The newly inaugurated President of the Ijaw National Congress, High Chief (Barr.) Macdonald Ebi Igbadiwei, has pledged to pursue unity, justice, political inclusion and economic development for the Ijaw people, declaring that the time had come to “build a new Ijaw nation together.”
Igbadiwei made the declaration on Thursday during his inauguration as the ninth president of the INC at the inauguration ceremony in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta, where he succeeded Prof. Benjamin Okaba after a five-year tenure marked by renewed advocacy for the Niger Delta and the internationalisation of the Ijaw struggle.
In an emotionally charged inaugural speech attended by traditional rulers, governors, political leaders, youth groups and delegates from across the Niger Delta and the diaspora, the new INC president said the Ijaw nation remained richly blessed with natural resources but continued to suffer marginalisation, environmental degradation and political exclusion.
“Our land is richly blessed with natural resources and is responsible for over 80 percent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. Yet, our people are not in control of these resources,” Igbadiwei declared.
He lamented that despite the educational advancement of many Ijaw youths, unemployment and poverty remained widespread, while the people’s language and cultural identity were gradually eroding.
“These are not mere accusations; they are a call to action,” he said.
The new INC leadership outlined a broad agenda focused on unity among Ijaw communities across the Niger Delta, improved welfare for the people, youth empowerment, political restructuring and the protection of Ijaw heritage and environment.
Among the major issues highlighted was the renewed demand for the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states, which Igbadiwei said would address long-standing political marginalisation affecting Ijaw communities in Ondo State, Edo State, Delta State, Rivers State and Akwa Ibom State.
“We shall pursue to a logical conclusion the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states in order to create more political space and address the marginalisation of Ijaw people,” he stated.
Igbadiwei also demanded the expansion of local government areas in Bayelsa State from eight to 24, arguing that the current structure had limited political and economic opportunities for the people.
On the lingering controversy surrounding ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency, the INC president vowed that the organisation would continue to press for the enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment on the matter.
“We shall not remain silent in the pursuit of the enforcement of the judgment of the Supreme Court regarding ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency,” he said.
The INC president further expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of Ijaw communities in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, particularly communities hosting oil and gas operations.
“Our people in Ibeno, the host community to Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Conoil Producing Limited and Seplat Energy Plc, we hear your cries,” he said, promising that the Congress would seek lawful means to ensure justice and recognition for affected communities.
In a symbolic move aimed at fostering reconciliation and grassroots inclusion, Igbadiwei announced the donation of three coastal buses to the western, central and eastern zones of the INC, as well as four 18-seater buses to the Lagos, Abuja, Akure and Benin chapters of the organisation.
He called on aggrieved members and former contestants in the INC election to join hands with the new leadership in the interest of the Ijaw nation.
“This is the time for a new beginning — a time to heal old wounds, restore confidence among ourselves and speak with one united voice for the future of the Ijaw nation,” he added.
Earlier in his valedictory address, outgoing INC President, Benjamin Ogele Okaba, reflected on what he described as a turbulent but transformative five-year tenure.
Okaba said his administration inherited a Congress that had been “in a comatose state for seven years without a leader and without a voice,” but noted that the organisation had since regained global recognition and institutional strength.
According to him, one of the major achievements of his administration was the internationalisation of the Ijaw struggle and the shift “from militancy to intellectual engagement.”
“We proclaimed that the pen must now speak louder than the gun,” Okaba stated.
He listed several achievements of his administration, including the production of the first Pan-Ijaw territorial map, advocacy for additional Ijaw states and local governments, the recognition of 23 new Ijaw clans, increased inclusion of women in leadership and the admission of the INC into the United Nations Unrepresented Peoples Organisation (UNPO).
Okaba also highlighted the significance of the 2022 Houston Declaration, which he said helped internationalise the Ijaw cause and led to the recognition of July 5 as “Ijaw Day” in Houston, Texas, in the United States.
Despite the successes, the outgoing president admitted that the INC still faced major financial and structural challenges, especially dependence on a few influential elites.
“The inability of past administrations and ours to transform the INC into a self-funding organisation remains a major concern,” he said.
In an emotional appeal, Okaba urged the incoming leadership to prioritise reconciliation and strengthen the organisation’s international advocacy platform.
“To my brother and successor, High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei, carry this responsibility with courage. You will be criticised and tested, but the Ijaw nation is watching,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony attracted prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, women groups, youth organisations and delegates from Ijaw communities within and outside Nigeria, reflecting renewed expectations for stronger advocacy on issues affecting oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta.
The new executive council of the INC includes High Chief (Hon) Macdonald Ebi Igbadiwei Esq. Dr. Felix Okubokeme Tuodolo as Vice President, HRM Dr. Anyanate Kio as National Secretary, Mr. Ikosomi Barry Ibarakumo as National Publicity Secretary, and Barr. Talent Brown as National Legal Adviser, among others.
As chants of “Haaaa Izon!” echoed across the venue, many attendees expressed hope that the new leadership would unite the Ijaw nation and deepen the struggle for equity, resource justice and development in the Niger Delta.