Gov. Diri to IYC: Be Like Adaka Boro, Not Political Spectators

By Passman Akpos

YENAGOA — Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has charged the newly inaugurated leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide to emulate the courage, vision and selfless leadership of the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro by pursuing constructive advocacy for the progress and unity of the Ijaw nation.

The governor gave the charge on Wednesday during the formal inauguration of the 10th National Executive Council (NEC) of the IYC at Ijaw House in Yenagoa.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, Governor Diri described the IYC as more than an advocacy organisation, saying it remains the custodian of the hopes and aspirations of millions of Ijaw youths both at home and in the diaspora.

He urged the newly sworn-in leadership under Dr. Doubra Okotete to lead responsibly, strengthen unity among Ijaw youths and ensure that the organisation’s advocacy remains firm, principled and constructive.

Diri noted that the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro demonstrated uncommon courage and clarity of purpose at the age of 28, urging the new executives to draw inspiration from his legacy.

“The Ijaw nation needs progress, and progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. There can be no peace without sacrifice. Lead the IYC responsibly and let your advocacy be firm, principled and constructive,” the governor said.

He further advised the new leadership to engage governments, oil companies and traditional institutions through dialogue and mutual respect while maintaining a strong voice on issues affecting the Ijaw people.

The governor identified environmental justice as one of the major priorities for the new IYC leadership, urging them to leverage the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission in advancing the interests of oil-producing communities.

He assured the youth body of the Bayelsa State Government’s continued support and willingness to partner with the organisation in promoting peace, development and prosperity across the Ijaw nation.

Several prominent Ijaw leaders who addressed the gathering acknowledged the historical contributions of the IYC to the Niger Delta struggle.

Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei credited sustained agitations by the IYC for key national milestones, including the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the 13 percent derivation principle and the creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He encouraged the new leadership to remain focused on protecting the interests of the Ijaw people.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Kestin Pondi, represented by the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi, praised the founding fathers of the IYC for creating an organisation that has elevated the voice of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Nigeria’s national discourse.

He urged the new executives to continue drawing inspiration from the ideals of Major Isaac Adaka Boro in their pursuit of justice and equity.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated IYC President, Dr. Doubra Okotete, expressed appreciation to Ijaw leaders and stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful transition of leadership.

He pledged that the 10th NEC would vigorously defend the interests of the Ijaw people, hold public and private institutions accountable for environmental degradation and marginalisation, and pursue policies that would improve the welfare of host communities.

Okotete called for an amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to increase the Host Community Development Trust allocation from three percent to 30 percent.

He also announced the establishment of a fact-finding committee to investigate alleged injustice and deprivation against Ijaw communities in Ondo State.

Delivering his valedictory address, the immediate past IYC President, Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr., highlighted the achievements of the ninth NEC, including the review of the IYC constitution, scholarship opportunities secured for Ijaw youths in partnership with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the NDDC, as well as the ongoing construction of the IYC ultra-modern secretariat in Yenagoa.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Elder T.K. Ogoriba, former Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator Dr. Kingsley Kuku, pioneer IYC President Dr. Felix Tuodolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Amayanabo of Elem-Kalabari, King Mujahid Asari Dokubo, and Miss World Nigeria, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George.

The inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter for the IYC, with renewed calls for unity, environmental justice and sustained advocacy for the rights and development of the Ijaw nation.