From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
His Royal Highness, Saint Seiminiyefa, a.k.a Igbugburu 1 World Wide, former Acting Paramount Ruler of Ologbo Kingdom in Olugbobiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has been nominated for the Pillar of the Youths award category of the Bayelsa Media Network Awards (BMNA) in recognition of his contributions to community development, youth empowerment, security and peacebuilding.
Igbugburu, who spoke with journalists on his nomination, recounted his years of service in various community leadership positions, including Vigilante Chairman, Development Levy Chairman, Chief Security Officer and Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC).
He said his emergence as Acting Paramount Ruler followed the suspension of the substantive paramount ruler after members of the community raised concerns over the alleged mismanagement of community funds.
According to him, the community subsequently expressed confidence in his leadership and requested that he oversee its affairs during the period.
Describing himself as a humble person committed to truth and service, Igbugburu said his administration prioritised education, electricity, youth development, sanitation, security and the welfare of residents.
He disclosed that although the community initially had only eight scholarship opportunities, he intervened through the oil company Agip to secure 37 scholarships for indigenes.
He also said he facilitated the provision of a generator to address electricity challenges in the community and arranged for power to be connected from a nearby filling station to reduce the cost of regularly purchasing diesel.
On youth empowerment, the former acting paramount ruler said he facilitated skill acquisition programmes through the oil company and increased the number of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the community to 39.
He explained that he supported the corps members by furnishing their lodge, providing fans and a generator, and supplying foodstuffs and allowances to improve their welfare.
Igbugburu further disclosed that he built public toilets and employed 100 women to clean residential compounds and sweep the community as part of efforts to improve sanitation and create employment opportunities.
On security infrastructure, he said he travelled to Abuja using the community’s bus to pursue the establishment of a police station, adding that he renovated the facility with community funds to meet the required standards before approval was secured for a Divisional Police Officer (DPO).
The community leader also recounted his involvement in securing compensation for residents affected by environmental damage associated with oil industry operations.
He said that when officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) visited the community to assess claims and damages, he volunteered to work with some youths and the officials in the forest after residents failed to turn out in sufficient numbers.
According to him, the process eventually resulted in the release of millions of naira in compensation, which was distributed among affected residents.
He explained that he established a committee comprising community leaders to ensure a peaceful distribution of the funds, taking into account the varying needs and circumstances of beneficiaries.
Igbugburu added that he ensured the community’s leadership received its designated share, while some of the remaining funds were used to settle community debts and the balance was deposited in a bank.
He also recalled an incident involving a barge carrying crude oil that reportedly caused damage to the river and aquatic life.
He said he pursued compensation for the community and ensured that neighbouring villages affected by the incident also benefited from the funds recovered.
Beyond his community leadership, Igbugburu said he served as Chairman of the Peace Makers Committee in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area during the period of militancy in the Niger Delta.
He also disclosed that he subsequently served as Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Technical Matters and as a Volunteer Coordinator representing Southern Ijaw.
He said he currently serves as a member of the Bayelsa State Government’s Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee and remains committed to youth development and peaceful coexistence across the state.
Igbugburu, who also identified himself as Security Director to former Bayelsa State Governor David Lyon, said he maintained cordial relationships with people within and outside the state.
“I am a man who always stands by the truth. I do not oppress people, but I also do not tolerate nonsense,” he said.
Speaking on his nomination, the traditional figure expressed appreciation to those who had continued to support and encourage him, describing their guidance and goodwill as important to his personal growth and public service.
He appealed to community leaders and other well-meaning individuals to support his aspirations, expressing confidence that, with God’s grace and their encouragement, he would attain greater heights.
He also pledged not to disappoint those who had continued to believe in him.
His nomination in the Pillar of the Youths category of the Bayelsa Media Network Awards highlights his stated commitment to youth empowerment, community development, security and peacebuilding in Bayelsa State.
