IYC INAUGURATES NEW 10TH NEC, DECLARES “IJAW FIRST AGENDA” IN YENAGOA. By Chris Mark

IYC INAUGURATES NEW 10TH NEC, DECLARES “IJAW FIRST AGENDA” IN YENAGOA.

By Chris Mark 

The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, IYC, on Wednesday inaugurated its 10th National Executive Council, NEC, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with a pledge to pursue unity, justice, and development under a new “Ijaw First Agenda”.

The ceremony which had in attendance The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State Dr Peter Akpe, HRM King Alabo Mujahid Asari Dokubo,, traditional rulers, elders, and government representatives, marked the end of months of division within the apex Ijaw youth body.

In his inaugural address, the newly sworn-in President,Doubra Okotete declared that the Ijaw Nation has come together again to assert its rightful place in Nigeria.

“To those who celebrated our divisions and sought to exploit our differences, let it be known that the Ijaw Nation is united once again and prepared to assert its rightful place within the Nigerian federation,” he said.

“Today is more than an inauguration. It is the beginning of a new covenant with our people. The voice of Ijaw youths shall never again be reduced to a whisper where it ought to thunder.”

The President and his executive members was sworn in by Barr. James Fawei, Notary Public, following the formal handover by the outgone 9th NEC led by Dr. Jonathan Lokpobiri.

President Okotete unveiled an 8-point agenda to guide the 10th NEC, with focus on security, justice, empowerment, and political advancement.

The president declared that “Ijaws of Edo State are not settlers but original inhabitants” and set up a 30-day fact-finding mission to Gelegele and other Ijaw communities in Edo. “A bill will be drafted within 30 days to establish a central body to approve all collective actions of the IYC.”

He vowed to pursue justice over gas flaring in OML 18 and OML 24 in Rivers State and demand remediation and compensation, rejected the 3% Host Community Development Trust Fund and demanded an amendment to 30% of annual gross profits from oil companies.

On Youth Empowerment, he promised to create a database of skilled Ijaw youths and enforcement of the NOGICD Act 2010 for local content.and to renew agitation for the creation of Toru-Ebe State and Oil River State

He Charged ijaw Lawmakers to champion the state creation bills and defend Ijaw interests, while calling on Ijaw youths to embrace discipline, sacrifice and service.

President Okotete paid tribute to Tompolo, King Asari Dokubo, King Ateke Tom, Chief Kestin Pondi of Tantita, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, Barr. Eric Omare and other elders for their support.

Speaking on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government, The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe charged the new leadership to lead “responsibly” and with “firm, principled and constructive” engagement.

The government also urged the IYC to push the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Gas Environmental Commission, which has already been presented in the UK House of Lords.

“Our purpose is not to deepen old division but to restore one strong, respected and united voice for the Ijaw Nation,” he said.

The government also commended Rt. Hon. Kingsley Kuku for his reconciliation efforts and the 9th NEC for “putting Ijaw first.”

Speaking on the sidelines, newly inaugurated National Women Leader of the IYC, Ebi Kutu Ayibakuro, promised to partner with the President to deliver empowerment and advocacy programs for Ijaw women.

“We’ve been given the mandate to be a strong voice for Ijaw women and the Ijaw nation at large, and by the grace of God we will deliver,” she said.

The inauguration signals a new chapter for the IYC as it seeks to reposition itself as the foremost pressure group for the social, economic, and political interest of Ijaw youths.

Those newly inaugurated are Dr. Doubra Okotete – President, Engr. Aladiokuma Henry Hart – Deputy President, Dr Igbeta Ayibakuro Itari- Secretary,Johnny Torudonkumor- Asst Secretary, Omaghomi Olu-Derimon – Director of Mobilization, Imomotimi James- Asst Director of Mobilization, Victor Ibaningo- Spokesman, Financial secretary – Frank Akenfa – Financial secretary, Ibiso Harry- Treasure Meshach Numontei Sintei – Legal Adviser, Ebi Kutu Ayibakuro – Woman Leader