Traditional rulers, thousands of elders, youths, women groups and other Niger Delta stakeholders under various peace advocacy groups at the weekend applauded the foremost Niger Delta ex-agitator, Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, also known as “General Boyloaf” as he marks his birthday.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers and the various groups in Yenagoa, Chief Douye Emmanuel stated that “patriotic stakeholders across the Niger Delta region are elated about the achievements of the celebrant within the region and the nation at large and called on other leaders in the region to emulate Chief Victor-Ben’s selfless service to his people for the development of the region.

Chief Emmanuel stated that “Chief Victor-Ben is a distinguished figure with a rich blend of academic, professional, and activist achievements. He holds a master’s degree with Distinction in Intelligence and Global Security, and a Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours in International Relations and Diplomacy.

“Complementing his formal education, he has acquired numerous certifications in International Security and Conflict Resolution, underscoring his expertise in National Security and other critical areas.

“Chief Victor-Ben’s prominence extends beyond academia into significant political and social arenas. His political engagement is a testament to his commitment to national development and governance.

“A key chapter in Chief Victor-Ben’s life is his advocacy for his people’s rights and development of the Niger Delta region, which has long been plagued by underdevelopment and environmental degradation despite being rich in natural resources.

“In 2009, his efforts culminated in direct collaboration with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to establish the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This initiative aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate former militants into society, promoting peace and stability in the region.

“Demonstrating remarkable leadership, Chief Victor-Ben was the first major ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta to publicly endorse the Presidential Amnesty. He set a precedent by ordering thousands of his followers to disarm and embrace the Presidential Amnesty, significantly contributing to the peace process.

” His actions were pivotal in reducing armed conflict and fostering a more secure environment in the Niger Delta.

“His contributions led to the astonishing increase in crude oil production from mere 900 thousand barrels per day eventually to over 2.4 million barrels per day.

“His efforts and navigational skills also led to the drastic reduction in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the waterways of the region, leading thousands of his followers to call him The Master and Commander of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Guinea” he said.

He explained that Chief Victor-Ben has in recent years dedicated his efforts to combating crude oil and gas theft, a menace that severely undermines Nigeria’s economy.

Boyloaf achieved the feat by leveraging his background in intelligence and global security, as he continues to gather surveillance, human intelligence and identifying and counteracting nefarious actors in high places that are involved in this illicit crude oil trade.

“Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben’s journey is marked by a blend of academic excellence, political involvement, and steadfast activism. His contributions to peace, security, and economic stability in the Niger Delta and beyond makes him a notable figure in Nigeria’s contemporary history.

“His leadership and commitment continue to inspire efforts toward conflict resolution and national development,” the statement reads.