The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has inaugurated its 10th National Executive Council (NEC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with a pledge to promote unity, justice and what it described as an “Ijaw First Agenda.”
The ceremony was attended by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, King Alabo Mujahid Asari Dokubo, traditional rulers, elders and government officials. In his inaugural address, the new IYC President, Doubra Okotete, said the Ijaw Nation had reunited and was prepared to pursue its interests within the Nigerian federation.
Okotete unveiled an eight-point agenda covering security, justice, youth empowerment and political advancement. He also announced a 30-day fact-finding mission to Gelegele and other Ijaw communities in Edo State. He said the council would pursue environmental justice over gas flaring in Oil Mining Leases 18 and 24 in Rivers State and seek remediation and compensation for affected communities.
The IYC president also called for a review of the three per cent allocation under the Host Community Development Trust Fund, proposing an increase to 30 per cent of oil companies’ annual gross profits. He promised to establish a database of skilled Ijaw youths and promote compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010. Okotete also renewed the call for the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states and urged Ijaw lawmakers to support the proposals at the National Assembly.
Akpe urged the new leadership to adopt constructive engagement and work towards restoring unity within the Ijaw community.The new executive was sworn in by Notary Public James Fawei following the formal handover by the immediate past 9th NEC led by Jonathan Lokpobiri.
