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Ijaw Youth Council Celebrates Governor Douye Diri On His Birthday, Hails His Developmental Impact in Bayelsa
By Favour Bibaikefie – IduwiniVoice
Yenagoa, June 4,2025 – The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has extended warm birthday wishes to His Excellencey, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, describing him as a beacon of progress and a true embodiment of Ijaw pride
In a press statement signed by the Council’s Spokesman, Amb. (DR) Binebai Yerin Princewill, the IYC praised Governor Diri for his commitment to development, peace, and inclusive governance. The Council acknowledged his transformative leadership and lauded him for his strides in infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic diplomacy.
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has Congratulated His Excellencey Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State On his birth anniversary, describing him as a champion of Development in Bayelsa State.”
The IYC noted that Governor Diri ‘s has brought visible improvements to the state, reflecting his deep sense of preparedness and comments even before he assumed office.
“Governor Douye Diri ‘s performance as Governor of our dear State within the past years in office shows how prepared, versatile and committed he was before becoming Governor of Bayelsa State as he is truly the Governor general of Ijaw Nation, today Bayelsa State is gradually having an encouraging look due to the developmental strides of Diri. His prosperity agenda is no doubt touching all sectors in Bayelsa State.”
The statement also highlighted the Governor’s peaceful deposition and unwavering support for ijaw institutions, stating:
“As a council, the Governor’s peaceful deposition in Bayelsa State, his love and support for Council’s activities and ijaw nation truly stands him out, Ijaw nation is truly proud of you as posterity will judge you right.”
Beyond local transportation, the IYC commended Diri ‘s effort in attracting investments, most notably his engagement with the Aliko Dangote Group.
“However, Governor Douye Diri is not only transferring Bayelsa State with massive road projects and political appointments to ijaw Youth but also wooing investors to Bayelsa State with the latest move being the Aliko Dangote Group of companies where in Aliko Dangote was in Bayelsa State himself for investment purpose.”
Calling for unity among ijaw people, the IYC urged collective support for the Governor’s development agenda:
“Ijaw is one and we will continue to be one, this is a call from council that we must all rally round our dear Governor to support his transformational drive in building the Bayelsa State of our dream. The Governor is doing well hence we must do everything to support him.”
The Council also used the occasion to recall Diri ‘s role during the funeral of the late Pa Edwin Clark and his contributions to strengthening Ijaw organizations like the INC and IYC.
“Council recognized the role you played before and during the burial of Late Pa Edwin Clark, Your positive drive in strengthening Ijaw critical institutions like the INC AND IYC.”
Furthermore, the IYC advocated for increased federal presence in Bayelsa State:
“We are assuring you your Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State that we are already lending our voice as a council that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all relevant authorities in the Nigerian State should as a matter of urgency consider and increase the number of Federal Local Governments Councils in Bayelsa State as we have been cheated and treated unfairly over the years by successive Governments at the centre with just eight local government council.”
In closing, the IYC offered prayers for Governor Diri ‘s continued strength and success:
“It is our prayer that the Lord Almighty shall continue to envelop you with sound health, long life and prosperity and may he give you more knowledge and unprecedented wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of Bayelsa State. Congratulations once again our dear Governor.”
Governor Diri ‘s leadership continues to inspire confidence among ijaw youths, and the IYC ‘s message reflects the growing support he enjoys for his bold vision of a prosperous Bayelsa.
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BINIKAMAI 2025: CAРТ. ALFRED W. OBONIKA HONOURED AS OSAINTAREWEI OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM CHIEFTAINCY TITLE
Amatu-1, Bayelsa State – November 22, 2025
In a historic and culturally vibrant ceremony, the Grand Iduwini Kingdom has conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Osaintarewei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom on Chief (Capt.) Alfred Obonika Waratimi. The honour was bestowed during the 2025 Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival held at Amatu-1 Town in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The revered monarch of the kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibani JP, Ogiobo-IX, Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom, personally performed the conferment rites before an enthusiastic gathering of chiefs, cultural custodians, community leaders, and indigenes.
The event, marked by colourful traditional displays and deep cultural symbolism, underscores the kingdom’s commitment to recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in service, leadership, and loyalty to the Iduwini heritage.
In his remarks, Chief (Capt.) Alfred Obonika Waratimi expressed profound gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to the people of Iduwini Kingdom and the broader Ijaw Nation. He invoked blessings upon the monarch and the kingdom, praying:
“May the Ascended Masters and Grand Cosmic Beings enfold Ogiobo, Grand Iduwini Kingdom, and the entire Ijaw Nation now and beyond with Light, Life, and Love.”
