AMB. GODKNOWS IGALI LEADS PANDEF, INC., IMG AND OTHER SOUTH-SOUTH NATIONALITIES ON CONDOLENCE VISIT TO FAMILY OF LATE CHIEF ALBERT HORSFALL

By Emmanuel Ukpong

LAGOS, SUNDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 — The leadership and members of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by its National President, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, joined leaders and representatives of Niger Delta nationalities and socio-cultural organisations, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG), on a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Albert Horsfall.

The delegation commiserated with the Horsfall family and honoured the revered elder statesman, whose contributions to Nigeria, the Niger Delta and humanity earned widespread commendation.

Addressing the gathering, Amb. Godknows Igali said the visit expressed the love, respect and appreciation of the Ijaw people and the wider Niger Delta for Chief Horsfall. He said the delegation came to support the family and affirm that the deceased was deeply loved and appreciated during his lifetime.

Amb. Igali described Chief Horsfall as a detribalised Nigerian, bridge-builder, philanthropist and great nationalist, whose contributions to Nigeria and the South-South region would endure. He also recalled Horsfall’s dedication to national service and his pioneering role in developing Nigeria’s security architecture and intelligence institutions.

The renowned Niger Delta activist, Comrade Joseph Evah, described Chief Albert Horsfall’s death as the loss of a national legend whose contributions to nation-building would remain a reference point in Nigeria’s history. He recalled Horsfall’s pioneering role in establishing and developing some of Nigeria’s security institutions and described him as a father figure committed to community and human development.

Other speakers, including Chief Patrick Inyang, Vice-President, PANDEF Lagos State Chapter; Mr Douglas Asinya of PANDEF; Prince Tonye Harry of INC Lagos; Arepede Corson; Regent Youmor; Mr Goldie Elayeghe; Mr Henry Elijah Gabriel; and Mrs Etehekeyagha of the National Association of Ijaw Female Students Alumni (NAIFS), Lagos, among others, paid glowing tributes.

They described Chief Horsfall as an invaluable asset to Nigeria, the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta, praising his commitment to national development, the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta struggle. They said his courage on regional issues and his achievements offered consolation despite the pain of his death.

FAMILY APPRECIATION

Responding on behalf of the family, Mr Sekro Horsfall, Chief Donald Horsfall and other family members thanked the delegation for its show of love and solidarity.

The family commended PANDEF, INC., IMG and other socio-cultural organisations from the Ijaw Nation and the wider Niger Delta for sharing in their grief and described the gesture as evidence of genuine affection and respect for Chief Albert Horsfall’s legacy.

Various groups also presented materials and other support to assist the family in hosting sympathisers and guests during the funeral period.

TRIBUTES AND CULTURAL DISPLAY

Amb. Godknows Igali, Comrade Joseph Evah and other leaders signed the condolence register, recording tributes and recalling memories of a distinguished son of the Niger Delta and national hero.

The visit also featured a cultural procession. Members of the organisations, led by Amb. Godknows Igali, wore colourful traditional attire and joined Ijaw cultural troupes in a procession through adjoining streets.

The display featured Chief Albert Horsfall’s portrait and served as both a tribute and a celebration of his enduring legacy.

A LEGACY OF NATIONAL SERVICE

The late Chief Albert Horsfall is remembered for his public service and pioneering contributions to Nigeria’s security and development institutions.

He served as the pioneer Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and was the founding Chairman of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), which later became the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He also held the traditional stool of Omẹkwe Paramountcy, regarded as a historic natural headship among the Kalabari people, and was honoured by the Efik people of Cross River State with the title Ada Idaha Ke Efik Iburutu.

As a prominent founding Board of Trustees (BOT) member of PANDEF, Chief Albert Horsfall played significant roles in the organisation and remained an important figure in the Niger Delta’s collective aspirations.

CELEBRATING A LIFE OF SERVICE

The condolence visit was also a celebration of the life and legacy of a man who devoted much of his life to Nigeria and humanity.

As the nation and the Niger Delta mourn his passing and the family observes the rites of passage, Chief Albert Horsfall’s memory will live on through the institutions he helped build, the people he inspired and the causes he served.

His contributions to national service, the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta will remain part of the region’s history.

Adieu, Chief Albert Horsfall.

Media Unit
PANDEF Lagos State Chapter