As the Ijaw Youth Congress IYC, charts a new path under its new leadership, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has charged them to walk in the footsteps of the late Major Isaac Boro, who he described as a great patriot and champion of the political aspirations of the Ijaw people.
Diri gave this charge on Thursday, July 23, 2026, while delivering his speech to the newly appointed IYC members at the inauguration of its 10th National Executive Council (NEC).
The governor emphasized the need for principled and bold leadership in protecting the political aspirations of the Ijaw people.
Diri who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, tasked the newly installed leadership, headed by President Dr. Doubra Okotete, on the need to champion Boro’s vision.
In particular, the governor underscored the fact that the IYC is not only an advocacy group but also the guardian of the dreams and aspirations of millions of young Ijaw people both within the region and in the diaspora.
Diri charged the youth group to bring about unity amongst the different Ijaw communities while being resolute in the struggle for their political rights, particularly in increasing resource control and fair revenue sharing from oil production.
Also in his address to the new leadership of the youth organization, the governor assured the group of the continued support of the state government in promoting unity and prosperity amongst the Ijaw communities.
His words: “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.
“Now the charge of His Excellency to the new IYC President and his executive is to lead IYC responsibly. The IYC is more than an advocacy body; it is the custodian of the hopes of millions of young Ijaw people at home and in the Diaspora.
“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.
“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. There is a further responsibility before you. The IYC must also be forceful on the front of environmental justice. 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.
“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.”
In his acceptance speech, the IYC President, gave the assurance that he would strive to ensure that the legacy of patriotism and justice left behind by his predecessors is maintained.
Okotete stressed the need to amend the Petroleum Industry Act through legislation in order to have 30 percent of the revenue derived from oil in Nigeria go to the host communities instead of the current three percent.
He also pledged to investigate any form of local injustice meted out on Ijaw communities in Ondo state.
Earlier in his valedictory address, the outgone IYC President, Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, highlighted some of the achievements of the 9th executive, including the successful review of the IYC constitution, placement of several Ijaw youths on scholarship in collaboration with the Amnesty Office and the NDDC, as well as the ongoing construction of the ultramodern IYC Secretariat in Yenagoa.
Some notable personalities who spoke at the event were Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei and Chief Kestin Pondi. They acknowledged the contributions of the Ijaw Youth Council, stressing that Ijaw nation would not be where it is today in terms of recognition within the Nigerian Federation without the agitations of IYC.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Elder T.K. Ogoriba, Dr. Kingsley KuKu, the pioneer President of IYC, Dr. Felix Tuodolor, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; the Amayanabo Elem-Kalabari, King Mujahid Asari Dokubo, and Miss World Nigeria, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Kestin Pondi, who was represented by the Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, said, “The formation of the IYC has appropriately placed the significance of our ethnic nationality in prosper perspective in all national dialogue and discourse.
“As we continue in our emancipatory journey in the Nigerian state, let us continue to draw inspiration from the legendary Isaac Boro.”