The 2025 Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival, known for its rich cultural significance, once again highlighted the unity, spiritual strength, and enduring traditions of the Iduwini people.
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ENGR. AMAKUBUKURO CONFERED ‘MIENKIRIGBOLOMOWEI’ OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM, THANKS OGIOBO-IX FOR THE CONFIDENCE REPOSED IN HIM
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Amatu-1, Grand Iduwini Kingdom – In a colourful display of culture, honour, and ancient tradition, renowned technocrat and accomplished Engr. Napoleon Amakubukuro, has been conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Mienkirigbolomowei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom” by His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibane, JP during the just concluded Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival held at Amatu-1 town, the ancestral headquarters of the Grand Iduwini Kingdom.
The revered title, Mienkirigbolomowei, meaning “The Diligent One,” is reserved for individuals whose character embodies discipline, integrity, methodical excellence, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. According to palace insiders, the title aligns perfectly with Engr. Amakubukuro’s reputation as a meticulous, circumspect, and pragmatic professional whose outstanding contributions and personal conduct have earned widespread admiration.
Speaking with deep emotions after the conferment, the newly installed Chief expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, High Imperial Majesty, the Iduwini Traditional Council of Chiefs, and his immediate family for their prayers, support, and encouragement before and during the historic ceremony. He described the honour as a call to deeper service and reaffirmed his dedication to the growth and unity of all Iduwini people.
The chieftaincy conferment sparked an outpouring of tributes as friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers flood social media platforms with congratulatory messages, celebrating Engr. Amakubukuro’s deserving recognition and commending his uplifting leadership qualities.
The Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival, one of the most significant cultural events in the Grand Iduwini Kingdom, once again served as a platform to celebrate excellence, heritage, and distinguished personalities whose achievements continue to inspire many.
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IJAW NATION HONOURS FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN ON BIRTHDAY, DESCRIBES HIM AS ‘A SON OF DESTINY’
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has extended warm felicitations to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as he marks his birthday, describing him as a Statesman whose exemplary leadership and enduring commitment to national unity continue to resonate across Nigeria and beyond.
In a heartfelt tribute issued by the Global President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, the INC said Jonathan remains a symbol of humility, peace, and democratic integrity whose legacy stands tall in the nation’s political history.
Read the full text of the statement below:
“A Birthday Tribute to a Statesman and a Noble Son of the Niger Delta
“By: Prof. Benjamin Okaba
President, Ijaw National Congress (INC)
“On behalf of the entire Ijaw Nation, both at home and in the diaspora, the Ijaw National Congress extends our warmest felicitations and heartfelt congratulations to our dear son, brother, and father, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, as he marks another year of life and grace.
“Your birthday, Your Excellency, is not merely a personal milestone but a moment of collective celebration for our nation and, most profoundly, for the people of the Niger Delta. You remain a shining symbol of humility, intellectual depth, and unwavering faith, whose journey from the creek communities of the Niger Delta to the pinnacle of Nigerian leadership continues to inspire millions.
“We celebrate you today for the indelible marks you have left on the sands of time. Your tenure as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was distinguished by a profound commitment to democratic ethos, exemplified by your historic act of statesmanship in 2015—an action that profoundly stabilized our nation’s polity and earned you global acclaim as a champion of peace and democracy.
“Your legacy of “One Nigeria,” built on the pillars of unity, inclusivity, and the promotion of national discourse, remains a benchmark for true leadership. Even out of office, you have continued to serve as a beacon of hope, a mediator on the continental stage, and a mentor to a generation of emerging leaders.
“Dr. Jonathan, you are truly a son of destiny, who has proven that greatness is not in the noise one makes, but in the peace one fosters, the lives one touches, and the dignity one upholds.
“As you celebrate today, we pray that the Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health, enduring wisdom, and boundless joy. May He grant you many more fruitful years to continue your invaluable service to humanity.
“Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
“Long live Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan!
Long live the Ijaw Nation!!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!”
The Congress prayed for God’s continued guidance, good health, and long life for the former President, noting that his wisdom and moral strength remain invaluable to Nigeria and the African continent. As the Ijaw Nation joins millions across the world to celebrate Dr. Jonathan, the INC, reaffirmed its pride in his achievements and its unwavering support for his ongoing contributions to peacebuiliding and global leadership.