By Victor Otuya
When the news broke out that High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, was honoured at the AFRIMMA Awards in the United States of America, many Nigerians asked the same question: “Why Tompolo?”
I watched the videos, I read the citations, and I listened to the reactions from home and abroad. My conclusion is simple: This award is not about one man. It is about Nigeria. It is about peace. It is about what happens when a citizen chooses nation-building over self.
WHAT IS AFRIMMA?
For those who don’t know, AFRIMMA means Africa Music Magazine Awards. It is one of the biggest African awards in the diaspora, held annually in Dallas, Texas, USA.
It celebrates Africans who are making an impact on music, culture, business, and peace-building. Presidents, musicians, entrepreneurs, and traditional rulers have been honoured in the past.
So when Tompolo’s name was called, it was not by accident. The organizers said it clearly: “For his role in restoring peace to the Niger Delta and securing Nigeria’s economic lifeline.”
The journey of Tompolo from the creeks of the Niger Delta to Dallas in Texas, United States of America, only
reminded us where we are coming from. 10 years ago, the Niger Delta was on fire. Oil production was down to 800,000 barrels per day, and militancy was the order of the day. International oil companies were running away, and Nigeria was losing over $1 billion monthly.
Then, the government engaged Tompolo. Not because he asked for it, but because he had influence. He had the trust of the boys in the creeks and the ears of the communities.
Today, oil production is back above 1.7 million barrels per day. Pipelines are being protected. Communities are getting projects, and youths are being trained.
That is the work the world saw, and in far away Dallas, Texas, in the USA, the Americans stood up to honour a Nigerian.
Back home in Nigeria, the importance of this award cannot be overlooked. Although, critics may say, “It is just an award.” But, I must emphasise here that It is more than that. One major point to underline my assertion is that the award represents an international validation of the enormous work of Tompolo and its TANTINA organisation in promoting peace and economic development.
When America recognizes a Nigerian for peace, it tells the world: “Nigeria is working on its security challenges.” Let me quickly add here that many investors would have watched the AFRIMMA award event. Even embassies would have done the same with the ultimate conclusion that Nigeria is safe for business.
Closely following up to the above point is the message the award carried to the youths.
Tompolo came from the Kindom of Gbaramatu in the Bomadi local government area of Delta State. He was not born with a silver spoon.Yet, through dedication, hard work knitted with honesty, he worked his way to the top. Today, he is an icon celebrated on the global stage. The message is: It is not where you come from that matter. You can come from anywhere in Nigeria and become a guardian of the nation. That is a powerful message.
Another dimension of the Tompolo success is proof that dialogue works better than brute force.
The government did not bomb the Niger Delta to peace. The government engaged and talked to the people. The government trusted a son of the soil and the relationship worked like magic.
“GUARDIAN OF THE NATION” – IS THE TITLE DESERVED?
That was the exact phrase used during the award presentation: “Guardian of the Nation.” Is it too big? I don’t think so.
A guardian is someone who protects what others cannot protect. For three years now, Tompolo and his team have protected pipelines, oil workers, and Nigeria’s revenue.
Without that protection, there would have been no money to pay salaries. No money for roads, and of cause, no money for student loans. So, yes, the title fits perfectly.
I know some people will politicize the award because of the Tinubu 2027 mobilization cam
Victor Otuya write from Sapele
