Ijaw National Congress INC has inaugurated High Chief (Barr.) Macdonald Ebi Igbadiwei as its ninth National President, with outgoing leader, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, charging the new leadership to sustain the struggle for unity, justice, and political inclusion for the Ijaw people.
The inauguration ceremony of the new National Executive Council took place on Wednesday at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
In his valedictory address, Benjamin Ogele Okaba reflected on his five-year tenure, saying his administration revived the Congress from years of inactivity and repositioned it as a stronger voice for the Ijaw Nation at both national and international levels.
According to him, the organisation was struggling with internal divisions and weak coordination when his administration assumed office in 2021.
Okaba said his leadership focused on rebuilding the organs of the Congress, promoting intellectual engagement, strengthening diaspora participation, and internationalising the Ijaw struggle through strategic partnerships.
He listed some of the achievements recorded during his tenure to include the production of the Pan-Ijaw Territorial Map, advocacy for the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers States, campaigns for additional local government areas in Bayelsa State, and the admission of the Ijaw Nation into the United Nations Unrepresented Peoples Organisation.
The former INC President also highlighted the recognition of additional Ijaw clans, inclusion of women in the Board of Trustees, and efforts to preserve Ijaw language, history, and cultural identity.
While acknowledging challenges such as internal disagreements and financial constraints, Okaba urged the new leadership to consolidate on existing gains.
“Lead with courage. You will be criticised and tested, but the Ijaw Nation is watching and expecting purposeful leadership,” he advised his successor.
Responding after taking the oath of office, Macdonald Ebi Igbadiwei pledged to build a more united, inclusive, and progressive Ijaw Nation anchored on justice, accountability, and development.
Speaking on the theme, “Building A New Ijaw Nation Together,” Igbadiwei described his emergence as a call to service rather than personal ambition.
He assured stakeholders that his administration would prioritise reconciliation, youth empowerment, cultural identity, and the protection of the political and economic interests of Ijaw communities.
The new INC President lamented the continued environmental degradation, unemployment, political marginalisation, and underdevelopment affecting many Niger Delta communities despite the region’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
He reaffirmed the Congress’ commitment to the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers States, expansion of local government areas in Bayelsa State, and the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency.
Igbadiwei also pledged support for Ijaw communities in Akwa Ibom State, particularly Ibeno, in their quest for justice and recognition as host communities impacted by oil exploration activities.
Calling for unity among members, he appealed to former contestants and stakeholders to put aside differences and work collectively for the advancement of the Ijaw Nation.
In a symbolic move aimed at strengthening grassroots participation, Igbadiwei donated three coastal buses to the western, central, and eastern zones of the Congress, alongside four 18-seater buses to the Lagos, Abuja, Akure, and Benin chapters of the organisation.
“The future of the Ijaw Nation depends on collective responsibility, unity of purpose, and sustained advocacy for the rights and development of our people,” he stated.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, youth and women groups, delegates, and Ijaw stakeholders from across the Niger Delta and the diaspora.
