The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), a prominent Niger Delta advocacy group, has congratulated Ken Etete of Century Group, Dr. Mike Adenuga of Conoil, Mr. Bayo Ojulari of NNPCL, and Mr. Wale Tinubu of Oando Plc for the historic international export of the Obodo blend crude. In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, and made available to newsmen on Thursday, IPDI expressed pride in the role played by Etete and other industry leaders in advancing Nigeria's energy sector. The group noted that Etete, a proud son of the Niger Delta, has not only contributed significantly to peacebuilding efforts in the region through numerous initiatives and investments but is also actively driving economic growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. The statement highlighted that in the past, indigenous companies contributed less than 120,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s oil production, owning only 6% of the daily output despite holding over 30% of production licences. Today, however, that narrative has shifted. According to IPDI, Nigerian firms have grown into strong players in the industry, boasting the financial strength and technical capacity to independently own and operate upstream assets or engage in strategic partnerships. The group credited this remarkable progress to the hard work and professionalism of indigenous operators, which has resulted in more than a 100% increase in Nigeria’s local oil production share. Century Group’s successful offtake from its FPSO *Tamara Tokoni*, they added, is further proof of Nigeria’s potential to establish one of the world’s most valuable and competitive domestic upstream industries. "As Ijaw people, we are proud that a Niger Deltan is not only fostering peace in the region but is also adding immense value to the national economy, in alignment with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope vision," the statement concluded.