Gov. Diri Urges New IYC Leadership To Emulate Adaka Boro, Champion Constructive Advocacy

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the newly inaugurated leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to emulate the courage, vision, and sense of duty of late Major Isaac Adaka Boro by pursuing constructive advocacy in the interest of the Ijaw nation.

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

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, Diri described the IYC as more than an advocacy group, 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 President, Dr. Doubra Okotete, and his executive members to provide responsible leadership that would strengthen the unity of the Ijaw people while advancing their collective interests through peaceful and constructive engagement.

According to the governor, the IYC should restore a strong and united voice for the Ijaw nation by ensuring that its advocacy remains firm, principled, and focused on dialogue and mutual respect in its dealings with government, industry, and traditional institutions.

Diri also identified environmental justice as a key area requiring sustained advocacy, encouraging the new leadership to leverage the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission in addressing the environmental challenges facing the Niger Delta.

He assured the council of the Bayelsa State Government's continued support and willingness to partner with the organization in promoting peace, development, and prosperity across the Ijaw nation.

"Major Isaac Adaka Boro was only 28 years old when he took a defining stand for our people. His courage was marked by clarity of purpose and duty. Let your leadership draw from his exemplary qualities. Let your advocacy be firm, principled, and constructive," the governor said.

Speaking at the event, prominent Ijaw leaders, including Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei and Chief Kestin Pondi, commended the contributions of the IYC to the political and socio-economic advancement of the Ijaw nation.

Chief Igbadiwei credited the council's sustained advocacy with influencing the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the implementation of the 13 percent derivation principle, and the creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Represented by the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, Chief Kestin Pondi paid tribute to the founding fathers of the IYC, describing the organization as a major force in advancing the Ijaw cause within Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech, the new IYC President, Dr. Doubra Okotete, thanked Ijaw leaders and stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful transition of leadership.

He pledged that the 10th NEC would vigorously pursue environmental justice, hold public and private institutions accountable for environmental degradation in Ijaw communities, and intensify efforts to address the marginalisation of the Ijaw people.

Okotete also called for an amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to increase the allocation to host communities from three percent to 30 percent. He further announced the establishment of a committee to investigate alleged injustices against Ijaw communities in Ondo State.

Earlier, the outgoing IYC President, Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr., highlighted the achievements of the ninth executive, including the review of the IYC Constitution, scholarship opportunities secured for Ijaw youths through partnerships with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the NDDC, as well as the ongoing construction of the council's ultramodern secretariat in Yenagoa.

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