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A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) ON THE 19TH JULY, 2023 AT THE IJAW HOUSE, YENAGOA.
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) ON THE 19TH JULY, 2023 AT THE IJAW HOUSE, YENAGOA
Preamble:
As a prelude to the IYC National Elections 2023, the Convention of the Council was held at the Ijaw House on the above date. The Convention was presided and declared open by Dcn. Peter Timothy Igbifa. However, some way into the middle of the Convention, Peter Timothy Igbifa announced a 30 minutes recess. After some hours and several frantic efforts to reach him proven abortive, Congress unanimously reached the conclusion that Peter Timothy Igbifa has absconded for no reason other than his inordinate desires to plague Council into turmoil, empowered the Deputy President of Council Comrade Saviour Olali to take charge of the proceedings of the Convention. The following decisions were then unanimously reached via motions:
1. That the tenure of the 8th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council expires at 11:59pm of the 19th July 2023 and in line with the IYC Constitution and conventional practices of the Council, the Speaker of the Mobile Parliament Rt. Hon. Bob Collins Igetei will take the reins of leadership as acting President of IYC and midwife the ongoing transition.
2. The suspension of the Electoral Committee Chairman Urang Solomon be and is hereby affirmed for deliberately frustrating the IYC transition process as he did to the Eastern Zone when he was nominated by same Peter Timothy Igbifa as Zonal Electoral Committee Chairman of the Eastern Zone of IYC. Congress went further to adopt Comrade Gilpin Okeseisima as the new National Electoral Committee Chairman of the IYC.
3. The Eastern Zone was immediately directed by Congress to nominate a Member to the National Electoral Committee to fill the vacuum of the new Electoral Committee Chairman Comrade Gilpin Okeseisima.
4. Congress affirmed that the date of the Election be and is hereby rescheduled for 22nd and 23rd of July 2023 with the venue to be fixed by the National Electoral Committee.
5. That Peter Timothy Igbifa should not be accorded the privileges of a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council due to the atrocities he consistently committed against Ijaw People and consequently his portrait should never be seen amongst the former Presidents of the Ijaw Youth Council at the Ijaw House Yenagoa or any other Secretariat of the Ijaw Youth Council.
6. The general public should disregard any fake information with regards to any election already conducted to bring in the 9th National Executive Council of IYC as that is the clandestine move of Peter Timothy Igbifa and his few cohorts.
7. Congress unanimously agreed that Peter Timothy Igbifa and his co-travellers in this shameful quest of bringing Council to disrepute be barred indefinitely from participating in Council activities.
8. Congress humbly call on the Commissioners of Police of both Rivers and Bayelsa States to apprehend any one who parades himself as a winner of any IYC elections outside the one to be conducted on the 22nd and 23rd of July 2023.
9. Congress deeply thank the Governor General of Ijaw Nation, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri for all his sacrifices and fatherly commitments in order to give Council a united and hitch-free election, efforts which Peter Timothy Igbifa had always deliberately laboured to frustrate.
10. Congress also thank the Honourable Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs Bayelsa State, the Special Adviser to the Bayelsa Governor on Ijaw Affairs, Past Presidents of the IYC, Elders and Leaders of the IYC for their numerous sacrifices during this all important transition period of the Council.
11. Congress also recognize and thank the delegates and other members of Council for their enormous sacrifices in order to achieve a smooth transition, while also thanking all the Aspirants for the various offices for their steadfastness and deep faith in the process.
12. Conclusively, Congress wishes everyone safe trip back to their destinations until we reconvene on the 22nd of July 2023.
Signed for and on behalf of Council
1. Comrade Saviour Olali Deputy President IYC
2. Comrade Frank Pukon National Secretary IYC
3. Comrade Obiri Ebilade
National Legal Adviser IYC
4. Rt. Hon. Bob Collins Igetei
Speaker IYC 5th Mobile Parliament
5. Hon. Irene Kaladapa Jumbo
Deputy Speaker IYC 5th Mobile Parliament
6. Prince O. Okenema
Clerk of the IYC 5th Mobile Parliament
7. Comrade Clever Inodu Chairman Central Zone IYC
8. Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete
Chairman Western Zone IYC
9. Comrade Adams Marbo Ogomugo Chairman Abuja Chapter IYC
10. Comrade Tikima Arigban
Chairman IYC Lagos Chapter
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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.