Okochiri, Okrika stood still for eminent Ijaw sons and daughters who converged at the country home of the Sekuro I of Ijaw land, High Chief Ateke Tom to formerly swear-in the new executive committee members of Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (Eastern Zone).
The event saw arrays of influential Ijaw elders decked in colourful Ijaw traditional wears, amidst cheers from the crowd who had a wonderful feel of the ceremony.
The arrival of the chairman of IYC, Eastern Zone, Comrade Peter Igbifa and his entourage almost caused a stir, as the crowd and Ijaw stakeholders were trying to catch a glimpse of the humble, sincere, amiable and caring Ijaw son, who majestically took his seat. The applause that followed his arrival was thunderous and overwhelming with Ijaw traditional dance group in session.
Addressing the Ijaws, Chairman of Ijaw Elders Consultative Forum, Elder Athanasius Eneyo commended the participation of all Ijaws in the zone and lauded their untiring efforts in actualizing the stand of Ijaws as one people.
“We are proud people as Ijaws. Without Eastern Zone, there is nothing like Ijaw struggle. In every revolutionary struggle, there are always challenges which must be faced with trials. This is the only Exco in Eastern zone and I am proud to be part of the history of their swearing in. I am bold to say that we have not changed our motto; which is: Resource Control and Self-Determination”, Eneyo said.
Representative of the Sekuro 1 of Ijaw land and philanthropist par excellence, High Chief Ateke Tom, Chief Campbell Orufingbe urged the Ijaws to work together and lift the banner of the people as one united and indivisible entity, noting that the Ijaws will always takes a frontline position in the scheme of things.
Engr. Bristol E. Alagbariya, National Secretary of Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide extolled the qualities of notable Ijaw leaders, describing their services as victory for Ijaw nation. He told the gathering that the Ijaws are in a threshold of history, pointing out that Ijaws intend to reshape the struggle to the next level.
He assured Ijaw youths that the concerted efforts made so far, the IYC has been known worldwide. He said IYC has been advocating for equal opportunity, environmental degradation and cultural identity.
“The fear of death is worse than death itself. Ijaws are impoverished and backward, but we must rise up to the occasion, for no one can develop the society, except you. Collectively we can move the region forward”, the vibrant National Scribe quoted.
In his acceptance speech, the chairman of IYC, Eastern Zone, Comrade Peter Igbifa said he will take IYC, Eastern Zone to another level higher than what he met, adding that his ideology is based on a sound economic empowerment, human capacity development to change the lives of the people.
The dynamic and lovable chairman sounded a note of warning to all Ijaws and Nigerians that the second term tenure of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is not negotiable, saying that Ijaws will not compromise. He also promised to leave on office on the sands of time as he assured the youths that his successor will inherit wonderful achievements.
The Executive Committee members were later sworn in by Engr. Bristol E. Alagbariyah, National Secretary of IYC Worldwide on Kaiama declaration. The officers are:- Peter Igbifa –Chairman, Sokari Nathaniel –Vice Chairman, Sunny Diri Tolofari –Secretary, Ebirien Sunju – Assistant Secretary, Hon. Comrade, Dan Opubo –Wilcox – Publicity Secretary, Iso Isreal –Financial Secretary, Soye Jack –Treasurer, Saturday Wakama – Mobilization Officer, Ine Pupere Lafaji –Woman Leader, Kingdom Igiriah – Students Rep.
Notable Ijaw leaders from all the zones attended the epoch making event, as they equally sent in solidarity messages. ###
