Diri to Ijaws on Boro Day: Drop Politics, Unite or Lose Boro’s Dream
By Passman Akpos
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on all people of Ijaw extraction across Nigeria to put aside clannish rivalry, political divisions, and personal interests in order to pursue the collective progress of the Ijaw nation.
Governor Diri made the passionate appeal during the 2026 Boro Day wreath-laying ceremony held in honour of late Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro at the Ijaw Heroes Memorial Park in Yenagoa, stressing that true respect for the late freedom fighter goes beyond speeches and ceremonial processions.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the governor said the greatest tribute to Major Adaka Boro lies in building unity, preserving peace, and creating prosperity for future generations.
“The greatest tribute we can pay to Major Adaka Boro is not in the wreaths we lay, however beautiful; nor in the speeches we deliver, however eloquent. It is not even in the processions we embark upon. It is in the unity we forge, the peace we keep, and the prosperity we build for generations yet unborn,” he said.
Diri urged Ijaws to see themselves first as one people rather than members of separate clans, creeks, or political camps, warning that division would only weaken the struggle Boro began.
“So let us be united. Let us put clan, creek and party aside, and remember that we are first and foremost the children of one ancestor and the custodians of one heritage. A divided Ijaw nation cannot finish the work Boro began. But a united Ijaw nation cannot be denied its rightful place in the Nigerian Federation,” he declared.
The governor noted that the creation of Bayelsa State stands as proof that Boro’s sacrifice was not in vain, saying the Ijaw struggle had produced a recognized voice and constitutional identity within Nigeria.
He paid glowing tribute to Major Adaka Boro, his fellow revolutionaries of the 12-Day Revolution, and other patriotic Ijaw sons and daughters who fought against oppression and marginalization, insisting that stronger cooperation remains the key to achieving a better future.
Diri also thanked traditional rulers and elders for their guidance and encouraged youths to embrace education and skill acquisition, saying meaningful development would come through knowledge and responsible leadership.
He further praised the peaceful conduct of youths during the Boro Day celebrations and warned against destruction of public property or criminal activities disguised as activism.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomor, described Boro Day as a vital annual reminder of the sacrifices made by Ijaw heroes, saying it helps younger generations understand the struggle and inspires them to continue it with wisdom and purpose.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders, CITRE, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, said despite the Ijaw nation’s enormous contribution to Nigeria through its natural resources, the ethnic group was still denied fair access to opportunities and rights.
He stressed that the Ijaw people could only claim their rightful place in Nigeria if they remained united in voice and action.
The event featured the laying of wreaths at the tomb of Major Adaka Boro by representatives of the Bayelsa State Government, traditional rulers, the Boro family, the Ijaw Youth Council, the Nigerian Legion, and other groups.
Several top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and dignitaries attended the ceremony, reaffirming the enduring legacy of the late Ijaw nationalist and freedom fighter.
