Founding Chairman of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, OMPADEC, Chief Albert K. Horsfall, has described the Bolowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West council area of Delta State, Chief (Dr.) Wellington O. Okirika (JP), as a legend in the Niger Delta region and whose agitation for a fair share of derivation fund for the development of host communities earned him the nickname, 'Mr. 13% Derivation Fund'.

Chief Horsfall made the remark at the birthday anniversary and launch of the biography of Chief Okirika titled 'Mr. 13% Derivation Fund; The Life and Legacy of Chief (Dr.) Wellington O. Okirika CON', which held at the KFT Event Place near Ekpan, on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

The defunct OMPADEC Boss, who was represented by his son Mr. Eselete Horsfall and as chair of the occasion, during his address, expressed joy in the achievement recorded so far in the course of the agitation for a fair share of the derivation fund which he said has not been in vain, but is still gathering momentum especially from the likes of Chief Okirika.

He said, "At my age (in my 80s) it is very warming and soothing to my heart, as a Niger Deltan son, when I look over my shoulder and see younger brothers like Chief Wellington Okirika.

"It gives me hope and joy that the Niger Delta resource struggle was not in vain! It is like a choice warm brandy that soothes the soul because I know that even as an elder, there are younger, stronger soldiers, who are totally committed to the course coming after me," Chief Horsfall noted.

Chief Horsfall recalled how himself and Chief Okirika convinced the then late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, to increase the funding of derivation from 3 per cent to 13 per cent for host communities, an effort that led to the Bolowei being referred to as 'Mr. 13 percent' as a title.

"I and chief Okirika got more involved during my time as the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Oil and Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC). By that time we were pushing for a higher percentage of the oil revenue for the oil producing regions in the Niger Delta area.

"Chief Okirika efforts towards this cause was boundless, he would push day and night and not spare any task to attain this goal. He worked with me side by side relentlessly to convince, the then Head of State, the Late General Sanni Abacha, to increase the allocation given to the oil producing areas.

"He always at anytime you call him would be ready to give anything, sparing no effort, even his last kobo, towards the promotion of the increment of the resources that were due to the Niger Delta," he lauded Chief Okirika who turned 83 at the occasion, adding further that "As an older brother in the struggle I can confidently say he has truly earned the Name/Title 'Mr. 13%'."

Chief Horsfall praised Chief Okirika for his diligence and determination, which he said led to his appointment as pioneer chairman of DESOPADEC, but also more personally, for standing besides him in his decision to run for president.

"It therefore came as no surprise to me when the then Governor of Delta State saw this zeal in him and thereby appointed him as the first chairman and head of DESOPADEC, where again he demonstrated his excellent commitment to the cause. I strongly believe subsequent heads of DESOPADEC have taken a lot of queues from his founding work and excellent performance there.

"On a more personal note, during the time when I ran for the presidency of this country, Chief Okirika stood by me as a most supportive brother and ally, he was as usual unrelenting in his support, full of fervor and vigor at the most demanding of times, and I am totally happy and pleased and proud to wish my beloved younger brother Wellington Okirika this monumental happy birthday!!!", he congratulated the celebrant.

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