HON. COMRADE OPIA JOSHUA OJIEH HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NIGER DELTA STRUGGLE AND HUMANITY

By Comrade Victor Dada
Media Analyst
May 30, 2025

The Ndokwa Emancipation Alliance proudly honours and celebrates Hon. Comrade Opia Joshua Ojieh, a distinguished patriot, selfless advocate, and exemplary leader, for his unwavering dedication to the emancipation, peace, and development of the Niger Delta and humanity at large.

Throughout the tumultuous history of the Niger Delta struggle, Hon. Opia Joshua Ojieh emerged as a courageous voice for the voiceless and a resilient warrior for justice. He played a critical role in championing the rights of the oppressed, working alongside a coalition of iconic leaders and gallant freedom fighters to confront decades of marginalization, environmental degradation, and economic exploitation in the oil-rich region.

At the height of the crisis, he stood firm on the frontlines of advocacy and resistance under the guidance and mentorship of His Royal Majesty, Ateke Michael Tom, the revered Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Okrika, Rivers State. Alongside a host of valiant compatriots—including General Shoot-at-Sight (Ondo State), General Boyloaf (Bayelsa State), General Farah Dagogo, General Irony, General Figbele, General Ezekiel, General Baba Wule, General Baron, Commander Baron, and Commander Delta Force—Hon. Opia Joshua committed his life to the cause of liberation, peacebuilding, and regional transformation.

A defining moment in this noble journey occurred on October 1st, 2009, when Hon. Opia Joshua Ojieh, following a strategic consultation with the then-President of Nigeria, Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, took the historic decision to accept the Presidential Amnesty Programme on behalf of his camp. This courageous and forward-thinking action marked a pivotal shift in the federal government’s peace and reconciliation efforts. It paved the way for the gradual disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-agitators into society.

Not one to rest on past achievements, between 2012 and 2014, Hon. Opia Joshua took deliberate steps to deepen the dividends of peace by facilitating the inclusion of over 100 Ndokwa youths into the Amnesty Training and Empowerment Programme. Leveraging his formidable networks and influence, he ensured these beneficiaries were placed in educational and vocational training programs across the United Kingdom, Ghana, South Africa, and other countries. These initiatives transformed lives, restored dignity, and created a ripple effect of socio-economic development throughout Ndokwa land and the greater Niger Delta region.

Today, the impact of his vision and sacrifice is visible not just in the lives of those directly empowered, but in the collective progress and relative peace the region now enjoys. His enduring commitment to peace, human development, and social justice has made him a beacon of hope and a symbol of what purposeful leadership can achieve.

As a people, we are immensely proud of Hon. Opia Joshua Ojieh’s journey and remain deeply grateful for his steadfast dedication to the betterment of our communities.

May the gods of Ndokwa land continue to bless, guide, and protect him in all his endeavours.

God bless His Royal Majesty, Ateke Michael Tom, Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom.

God bless the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,

God bless Senator Ned Nwoko.

Signed:
Comrade Frank O. Otuya
Coordinator

Comrade Azuka Stephen
General Secretary

NDOKWA EMANCIPATION ALLIANCE