Being an Address by Prof. Benjamin O. Okaba, President of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global, on the Occasion of the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit, at Nice, France, on the 7th of June, 2025.

His Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring felicitations from the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people, one of the four largest ethnic nationalities of Nigeria.

I stand before you today on the occasion of the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit 2025 (holding in Nice, France) to address a critical issue that affects our very essence and existence as a people: As the President of the Ijaw National Congress, I consider it important to highlight the implications of these issues for economic and environmental sustainability in Ijaw Land, at this important platform.This is inspite of our natural endowment experience as master mariners.

The Ijaw Reality

As an indigenous nation living in the Niger Delta, we are no strangers to the devastating impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and oil pollution. Our people have borne the brunt of extractive exploitation, with our lands, waters, and ecosystems scarred by decades of neglect and abuse since 1956/1958, when oil and gas was first discovered in commercial quantities in Oloibiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of the present Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Rising sea levels, ocean surges, and flooding events threaten our very existence.

The Challenges We Face

Ijaws occupy over 60% of the entire Nigeria coastline, from the literal indigenous ljaw communities on Akwa lbom, Rivers Delta, Ondo, and Lagos States in Nigeria. Infact ,the ocean and it’s divers marine and it’s acquatice resources defines the ljaw identity livelihood systems and heritage Our communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, storm surges, and environmental degradation. The impacts are far-reaching, from damage to infrastructure and livelihoods to threats to our very way of life. We have seen our mangrove forests, a vital component of our ecosystem, being destroyed, and our fisheries being depleted. Our people are struggling to cope with the loss of their livelihoods and the degradation of their environment.

The Impact on Our Economy

The impact of climate change and environmental degradation on our economy is significant. Our fisheries, agriculture, and tourism sectors are all vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The damage to our infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, is also a significant concern. We need to take immediate action to mitigate these impacts and ensure the long-term sustainability of our economy, but not without support from the national and international communities.
The Importance of Coastal Resilience
Coastal resilience is critical to the survival of our communities. We need to take a proactive approach to managing our coastal resources, protecting our infrastructure, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting ecosystem-based adaptation, and supporting climate-resilient livelihoods.

Our Demands

We demand that policymakers and stakeholders at national and international levels prioritize coastal resilience, policy, and governance that supports the needs of our communities through the instrumentality of:

1. Integrated Coastal Management: Developing plans that balance economic, environmental, and social objectives. We need to ensure that our coastal management plans are integrated, inclusive, and sustainable.

2. Climate Change Adaptation: Supporting initiatives that help us adapt to the impacts of climate change. We need to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, promote ecosystem-based adaptation, and support climate-resilient livelihoods.

3. Community Engagement: Ensuring that our communities are actively involved in decision-making processes. We need to ensure that our communities are at the forefront of decision-making and that their voices are heard.

4. Leveraging on Indigenous Knowledge and Technology: We need to review and update the existing indigenous capacities to be able to meet up with current challenges.lnfact a bottom -up approach is most promising.

Our Call to Action

We call upon the global community to recognize the unique challenges faced by coastal communities like ours. We seek solidarity, not charity. Coastal resilience must be built on justice, equity, and the recognition of our rights as indigenous peoples. We demand:

1. Direct access to climate finance for subnational entities and local communities.

2. A UN Convention for the Conservation of River Deltas, recognizing the specific needs and challenges of deltaic regions.

3. Technological partnerships to support our efforts in mangrove restoration, early warning systems, and integrated coastal zone management.

4. South-South cooperation between deltaic states, sharing knowledge and best practices.I would advise that the Governor’s of Akwa lbom,Bayelsa,Cross Rivers, Ondo and Lagos States should domestic the ideals of the Global initiative for the fight against the menance of Climate Change and collaborate amongst themselves as regional partners and collaborate with the relevant international agencies. Systemic climate adaptation and environment integrity would be easier actualized with dignity.

We call upon all stakeholders to join us in this effort. Let us work together to build a more resilient and sustainable future for Ijawland. We will not be deterred by the challenges we face. We will rise, and we will thrive. We need to take immediate action to address the impacts of climate change, promote sustainable development, and protect our environment.

Our Commitment

The INC reaffirms our commitment to building resilience, providing sustainable development and protecting the right of the people This position is it n line with our persistent resolve on Self determination and control of our God given Water and Land resources. We are committed to promoting the interests of our people and protecting our environment. We will continue to advocate for policies and practices that support our communities and ensure a sustainable future. We will work with policymakers, stakeholders, and our communities to develop and implement effective coastal management plans, support climate change adaptation initiatives, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that coastal resilience, policy, and governance are critical to the survival and prosperity of our communities. We need to take a proactive approach to managing our coastal resources, protecting our infrastructure, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. I urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort and to work together towards a more resilient and sustainable future for Ijaw Land.
Thank you.

Ukraine Will Become NATO Member, says US Secretary Of State.

By Tobouke JEMINE,

During a chat with journalists on Thursday,at a summit to mark NATO’S 75th anniversary, The United States’ Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has stated that Ukraine will become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO.

“Ukraine will become a member of NATO. Our purpose at the summit is to help build a bridge to that membership,” said Blinken. Blinken assured that the  support of the USA for Ukraine remains “rock solid” among member states.

This is coming when European leaders have been queasy about US support for Ukraine as a $60 billion aid package is delayed in Congress by Republicans.

Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister, Dmytro Kuleba attended the summit to seek for more air defence systems, which he said they consented to. “Allies will undertake an exercise of allocating or finding this – identifying these additional air defence systems in order to bring them to Ukraine, to provide them to Ukraine and help defend our skies,” he told newsmen.

NATO ministers, on Wednesday concurred to playing a greater role in coordinating military assistance to Ukraine against Russia.

Under a proposal by Stoltenberg, NATO would take over work done by a US-led coalition known as the Ramstein group to guard against any cut in support if Donald Trump gets re-elected as President of the US in November.

Diplomats said that Stoltenberg has also projected a fund of €100 billion to support Ukraine’s military for five years.

Africa’s Population Mosaic: A Dive into the Continent’s Demographics.

By Admin.

In a comprehensive look at the population distribution across the African continent, Nigeria stands as the most populous nation, boasting a staggering 223,804,632 residents. Ethiopia and Egypt follow closely, with 126,527,060 and 112,716,598 inhabitants, respectively.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, with a population of 102,262,808, secures the fourth spot, while Tanzania completes the top five with 67,438,106 people. South Africa, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, and Algeria round out the top ten in this impressive list.

It’s remarkable to witness the vast range of population sizes, from Nigeria’s colossal numbers to smaller nations like Seychelles with 107,660 residents. The diversity reflects the rich tapestry of cultures and communities spread across the African continent.

As we delve into the list, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali represent a collective force with populations surpassing the 20 million mark. Meanwhile, several countries, such as Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Eswatini, and Djibouti, have populations below 2 million, emphasizing the significant variations in size and density.

This list not only serves as a snapshot of Africa’s current demographic landscape but also underscores the challenges and opportunities that each nation faces concerning resources, infrastructure, and social development.

As Africa continues to evolve and grow, understanding these population dynamics is essential for policymakers, researchers, and global observers. The continent’s unique blend of cultures, languages, and histories is intricately woven into the fabric of these population figures, shaping the collective identity of Africa as a continent of resilience, diversity, and potential.