The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has implored the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to throw their weight behind the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, advocating that such support is crucial for fostering peace in the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Ogbuku made this plea during a Dinner and Awards Night commemorating the 25th Silver Jubilee of the Kaiama Declaration and the foundation of the Ijaw Youth Council in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Emphasizing the need for collaboration with the government, he stressed the importance of maintaining peace and curbing crude oil theft to propel the growth of the Nigerian economy.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ogbuku stated, “Let us ensure that through the IYC, we collaborate with the government to enthrone peace in our society. When the IYC promotes peace, I believe the government will also work with them to achieve more because what the government needs is peace and where there is peace, there is bound to be development.”
Highlighting the progress made by the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the 25 years since the Kaiama Declaration, Dr. Ogbuku urged support for President Tinubu’s administration, asserting that such backing could contribute to the cessation of crude oil theft and, consequently, lead to a more prosperous Nigerian economy.
Dr. Ogbuku acknowledged that the Niger Delta region had moved beyond the stage of armed struggle and violent agitations, urging a shift towards intellectual struggle. He noted that the Nigerian society had positively responded to the Ijaw people’s agitations and emphasized the need for sustained efforts.
Reflecting on the gains achieved, Dr. Ogbuku cited the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as President in 2010, the establishment of the NDDC, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. He emphasized the importance of being competitive and advocating for the fix of other pertinent issues.
The President of the IYC, Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri, paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Ijaw nation and pledged to sustain the Ijaw struggle at the intellectual level. He outlined plans to create opportunities for youth training in various vocations to facilitate more sustainable development.
The evening’s highlight was the official launch of the IYC’s website by the NDDC Managing Director, marking a significant step in their efforts to communicate and engage with the public.
