Newly Inaugurated INC Executive Promises to Promote Unity, Development of Ijaw Nation

Newly Inaugurated INC Executive Promises to Promote Unity, Development of Ijaw Nation

By Ezekiel Kagbala

The National Executive members of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has been inaugurated in Warri, Delta State with a promise to promote peace, unity, and development of Ijaws of the Niger Delta.

The Ijaw National Congress which is the highest Ijaw apex body has been promoting Ijaw cause and development since its inception.

In his inaugural speech, the National president of INC, High Chief (Barr.) Macdonard Ebi Igbadiwei said that unity, peace and development of Ijaw nation remain a top priority of INC and would vigorously pursue it.

He said the leadership of INC is not about power but about service to the Ijaw nation, adding that they will sacrifice for the collective destiny of the Ijaw nation.

According to him “Together we shall rise above division, defend our heritage, protect our communities and environment and build a stronger, united and prosperous Ijaw nation.”

Barr. Ebi Igbadiwei itemized the leadership programme of his administration which includes unity of Ijaw nation, service to the people, creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil River States, expansion of Local Government Structures in Bayelsa State, marginalization of Ijaw people in Akwa-Ibom State, commitment to the implementation of Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation among others.

Chief Igbadiwei affirmed that the vision and priorities of his administration will focus on addressing the critical challenges facing the Ijaw nation.

The newly sworn-in national executive members to run the affairs of INC in the next five years with Chief Ebi Igbadiwei includes; Dr. Felix Okubokeme, Vice President, Dame Rose Obuoforibo, Vice President 11, Chief Kennedy Odioweh, Vice President III, Dr. Anyanate Kio National Secretary, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade Ph.D, National Treasurer, Mr. Ikosomi Barry Ibarakumo, National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Marshall Abraham Udoji, National Assistant Secretary, Barr. Talent Brown, National Legal Adviser, Engr. Susan Eyoka, National Financial Secretary, Others are Princess Dr. Lovinah Kakpo Lio Enyekittan, National Welfare Secretary,  Elder Gabriel Pinasidor Benamalisia, National Auditor, Hon. Samson Uroupa, National Organizing Secretary and Princess Adesola Joyce Ebiseni, National Women Affairs Secretary.

In his valedictory address, the outgone president of INC, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba said that when they assumed the leadership of INC on 14th May, 2021 they found INC in state of comatose but they were able revive and activate the INC and today now a force to reckon with.

According to him “Our unity and collective resolve to engage relevant agencies on the need to reverse several decades of environmental degradation, marginalization and deprivation was put into serious test. Today, though not fully self-subsisting, I am proud to report that our Congress is not only alive, but is also vibrant, structurally revitalized, and now permanently positioned on the global stage. We defended our true republican nature," he added.

He disclosed that they ensure that their women were duly represented in appointive and elective offices across the organs of the Congress, adding that three women were approved into the INC Board of Trustees, one from each zone.

He urged the new executive of INC to continue to champion the hopes and destinies of the over 40 million people of the Ijaw Nation in Nigeria.