The Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University (NDU), Professor Allen A. Agih, has formally inaugurated His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, JP, Aketekpe Agadagba, Pere of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, as Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Institute for Niger Delta Studies (INDS).
The inauguration took place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, during a ceremony attended by the National President of PANDEF and Co-Chairman of INDS, Ambassador Godknows Bolade Igali; Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Allen A. Agih; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tonbarapagha Kingdom; Registrar, Dr. Emmanuel Lanyo Amaegbe; Archdeacon of Brown Education Centre and Former MD, NDDC, Dr. Tamunoibim Mary Gab Semenitari; Ag. Director of the INDS and Secretary to the INDS Board, Dr. Wisdom Selekekeme Krokeyi; Secretary, INDS, Mr. Domo Joe Allagoa; PRO NDU and spokesperson for the delegation, Mr. Ingezi Idoni; and other distinguished stakeholders from across the Niger Delta.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the University Governing Council and Senate, expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly constituted Advisory Board to provide strategic direction and strengthen the Institute’s contribution to the development of the Niger Delta. Professor Agih described the new Chairman as “a man of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding,” noting that his wealth of experience and standing within the region would be invaluable to the Institute’s mandate. He formally inaugurated the Chairman alongside other members of the Advisory Board and expressed optimism that the Council would help advance the vision of INDS. The Vice-Chancellor’s remarks underscored the University’s commitment to strengthening research, partnerships and interventions aimed at addressing the challenges confronting the Niger Delta.
In his speech on behalf of the Advisory Council, the National President of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Co-Chairman of INDS, Ambassador Godknows Bolade Igali, pledged the members’ commitment to working with the Chairman and the University to realise the aspirations of the Institute.
In his acceptance address, HRM Oboro-Gbaraun II expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Senate, and Management of Niger Delta University for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged his commitment to working with the University and the Institute to advance research, policy, and sustainable development in the region. The Pere drew attention to the paradox of a Niger Delta endowed with vast natural resources, rich cultural heritage, and human potential, yet faced with environmental degradation, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and underdevelopment. He stressed the need to complement decades of advocacy and dialogue with credible research, evidence-based policy and practical solutions, urging INDS to ensure that its research moves beyond university libraries and reaches policymakers, communities, traditional institutions, industry and civil society.
The Royal Father also called for the integration of indigenous knowledge with academic research, particularly the knowledge possessed by farmers, fishermen, traditional rulers, and other local stakeholders. He further advocated economic diversification and deliberate preparation for a future beyond oil, with increased investment in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, technology, education and the creative industries.
Earlier, the Acting Director of INDS, Dr. Wisdom Selekekeme Krokeyi, described the inauguration as a renewed beginning for the Institute, established to generate, preserve, and disseminate knowledge on the Niger Delta and contribute to understanding and resolving the region’s challenges. Dr. Krokeyi highlighted some of the Institute’s achievements, including its contribution to the preservation and promotion of Izon language and culture, particularly through its Diploma in Izon Language programme, as well as the establishment of a museum for cultural heritage and artefacts. He also noted the Institute’s conferences, workshops, and seminars aimed at engaging policymakers and stakeholders on issues affecting the region. He disclosed that INDS would unveil its NDS Investment and Partnership Prospectus and NDS Research Endowment Fund on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the University Digital Library. The initiatives are expected to strengthen research capacity and support studies focused on critical development challenges in the Niger Delta Region.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by other highly placed traditional fathers and distinguished stakeholders present at the ceremony, who congratulated the Pere on his inauguration and expressed support for the new Advisory Board and the mandate of INDS.
Dr. Tamunoibim Mary Gab Semenitari, Archdeacon Brown Education Centre and member of INDS, described the Niger Delta as more than a geographical region, emphasising the resilience of its people and pledging her support to the new Advisory Board. The Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Professor Flora Tubolayefa Oluwafemi, also expressed support for the Institute, particularly its efforts to preserve the Izon language and culture, which she noted was at risk of extinction.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tonbarapagha Kingdom, thereafter took the vote of thanks, appreciating the royal fathers, dignitaries, stakeholders, members of the Advisory Board and all those who contributed to the success of the inauguration.
The inauguration marked an important step in strengthening the institutional framework of INDS and expanding its capacity for research, cultural preservation, policy engagement, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region.
The University reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that INDS remains a significant platform for generating knowledge and developing solutions that can contribute meaningfully to the future of the Niger Delta Region.
