Prominent traditional rulers, politicians, friends and frontline former militant leaders have showered encomium on Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, also known as General Boyloaf, on his birthday celebration, describing him as a testament of commitment to regional, national peace, development and true governance.
While the political class extolled him for his role during the Presidential Campaign Council during the 2022/2023 election cycle, commending his political engagement l.
Frontline ex-Niger Delta agitators commended him for his decision to distinguish himself “with a rich blend of academic, professional and activist achievements.”
Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, aka General Boyloaf, holds a Master’s degree on 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 these critical areas.
Chief Victor-Ben’s prominence extends beyond academia into significant political and social arenas. Notably, he served as the Secretary, Special Duties 4 Committee in the Asiwaju-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council during the 2022/2023 election cycle. 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 role as a co-founder of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
Through this movement, he advocated for the 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.
Known as the Master and Commander of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Guinea, a formidable war machine as described by thousands of his followers across the Niger Delta region, 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. Leveraging his background in intelligence, he continues to gather surveillance and human intelligence to identify and counteract nefarious actors involved in this illicit trade.
He aims to collaborate with the federal government to curb these activities, while safeguarding the nation’s critical economic resources and infrastructure.
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 national development and conflict resolution.
