta, first discovered in Oloibiri in 1956.
Mr. Ekoi, a lecturer in the Department of Software Engineering at the Enita Ojaja II (OON) College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Igbinedion University, also introduced himself as a proud son of Bulu-Angiama in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State. Holding a B.Sc and M.Sc in Computer Science and currently pursuing a Ph.D in Artificial Intelligence, Mr. Ekoi’s credentials resonated with the student body as he emphasised the transition from resistance to responsibility.
“The era of armed struggle is behind us. Now is the age of scholarly excellence, community innovation, tech-driven enterprise, and environmental policy activism,” he declared.
He paid tribute to Niger Delta heroes such as Major Isaac Adaka Boro, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and Obi Wali, whose resistance laid the foundation for subsequent struggles for justice and equity in the region. Mr. Ekoi also commended transformational leaders like High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Dr. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro for converting rebellion into reform through inclusion, education, and opportunities; particularly under the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme initiated in 2009 by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Addressing students directly, he urged them to become modern defenders of the Niger Delta; not with weapons, but with wisdom and innovation.
“Let us move from protest to prosperity, building on the legacy of leaders like Pa Edwin Clark, Ann-Kio Briggs, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, and others. Your role is to ensure that Niger Delta gets not just peace, but lasting progress,” he said.
The speech received a standing ovation from students, lecturers, and community leaders in attendance, with many describing it as a much-needed awakening.
Doctor Kegbe, CEO of Arogbo-Ibe Voice, praised Mr. Ekoi’s delivery, noting that it captured the heart of the struggle, the journey, and the future of the Ijaw people. He encouraged students across the Niger Delta to emulate Mr. Ekoi’s passion for education, cultural preservation, and community advancement.
“Mr. Ekoi spoke like a visionary. This is the kind of leadership our students must emulate; fueled by intellect, rooted in culture, and driven by purpose,” Kegbe remarked.
As the curtains fell on the 2025 Ijaw Cultural Day at Igbinedion University, the message was clear: the future of the Niger Delta lies in the hands of its educated youth, ready to lead with purpose and pride.
