Boro Day: Diri Calls For Ijaw Unity, Peaceful Coexistence

Governor Douye Diri has urged Ijaw people across the country to set aside clannish and partisan differences and work together for the collective progress of the Ijaw nation.

The governor made the call during the wreath-laying ceremony held in honour of late Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro at the Ijaw Heroes Memorial Park in Yenagoa as part of activities marking the 2026 Boro Day celebration.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, Diri said speeches, processions and ceremonies alone would not fulfil the vision and aspirations Adaka Boro had for the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region.

According to him, the greatest honour that could be accorded to the late freedom fighter was for Ijaw people to remain united, peaceful and committed to building prosperity for future generations.

“The greatest tribute we can pay to Major Adaka Boro is not in the wreaths we lay or the speeches we deliver, but in the unity we forge, the peace we keep and the prosperity we build for generations yet unborn,” the governor stated.

He stressed that a divided Ijaw nation could not achieve the dreams Boro fought for, adding that unity remained the key to securing the rightful place of the Ijaw people within the Nigerian federation.

Governor Diri noted that the sacrifices made by Adaka Boro, his compatriots in the 12-Day Revolution and other Ijaw patriots were not in vain, pointing out that the creation and development of Bayelsa State stand as evidence of their struggles and sacrifices.

He also commended traditional rulers and elders for their guidance and urged youths to embrace education and skills acquisition in order to make meaningful contributions to society.

The governor further praised youths for maintaining peace during the Boro Day processions and cautioned against the destruction of public infrastructure or involvement in criminal activities under the guise of celebrating the late Ijaw hero.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomor, described Boro Day as an important platform for honouring Adaka Boro and other freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the Ijaw cause.

Oporomor said the annual celebration would continue to educate younger generations about the heroic exploits of Ijaw leaders and inspire them to pursue the struggle for justice and development with greater understanding.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders, CITRE, Bubaraye Dakolo, said although the Ijaw nation remained highly significant to Nigeria because of its natural resources, the ethnic group had yet to enjoy its fair share of opportunities and recognition.

He maintained that the Ijaw people could only attain greater relevance and development through unity, cooperation and collective action.

The event featured the laying of wreaths at the tomb of 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 dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, and the Mayor of Yenagoa City, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari.