The pre-conference of the First Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit organized by the Steve Azaiki Foundation in collaboration with the Ijaw National Congress commenced October 17, 2024, with a call for economic revival and environmental regeneration in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The two-day event, themed “Environmental Regeneration and Economic Sustainability,” addressed the socio-economic challenges faced by the Ijaw people and served as a precursor to the main summit scheduled for December in Port Harcourt.
The conference was inaugurated with an opening prayer by Apostle David Zilley Aggrey of Royal House of Grace Church, a clergyman in the Niger Delta region.
In his welcome address, the president of the Ijaw National Congress and Pro-Convener of the summit, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, said, “The era of lamentation by the Ijaw people is over. Let us look inwards and see how we can develop ourselves,” and called for self-reliance and innovation within the Ijaw nation.
Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), the former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and chairman of the Bayelsa State Elders Council, served as the event chairman. He emphasized the economic potential of the Ijaw region, noting that 65 percent of Nigeria’s coastline lies within Ijaw territory, highlighting the region’s strategic importance to the nation.
Notable figures delivered goodwill messages during the event, including King Alfred Diete Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, and Hon. Aniekan John Umanah, former Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State.
Umanah encouraged regional governments to prioritize education, agriculture and sustainable development.
Other distinguished attendees included Professor Patience Akani, Captain Caleb Olubolade, and Professor Matthew Wegwu, National President of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB).
Professor Wegwu stressed the need for eco-friendly policies, warning that environmental neglect could severely impact the region’s natural ecosystems.
The keynote address, delivered on behalf of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, emphasized the importance of leveraging the blue economy for regional development.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, also underscored the significance of the blue economy, urging the Ijaw people to embrace their identity and maximize their regional resources.
The conference included several technical sessions where experts and technocrats presented papers on environmental regeneration and sustainable development.
The pre-summit conference represented growing efforts within the Ijaw community to foster sustainable development and environmental awareness as part of broader efforts to transform the region.
Also speaking at the event and answering questions from news men, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, the Chief Executive Director Operations and Technical, TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, thanked Professor Azaike and the INC in organising the pre-economic summit, while tasking youth in the Niger Delta region to protect oil facilities, and further disclosed that there was need to protect our biodiversity, and collaboration.
