Tompolo’s Group Launches Community Volunteers to Promote Peace in N’Delta

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), a cultural centre inspired by the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has launched the Izon Community Service Volunteers (ICSV) to promote peace, wellbeing and development in the Ijaw nation.

During a one-day youth orientation seminar  tagged: ‘Channeling Youths Energy for a Productive Bayelsa’, held in Yenagoa, the founder and Chairman of ICHC, Bodmas Kemepadei, said the scheme was designed to harness the spirit of service and a clear representation of Ijaw socio-cultural and belief system.

He said the launch of ICSV marked not just the beginning of a new initiative but a call to action for all Ijaw sons and daughters to come together to make a difference in various communities and the Ijaw nation at large.

Kemepadei said: “Volunteering is more than just giving our time; it is about creating connections, building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging in a world that often feels disconnected.

“Our volunteer service scheme aims to bridge gaps, support those in need and cultivate the tree Ijaw culture of compassion and solidarity in line with Woyin’s philosophy.

“This initiative is rooted in the belief that every person has something valuable to contribute whether it is your time, skills or simply your kindness. Through this scheme, we will provide opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful projects that align with their passion and talents, making a lasting impact on the lives of people and society.”

He said that as Ijaw people embark on the journey, they were encouraged to consider how they can get involved in the various areas of volunteerism.

“The strength of the scheme lies in our collective efforts and together, we can achieve remarkable things. Let us remember that volunteering is not just an act of service; it is an act of worship to the Divine who continues to keep us alive even in our errors. It is also a celebration of our shared humanity as Ijaw people,” he added.

The ICHC chief also said the programme aimed to preserve, develop, promote and defend Ijaw values of social harmony and heritage as well as to carry out humanitarian projects and build a caring and supportive Ijaw community, among others.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, Research, Teaching and Documentation Volunteers, Dr. Gabriel Independence, said the programme was initiated towards developing the Ijaw nation.

Independence, who is also a lecturer at the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University, said: “The ICHC is a non-governmental organisation. That is why we are calling on some people in various areas to make themselves available as volunteers so that we can take the Ijaw tribe to greater heights.

“You are aware of what is happening in the country and we really want to take our people out of the street, get them engaged in various areas of the economy.

“My own area has to do with research, teaching and documentation. We are trying to organise an outfit where we can teach indigent students of the Ijaw race, people, who could not afford to go to school. We need to get people involved, develop them so that all of us can be useful to society.”