By Abiola Olawale
The Oroupawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Wellington Bobo, has expressed his tacit support and commendation for former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden with concurrent accreditation to Norway, Denmark and Finland, Ambassador Godknows Igali, over his recent election as the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
Bobo, who addressed the press in Delta State said he believes in Igali’s exceptional abilities to propel PANDEF’s mission forward and to foster meaningful, transformative development in the Niger Delta region.
The New Diplomat reports that Igali was elected as PANDEF’s Chairman following a decisive vote at the forum’s General Assembly held on October 24, 2024, in Port Harcourt.
Reacting, Bobo said Igali has proven to be a highly esteemed leader. According to him, Igali has demonstrated exemplary service in various roles in public service.
He said: “Dr. Igali embodies the integrity and seasoned leadership PANDEF requires at this pivotal time.
“His vision and experience make him well-suited to elevate PANDEF’s goals and drive its initiatives forward.
“The organization has chosen a leader who truly fits the role.”
The New Diplomat reports that Igali was born in Oporoma town, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria on 4 April 1960. He hails from Eniwari town, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
He holds a Ph.D. in political and international studies from University of Venezuela, masters in international law and diplomacy (MILD) from University of Lagos and B.A. (Hons) history from University of Port Harcourt.
He also has a postgraduate diploma in international relations and undertook professional studies at the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy and the Foreign Service Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Igali is a Nigerian public servant, diplomat, author and scholar. He was appointed by former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in September 2007 as an ambassador to Sweden with concurrent accreditation to Denmark, Finland and Norway, a position he occupied until he was appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources on 4 May 2010.
