The Ijaw People’s Association (IPA) of Great Britain and Ireland, United Kingdom has described the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Ekpemupolo, well known as Tompolo, as “a treasure to the Ijaw nation”.

The group said Tompolo was not only an astute entrepreneur and businessman but 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, said this at the association’s 76th anniversary and the 2024 Ijaw Day Celebration and Awards Night held at the Kervan Banqueting Suite in London on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

At the event, the IPA bestowed the prestigious lifetime award of “Izon-Ebi Dou Keme” (meaning, a leader who wants the progress of the Ijaw nation) on Tompolo.

They also honoured him with a “Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition” for his services and contributions to the growth and development of the region.

Tompolo was represented at the event by a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Macdonald Igbadiwei.

Speaking at the event, the IPA leaders stressed that Tompolo had contributed enormously to the socio-economic and political advancement of the Ijaw nation.

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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 transformed the lives of numerous young and old people in diverse ways over the years as a compassionate philanthropist.

IPA said, “You (High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo) are a treasure to Izon-Ibe. You have contributed immensely to the social, economic and political development of Ijaw nation.

“You have sacrificed yourself for the survival and success of 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 award of “Izon-Ebi Dou Keme”, as well as a Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition. You are indeed a social transformer sent by God to transform Ijaw nation for the better.”

Receiving the award, Tompolo expressed gratitude to the IPA Ireland for the honour.

He stated that the recognition would motivate him to render more selfless service to the Ijaw nation, saying he believes in the traditional heritage, good, and development of the region.

The Star