The Secretary-General-Elect of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Barr. Ayebakuro Igbeta, has expressed profound appreciation to the Ijaw Nation for the overwhelming support that led to his emergence, pledging to serve with humility, loyalty and an unwavering commitment to the unity of the council.
In a press release issued on April 12, 2026, Igbeta dedicated his victory first to God, acknowledging divine guidance and grace throughout the electioneering process. He described his emergence as an opportunity to serve rather than a personal achievement.
The Secretary-General-Elect thanked delegates from the various zones and chapters of the IYC, respected elders, stakeholders, supporters and members of the Ijaw Nation for their confidence and trust in his leadership.
According to him, the victory belongs to the entire Ijaw Nation, assuring that he would repay the confidence reposed in him through dedicated service, open communication and unwavering loyalty to the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of individuals and groups who financially and morally supported his campaign, praying for God’s abundant blessings upon everyone who contributed to the success of the project.
Igbeta extended special appreciation to members of his campaign organisation, describing them as the driving force behind the successful journey. He commended everyone who made personal sacrifices, offered strategic support and stood by him throughout the campaign.
In a gesture of sportsmanship, the IYC Secretary-General-Elect congratulated his fellow contestants, noting that their participation strengthened the democratic process within the council.
He stressed that his election should not be interpreted as proof that other aspirants were less qualified, but rather as an opportunity granted by God and the Ijaw Nation for him to serve at this time. He appealed to his former opponents to remain partners in advancing the objectives of the council.
Speaking on the future of the IYC, Igbeta pledged that the incoming 10th National Executive Council (NEC) would work tirelessly to preserve the unity achieved during the electoral process.
He stated that one of his major responsibilities would be ensuring that the present leadership hands over a united and stronger IYC at the end of its tenure.
The Secretary-General-Elect also appealed to those who did not support his aspiration to join hands with the new leadership, emphasizing that the election had ended and that the focus should now shift to the development, peace and progress of the Ijaw Nation.
He expressed gratitude to the elders of the council and other leaders who worked behind the scenes to ensure the reunification of the IYC, describing those who sacrificed their ambitions for the sake of unity as the true heroes of the new era of the organisation.
Igbeta further appreciated the Bayelsa State Government, the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Labrador Security Services, 7th Oceans Nigeria Ltd and other stakeholders for providing an enabling environment throughout the electoral process.
He also commended the Electoral Committee (ELECO) for conducting the election and acknowledged that while mistakes may occur in any electoral process, he remains committed to protecting the integrity and aspirations of the Ijaw struggle.
Calling on his supporters not to relent, Igbeta said the election victory marked only the beginning of greater responsibilities, urging them to continue supporting his administration over the next three years.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to placing the dignity, unity and collective interest of the Ijaw Nation above every personal consideration, while promising to uphold the sacrifices of past leaders and advance the ideals upon which the Ijaw Youth Council was founded.