YENAGOA — The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Core Advocates for Genuine Change and Peace Initiative (C.A.G.C.P.I.) has called for a more robust partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to drive youth capacity building and sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
The delegation of first-phase ex-agitators made the call during a familiarization visit to the NCDMB headquarters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Mr. Teddy Bai, Manager of Government Relations, who received the delegation on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and the General Manager of Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, commended the ex-agitators for choosing dialogue over confrontation. He praised their ongoing efforts to maintain peace across the oil-rich region.
“Nigerian Content focuses on developing capacity for everyone,” Bai stated. He urged Niger Delta youths to actively tap into the board’s various empowerment programs, including its registration portal, specialized training initiatives, and intervention funds.
Teddy Bai further highlighted the board’s corporate interventions, which include specialized skills training, distribution of business starter packs, and donations of mobility aids to communities.
While thanking the NCDMB for its consistent support in capacity-building, the Chairman of C.A.G.C.P.I. Colonel Jacob Brave Obekuma, Voiced strong concerns over the current socio-economic realities of the region. He noted that many first-phase ex-agitators feel abandoned, alleging that the benefits of the struggle have been monopolized by a select few.
“Our original agitation was meant to improve the lives of the entire Niger Delta community,” the Chairman emphasized, adding that despite seventeen years of post-amnesty dialogue, the region still grapples with widespread neglect.
The high-level meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaborative peacebuilding.
The NCDMB delegation included Mrs. Tobechi Mbah (Supervisor, Government Relations) and Mrs. Oyiza Preye Lambert (Supervisor, Events), among other staff.
The the first phase ex-Agitators featured prominent regional figures, including:
– Asupa Oupele (Vice Chairman)
Leader Patrick Tebegha (State Secretary)
– Ikporu Amakiri (Financial Secretary)
– IKaebinyo Mark (Public Relations Officer)
– Boma Oborie (Treasurer)
– Monday T. Excel (Spokesman)
– Happy Fabo (Assistant Secretary)
– Wabseiye Smith (Auditor)
– Lucky ben (Provokes)
– Ayaebi Agent (State Coordinator)
– Wisdom Fiobote (Special Adviser)
– High Chief Edward Youdowei (Special Adviser)
– Ngoolo Robert ben (Special adviser)
– Dr Osei Clever (Spiritual father)
– Chief Kalaiti Jephthah (Father of the group)
