Diri Urges New IYC Excos To Restore Strong, United Voice

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has charged the newly inaugurated leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide to emulate the courage, patriotism and selfless leadership of the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro by pursuing a constructive and responsible advocacy for the advancement of the Ijaw nation.

Hotnews reports that Governor Diri gave the charge on Wednesday during the formal inauguration of the 10th National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ijaw Youth Council at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the Governor urged the newly sworn-in National Executive Council led by Dr. Doubra Okotete to provide purposeful leadership that would strengthen the unity of the Ijaw people while advancing their collective aspirations through peaceful engagement and principled advocacy.

He described the IYC as an institution that occupies a strategic position in the development of the Ijaw nation, stressing that the organization bears the responsibility of safeguarding the hopes and aspirations of millions of Ijaw youths both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.

According to the Governor, the new leadership must rise above narrow interests and ensure that the council continues to serve as a respected voice for justice, equity and sustainable development.

Governor Diri reminded the new executives that the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the greatest symbols of courage and sacrifice in Ijaw history, noting that although Boro was only 28 years old when he championed the struggle for the emancipation of his people, he demonstrated uncommon clarity of purpose, patriotism and commitment to duty.

He urged the leadership to draw inspiration from those enduring qualities by promoting peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue in all their activities.

“The Ijaw nation needs progress, and if we are talking about progress, it can only be achieved under an atmosphere of peace, and there could be no peace without sacrifice,” the governor stated.

He added that the IYC was more than an advocacy organization, describing it as the custodian of the hopes of millions of young Ijaw people at home and in the Diaspora.

Recalling the legacy of Major Isaac Adaka Boro, Governor Diri said the young nationalist’s courage was defined not merely by boldness but by a clear sense of responsibility to his people.

“Major Isaac Adaka Boro was only 28 years when he took a deciding stand for our people, and his courage was marked by clarity of purpose and duty. Let your leadership draw from the qualities of our great patriot Major Isaac Adaka Boro,” he said.

The Governor further charged the IYC leadership to ensure that its advocacy remains firm, principled and constructive, while maintaining cordial and respectful relationships with government institutions, industry stakeholders and traditional rulers.

“Let your advocacy be firm, principled and constructive. Let your engagement with government, industry and our traditional institution be guided by dialogue and mutual respect.

“Our purpose is to restore one strong and united voice for the Ijaw nation,” he emphasized.

Governor Diri also identified environmental justice as one of the most important issues requiring sustained attention from the IYC, urging the council to champion the implementation of the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission.

He noted that environmental degradation resulting from decades of oil exploration continues to affect the livelihoods, health and economic well-being of the people of the Niger Delta, making it imperative for the youth to remain at the forefront of advocacy for environmental restoration and accountability.

“As our youth arm, your advocacy on environmental justice must focus on the content of the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Gas Environment Commission,” he stated.

The Governor assured the new IYC leadership of the Bayelsa State Government’s continued support, promising that his administration would always maintain an open-door policy for meaningful collaboration with the council in the pursuit of peace, development and prosperity for the Ijaw nation.

“His Excellency Senator Douye Diri and the Government of Bayelsa State will continue to give you a listening ear and open door for fruitful partnership,” he assured.

Speaking at the inauguration, other notable Ijaw leaders, including Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei and Chief Kestin Pondi, paid glowing tributes to the Ijaw Youth Council for its historic contributions to the advancement of the Ijaw cause.

They acknowledged that the sustained struggles and advocacy of the IYC over the years had significantly enhanced the recognition and political relevance of the Ijaw ethnic nationality within the Nigerian Federation.

The leaders encouraged the newly inaugurated executives to preserve the legacy of the council by promoting unity, responsible leadership and peaceful advocacy while remaining committed to protecting the collective interests of the Ijaw people.

~ Hot News Reporters
Tuesday, 28 July, 2026