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Prominent entrepreneur, Tamar Forteta, has described High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as a national pride, whose contributions to peace; security and stability in the Niger Delta deserve greater recognition across Nigeria.
Forteta made the remarks during the 2026 Amaseikumor Festival in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, where he led a high-powered delegation of business leaders from across the country to one of the South-South’s foremost cultural celebrations.
The delegation included notable industrialists and entrepreneurs such as Innocent Chukwuma, Ned Okonkwo and several leading business figures from the South-East and other parts of Nigeria, reflecting the festival’s growing national appeal as a platform for cultural exchange, economic collaboration and regional integration.
Speaking with Saturday Sun, Forteta said his decision to bring the delegation to Oporoza was inspired by his admiration for Tompolo and his desire to expose more Nigerians to what he described as the ex-militant leader’s enduring contributions to the nation, adding that, “Tompolo is an institution, and I want the whole world to see it. He’s a pride to the South-South and the nation. He has brought stability and security to our region. He is worth celebrating.”
Forteta noted that beyond the colourful displays of Ijaw culture and tradition, the visit created an opportunity for influential business leaders from different regions to interact, build relationships and explore investment opportunities capable of strengthening economic ties between the South-East and the Niger Delta.
The Amaseikumor Festival, regarded as one of the most significant cultural events in the South-South, has over the years celebrated the rich heritage, customs and history of the Ijaw people. This year’s edition, however, attracted wider national attention as it drew prominent personalities from across Nigeria, reinforcing culture as a vehicle for national unity and development.
According to cultural enthusiasts, the presence of respected business leaders from the South-East at the festival underscored the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering trust, dialogue and economic cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse regions.
