By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Fresh demands for political inclusion, resource control, and justice for the Niger Delta dominated proceedings on Thursday as High Chief (Barr.) MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei assumed office as the ninth President of the Ijaw National Congress held at SMU-TUN’S Playground, Warri, Delta State.
In his inaugural speech themed “Building A New Ijaw Nation Together,” Igbadiwei declared that the time had come for the Ijaw Nation to speak with one voice against marginalization and underdevelopment despite the region’s enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
He lamented that Ijaw communities remained impoverished and environmentally degraded even though the Niger Delta accounts for a major share of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
“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,” he stated.
The new INC President outlined a broad political agenda for the organisation, including the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states, expansion of local government areas in Bayelsa State from eight to 24, and enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment on ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency.
He also raised concerns over the treatment of Ijaw communities in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, particularly oil-bearing communities which he alleged had been denied proper recognition despite hosting major oil companies.
According to him, the INC under his leadership would pursue all lawful means to secure justice and fairness for the affected communities.
Igbadiwei further pledged to reposition the Congress into a more inclusive and people-oriented organisation capable of addressing unemployment, youth empowerment, environmental challenges, and cultural preservation across Ijaw communities.
Calling for reconciliation and unity among stakeholders, he urged former contestants and members of the Congress to set aside differences and work collectively for the advancement of the Ijaw Nation.
“The task ahead will not be easy, but it will certainly be worthwhile. Let history remember this generation as the generation that united the Ijaw Nation and moved it forward permanently,” he declared.
As part of measures aimed at strengthening the operations of the Congress, the new INC President donated three coastal buses to the Western, Central, and Eastern zones of the organisation, as well as four 18-seater buses to the Lagos, Abuja, Akure, and Benin chapters.
The event also featured the valedictory speech of the outgoing President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, who said his administration succeeded in reviving the Congress after years of inactivity.
Okaba noted that his leadership shifted the Ijaw struggle from militancy to intellectual engagement and international advocacy.
According to him, one of the major achievements of the outgoing executive was the admission of the Ijaw Nation into the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization in 2025, giving the ethnic nationality global visibility on issues of environmental and human rights concerns.
He also cited the production of the Pan-Ijaw territorial map, advocacy for constitutional reforms, recognition of additional Ijaw clans, and the 2022 Houston Declaration as key milestones recorded during his tenure.
The former INC President, however, admitted that the Congress still faced funding challenges and internal disagreements, urging the incoming leadership to strengthen unity and transparency within the organisation.
“The gavel you will receive now is heavily laced with the pains, hopes and destinies of over 40 million souls. Carry it with the fear of God and love for Ijaw land,” Okaba advised.
The inauguration ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, delegates, youths, women groups, and members of the Ijaw diaspora, including prominent Niger Delta leader Government Ekpemupolo.
