Gov. Diri Receives New IYC Executives, Urges Unity, Service To Ijaw Nation

August 12, 2026
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has received the newly elected National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide at the Government House in Yenagoa, urging the new leadership to prioritise unity, peace and the development of the Ijaw nation.

Governor Diri congratulated the new executive members on their emergence and described the IYC as the umbrella body and conscience of Ijaw youths worldwide.

He charged the new leadership, led by the newly elected IYC President Worldwide, Dr. Doubra Okotete, to restore the values of the organisation and promote a more vibrant, youth-focused and development-oriented council.
The governor urged the executives to shun divisive tendencies and work collaboratively with governments, development agencies and other stakeholders to advance the interests and wellbeing of Ijaw youths.

“But I’m happy today listening to you and in your agenda, you are prepared to now bring back the IYC to what it was. I charge you to do just that. Your immediate predecessor has done his bit, but we are not there yet.
“We want to see a more vibrant IYC that is youth-oriented, development-oriented. You will be working in consonance and in concert with the Bayelsa State Government and other government agencies, both nationally and internationally, that will impact on the development of our youths.

“Most importantly, we must bring back the values of the Ijaws: respect for your leaders and parents,” Governor Diri said.
He assured the new council of the continued support and partnership of his administration, while urging the executives to promote peace and serve as ambassadors of peace across the Niger Delta.

Governor Diri also stressed the importance of unity among Ijaw youths, noting that a cohesive and purposeful IYC would be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ijaw land and the Niger Delta region.

The new IYC President Worldwide, Dr. Doubra Okotete, led the delegation to the Government House. Other members included the immediate past IYC President, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, and other leaders of the Ijaw struggle.