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PRESS RELEASE: PRESS STATEMENT BY THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) WESTERN ZONE [DELTA, EDO AND ONDO STATES]PRESS STATEMENT BY THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) WESTERN ZONE [DELTA, EDO AND ONDO STATES]
Thursday, September 14, 2023
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) WESTERN ZONE [DELTA, EDO AND ONDO STATES]
Urgent Call for the Commencement of Ayakoromor Bridge, Ogulagha-Odimodi Road, The School of Marine Burutu Permanent Site, and Other Essential Projects in Ijaw Areas, IYC tells Delta Governor – Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori
[Warri, Delta] – The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), a prominent youth organization representing the interests of Ijaw youths in Delta, Edo and Ondo States, has urgently called upon, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State to as a matter of urgency prioritize the long-awaited commencement of critical projects, such as the Ayakoromor Bridge, Ogulagha-Odimodi Road, Permanent site of the School of Marine Technology, Burutu and various other infrastructural developments in Ijaw areas.
The IYC leadership firmly believes that the timely execution of these projects is of paramount importance for the overall development and progress of the Ijaw areas considering the infrastructural deficit in the twenty four ijaw kingdoms in the state. The aforementioned infrastructure projects hold immense potential for transforming the educational, socio-economic landscape of our communities and uplifting the lives of our people.
Recognizing the significance of the Ayakoromor Bridge, the Ogulagha-Odimodi Road, Construction of the School of Marine Technology, Burutu permanent site and other long-overdue projects, we urge the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to swiftly initiate the necessary steps for the implementation of these projects. These projects have been repeatedly mentioned and promised during campaigns , and it is now imperative to translate words into action.
While commending H.E Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for approving three new flyovers and other projects to the tune of 78billion naira on Tuesday in the State Executive Council Meeting held in Asaba, we are not happy not seeing the Ayakoromor bridge, Ogulagha- Odimodi road and other key projects in the Ijaw areas not reflecting as part of the approvals made. For us, though the administration is new, but Mr governor should show more seriousness as regards the development of the Ijaw communities considering the economic value, huge support and votes our people gave to the him and the PDP, and this cannot be overemphasized.
The Ayakoromor Bridge, once completed, will provide a crucial link between various communities, enhancing connectivity within the riverine communities and facilitating the smooth movement of people, goods, and services. Likewise, the construction of the Ogulagha-Odimodi Road, which will also play a pivotal role in improving transportation infrastructure within these 2 oil rich communities, opening up new opportunities for economic growth and development.
The Ijaw Youth Council firmly believes that the M.O.R.E agenda of the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori led admission cannot be fully achieved without fast tracking the aforementioned projects and the successful realization of these projects will not only bring about infrastructural advancement but will also generate employment opportunities for our youths, promote trade and commerce, attract investments, and ultimately improve the overall well-being of our communities.
In light of the infrastructural marginalization, urgency and importance of these projects, the IYC issues a strong call to action. Failure to address our concerns and commence the construction of these vital projects within a reasonable timeframe will necessitate the mobilization of the entire Ijaw Youth Council, alongside the women and men from the entire twenty four Ijaw Kingdoms across Delta State and beyond, to engage in peaceful demonstrations and advocacy campaigns until our demands are met.
The Ijaw Youth Council is seriously running out of patients considering the unfulfilled campaign promises in respect to this projects for years, while the state government is busy making approvals for construction of new flyovers. And this was how the previous administration deliberately skipped the Ijaw areas while making approvals for new universities and upgrades of polytechnics to universities without considering the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality.
The IYC therefore seeks a collaborative approach, urging the Governor of Delta State to engage in constructive dialogue to address our concerns and fulfill the aspirations of the Ijaw people.
Signed for IYC Western Zone:
Dr. (Comrade) Doubra Collins Okotete
CHAIRMAN
Comrade Olu Derimo
SECRETARY
Lugard Izoukumor
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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.