Ijaw Youth Council Clan Leaders Assert Unyielding Rights Over Land and Resources
In a decisive statement following their inaugural comprehensive leadership summit in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the clan heads of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have emphatically reaffirmed the inviolable rights of the Ijaw people concerning their ancestral lands and natural wealth. They cautioned both governmental authorities and oil corporations operating within the Niger Delta region against any attempts to undermine these entitlements.
Prioritizing Host Communities in Development and Policy
The leaders underscored the necessity for host communities to be at the forefront of policy formulation, infrastructural development, and decision-making processes. “The constitutional and legal prerogatives of the Ijaw people to self-governance and stewardship over our natural resources are absolute and non-negotiable,” the official communiqué declared.
Recognition and Inclusion by International Oil Companies
Endorsed by Comrade Zidougha Prince Kerenimi (Central Zone), Comrade Collins Albert Nnah (Eastern Zone), and Comrade Oyinkuro Wazo Zikurebai (Western Zone), the communiqué called for explicit acknowledgment of Ijaw host clans by International Oil Companies (IOCs). The leaders highlighted that persistent neglect, environmental harm, and socio-economic stagnation have left Ijaw communities impoverished despite their pivotal role in fueling Nigeria’s oil-driven economy.
Ijaw People: Key Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Economic Landscape
“As principal contributors to Nigeria’s oil sector, the Ijaw nation deserves equitable inclusion in all policies and development initiatives that impact their livelihoods,” the statement emphasized. The council leaders urged both government bodies and oil firms to invest in human capital development for Ijaw youths through comprehensive training programs, mentorship schemes, and leadership cultivation.
Empowering Youth for Sustainable Progress
They argued that equipping young Ijaw individuals with governance and corporate leadership skills is vital for fostering peace, unity, and economic advancement in the Niger Delta. “Empowering our youth is the cornerstone for creating employment opportunities, breaking cycles of marginalization, and ensuring long-term stability,” the communiqué added.
Endorsement of IYC National Executive Council and Institutional Growth
The clan chairmen expressed strong confidence in the National Executive Council of the IYC, under the leadership of Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, commending its notable accomplishments. They also highlighted the recent establishment of a new IYC Secretariat by Tantita Security Services as a testament to the organization’s institutional resilience and forward momentum.
Unity and Collaboration as Pillars of Ijaw Survival
Emphasizing that the IYC’s longevity hinges on solidarity among grassroots factions, the leaders committed to reinforcing clan leadership, maintaining peace throughout Ijaw territories, and fostering continuous inter-zonal dialogue to present a unified front. “This assembly heralds a renewed era of inclusiveness, collective strength, and unwavering resolve in advancing the Ijaw cause,” the communiqué concluded.
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