The Executive Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the OKOEA Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in OML 42, NEPL Jones Creek field operations, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Amb. Monday Akpoapaye Mieyefa, has congratulated the Pere of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II (JP), on his inauguration as Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Institute for Niger Delta Studies (INDS), Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State.

The revered monarch was inaugurated in a ceremony that held at Oporoza Community, the traditional headquarters of the kingdom to steer the Advisory Council in providing strategic guidance to the Institute in its focus on socio-ecological justice, regional development and empowerment across the Niger Delta.

In a congratulatory message released on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Mieyefa, described the monarch's emergence as Chairman of the Council as a fitting recognition of his wisdom, exemplary leadership and longstanding commitment to the peace, progress and sustainable development of the Niger Delta.

According to the OKOEA HCDT BoT Chairman, the appointment places the traditional ruler in a strategic position to contribute towards shaping intellectual discourse, research and policy recommendations capable of addressing some of the environmental, social and developmental challenges confronting communities across the oil-rich region.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Management and stakeholders of the OKOEA Host Communities Development Trust, I heartily congratulate our revered royal father, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II (JP), Pere of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, on his inauguration as Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Institute for Niger Delta Studies, Niger Delta University.

"This is another well-deserved recognition of His Majesty's exemplary leadership, wisdom and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our people and the entire Niger Delta region," he added.

He expressed confidence that the monarch's understanding of the realities facing Niger Delta communities, coupled with his leadership experience and passion for the advancement of the region, would greatly benefit the Institute and its Advisory Council.

"His Majesty's inauguration to lead an Advisory Council with a mandate centred on socio-ecological justice, regional development and empowerment is particularly significant to us as people of the Niger Delta.

"We are confident that his wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of the peculiar challenges of our communities will provide invaluable direction to the Institute," Mieyefa stated.

He further commended the Institute for Niger Delta Studies and Niger Delta University for strengthening engagement with traditional institutions and regional stakeholders in advancing research and development initiatives that respond to the peculiar needs and aspirations of the Niger Delta people.

Mieyefa urged the Advisory Council to use its platform to promote stronger conversations around environmental justice, sustainable management of natural resources, human capital development, economic empowerment and improved living conditions in oil-producing communities.

He prayed God Almighty to grant the Gbaramatu monarch greater wisdom, sound health and strength to successfully discharge the responsibilities of the new assignment and continue providing purposeful leadership to his kingdom and the Niger Delta region.

The OKOEA HCDT BoT Chairman also pledged the goodwill and support of the Trust to the royal father, while wishing His Majesty and other members of the Advisory Council a successful and impactful tenure.