The Ijaw Youth Council, (IYC) Eastern Zone has launched a transport scheme aimed at empowering the youths and minimizing transportation difficulties in the Riverine areas.
The scheme was launched last week Saturday at the IYC Secretariat Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, the JYC Eastern Zone chairman, Comrade Peter Timothy Igbifa said the launching was a fulfillment of one of the sincere promises his executive made upon swearing-in on the 10th of August 2014.
He said the scheme would empower the people and provide far reaching solution to some of the effects of poverty in the area, stressing that it would equally serve as an alternative means to road and address critical concerns that affects the people of Ijaw ethnic extraction.
On how it was to be managed, Igbifa said it would be run purely as a commercial venture where council would be charged as clients for hiring them for official mobilization of members to functions or otherwise at subsidized price.
The transport scheme which comprises of a well designed boat and a modern outboard engine is expected to generate income to the council.
Igbifa summarized the aim of the transport scheme as follows; To cushion the hard effect of poverty, provide alternative means of livelihood for the people of Ijaw, develop and facilitate sustainable programmes that will generate employment and empowerment of Ijaw people, would meet group and individual transport need not currently met by mainstream service, provide safe, accessible and affordable transport for community groups and individuals, will contribute in advancing and giving the lives of Ijaws meaning through development of their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals. Others are: Stimulate the economy of the Eastern zone, aid in the mass mobilization of Exco, Elders council and entire membership of IYC eastern zone when the need arises, as well as address issues bothering on social vices like kidnap, sea piracy among others.
The IYC chairman told the gathering that the initial take off stage of the scheme was internally funded, stressing that the idea was to kick-start a process that would push corporate bodies, especially NDDC, SURE-P, multinationals, NIMASA, Inland Waterways and government at all levels to assist in the project.
In an interview with journalists after the launching Comrade Igbifa re-affirmed the body’s support to Dakuku Peterside and President Jonathan, saying Ijaw people would vote for them.
One special feature of the launching scheme was a presentation by Comrade Victor Burubo PRO Ijaw National Congress (INC) titled; ‘Political Freedom’ wherein he emphasized the need to grant the Ijaw total political freedom. He also called on the Ijaws not to support another Ikwere man as governor, saying they should cast their votes for Dakuku Peterside and President Jonathan. ###
