If Journalism Fails, Nigeria Has Failed — King Otuwarikpo Charges Media to “Bark and Bite” Against Societal Ills
His Majesty, King Felix Otuwarikpo, has raised alarm over the worsening of environmental devastation in the Niger Delta, blaming decades of neglect, illegal oil activities and the activities of influential sponsors of pipeline vandalism for the hardship faced by rural communities.
The royal father spoke while delivering his opening remarks as Chairman of Occasion at the 2026 Correspondents’ Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel (NUJ Rivers State) themed, “The Imperatives of Comprehensive Cleanup of the Niger Delta Environment: Role of the Media.”
Speaking passionately on the impact of environmental degradation on communities in the region, King Otuwarikpo lamented that many affected communities can no longer engage meaningfully in farming and fishing due to pollution and destruction of the ecosystem.
According to him, the environmental crisis in rural communities has not received adequate media attention because the worst impacts are felt outside elite urban areas.
“Most of the consequences we suffer at the community level do not happen in the Government Reservation Areas. If these environmental problems were happening in the GRAs, they would probably receive greater attention,” he said.
The monarch disclosed that fishing activities in many riverine communities have declined drastically, forcing residents to depend on frozen fish instead of fresh catches from local waters.
“Our fishermen are no longer fishing the way they used to. For many years now, my people have started buying frozen fish to eat, which is abnormal,” he stated.
He further explained that crop yields have reduced significantly because polluted soil no longer supports healthy agricultural production.
King Otuwarikpo also challenged the narrative that poverty and illiteracy alone are responsible for pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, insisting that influential individuals sponsor many illegal oil bunkering activities.
He said many of the operations involved in pipeline vandalism require significant financial backing beyond the capacity of ordinary youths.
“There are certain persons sponsoring these young people to carry out pipeline vandalism,” he alleged.
Recalling his efforts in combating illegal bunkering activities in Upata Kingdom, the traditional ruler said he led direct actions against operators involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities within his domain.
He revealed that several vehicles, including SUVs and tankers used in transporting illegal petroleum products, were destroyed during anti-bunkering operations carried out under his leadership.
“Several petitions were written against me to the police and military authorities, but I was installed to protect Upata Kingdom and I stood firmly in defense of my people and environment,” he declared.
The monarch called on journalists to rise to their responsibility of holding leaders accountable and speaking boldly against societal ills, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
“If journalism fails, this country has failed. Journalists must not just watch and sleep. The watchdog of society must be ready to bark and bite when necessary,” he said.
He urged media practitioners to consistently report environmental issues and governance failures affecting the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.
The royal father also criticized the culture of silence often imposed on traditional rulers, insisting that kings and community leaders must continue to speak truth to power in the interest of the people.
“As traditional rulers, we are sometimes told to remain silent, but if I sit quietly on the throne while society decays, then my education and exposure amount to nothing,” he said.
King Otuwarikpo further highlighted several empowerment initiatives introduced by the palace, including the “Upata One Youth One Skill Programme,” designed to equip young people with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
He explained that the programme was established to reduce dependence on government jobs and encourage self-reliance among youths.
The monarch also announced the introduction of a Graduate Reskilling Programme targeted at fresh graduates, particularly those in engineering and technology-related fields, to provide them with additional industrial and practical experience after completing the National Youth Service Corps.
He commended members of the Correspondents’ Chapel for their continued support and partnership over the years, noting that his successes both in public service and traditional leadership have been strengthened by media cooperation.
The Correspondents’ Week attracted journalists, traditional rulers, environmental advocates, government officials and community stakeholders from across Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.