…𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘛𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰, 𝘐𝘕𝘊 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘖𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵



…𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝟥𝟢-𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘶𝘴 𝘈𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴



…𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘐𝘫𝘢𝘸 𝘌𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵

The Western Zonal Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has commemorated its first anniversary in office, highlighting achievements in peacebuilding, grassroots mobilisation, institutional development and the promotion of Ijaw unity across Delta, Edo and Ondo states.

The Congress, led by its Chairman, Comrade Priye Noel Kuete, LL.M, BL, said its first year was characterised by purposeful leadership, sacrifice, cooperation and sustained efforts towards advancing the collective interests of the Ijaw people.

In a commemorative statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, and signed by the Western Zonal Publicity Secretary, High Chief Godwin Masah, the council expressed gratitude to Almighty God, Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and members for their support throughout the period.

The statement recalled that although the executive members were elected on September 13, 2025, they were formally inaugurated on October 16, 2025, at the Town Hall in Bomadi, Delta State.

According to the council, the administration has remained committed to strengthening the INC as a formidable platform for promoting Ijaw identity, protecting legitimate interests and fostering sustainable development.

Reflecting on the journey, the council described leadership as a responsibility that demands sacrifice, bridge-building, problem-solving and meaningful service to the people.

Membership Expansion and Grassroots Engagement

Highlighting its achievements, the council disclosed that it embarked on an extensive membership registration campaign across the Western Zone to strengthen the organisation's grassroots structure.

It explained that executive members personally financed membership registration forms for some leaders and facilitated registration processes at the INC National Secretariat, Ijaw House.

The council expressed confidence that the Western Zone had recorded substantial progress in membership mobilisation, while awaiting the publication of an updated national membership register for proper verification.

Beyond registration, the executive council said it undertook familiarisation and courtesy visits to traditional rulers, clan heads and community stakeholders to strengthen relationships and promote the relevance of the INC at the grassroots.

It noted that the engagements had resulted in increased participation in cultural festivals, community celebrations and other programmes aimed at preserving Ijaw heritage and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Peacebuilding and Security Cooperation

On security and peacebuilding, the council disclosed that it engaged various security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), to improve relationships between security personnel and Ijaw communities.

It maintained that constructive engagement remained essential to protecting lives, safeguarding legitimate community interests and ensuring respect for human rights.

The council also cited its interventions in matters affecting the Tarakiri Clan in Delta State and Ijaw communities in Edo State as examples of its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution.

It further revealed that its Chairman, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, had collaborated with other Ijaw legal practitioners to provide legal assistance and representation in matters affecting Ijaw communities, including pro bono services where applicable.

The council emphasised that the emancipation of the Ijaw people required strategic engagement, legal advocacy, dialogue and collective action rather than inflammatory rhetoric.

INC Western Zone Establishes Secretariat in Warri

Among its major institutional achievements, the council identified the establishment of a dedicated secretariat and contact office in Warri, Delta State.

It described the rented and furnished facility as the first dedicated administrative office secured for the Western Zone, providing a central location for executive meetings, consultations and coordination of activities.

The council explained that the office had also become a meeting point for other Ijaw organisations, thereby strengthening cooperation and collective engagement.

It acknowledged the contributions of Dr. B. J. Brae and Barr. Iwabi T. A., former chairmen of the INC Akure and Benin City chapters, respectively, whose offices had supported administrative coordination in Ondo and Edo states.

According to the statement, the Warri secretariat represents a significant step towards building a more accessible, organised and effective INC Western Zone.

Tompolo, INC President Commended Over 30-Seater Bus

The council expressed special appreciation to prominent Niger Delta leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the INC President, High Chief Hon. Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei, for their support towards the provision of a 30-seater Coaster bus.

It explained that the vehicle had significantly improved the executive council's mobility and operational efficiency across Delta, Edo and Ondo states.

The council noted that the bus had facilitated community visits, cultural engagements, official meetings and responses to emerging issues affecting Ijaw communities.

It described the gesture as a practical investment in the unity, visibility and operational effectiveness of the organisation.

Council Hails INC Leadership Transition

The Western Zonal Executive Council also commended the immediate past INC President, Professor Benjamin Ogelekimi Okaba, for his leadership and cooperation during the organisation's transition.

It welcomed the emergence of the current National Executive Council under High Chief Hon. Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei, pledging continued collaboration to advance the collective aspirations of the Ijaw Nation.

The council stressed that organisational stability, unity and collective interests must take precedence over personal disagreements and leadership differences.

It maintained that constructive cooperation between the national and zonal leadership would strengthen the INC's capacity to address challenges confronting Ijaw communities.

Commitment to Ijaw Identity and Cultural Preservation

The council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Ijaw cultural heritage, identity and unity through community engagements, public communication and participation in traditional activities.

It noted that preserving Ijaw identity and promoting solidarity remained central to the organisation's objectives.

The statement urged Ijaw sons and daughters to actively participate in the activities of the INC and contribute towards building a stronger and more united ethnic nationality.

Challenges and Future Priorities

While acknowledging its achievements, the council admitted that financial constraints, geographical challenges and the complexities of grassroots mobilisation had affected its operations.

It nevertheless maintained that the experiences had strengthened its determination to deliver more effective leadership.

Looking ahead, the executive council pledged to intensify membership registration, deepen grassroots engagement, strengthen relationships with traditional institutions, promote peaceful coexistence and defend the legitimate interests of Ijaw communities through lawful means.

It also promised to sustain cooperation with the National Executive Council and other stakeholders in addressing issues affecting the development and welfare of the Ijaw people.

Council Appreciates Ijaw Leaders, Stakeholders

The council expressed gratitude to Tompolo, the incumbent INC President, MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei, and his predecessor, Professor Benjamin Okaba, for their contributions to the organisation's growth.

It also acknowledged the support of Prince (Dr.) Dodei Week, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, Dr. Paul Bebenimiboh, High Chief Kari Ebilade and Dr. (Chief) Hon. Sheriff Mulade, among other prominent Ijaw personalities.

Special appreciation was extended to traditional rulers, clan chairmen, clan secretaries, NRC leaders and members, community leaders, women, youths and members of the Western Zonal Executive Council for their cooperation, sacrifices and encouragement.

The council called for sustained unity and collective responsibility in addressing the developmental challenges confronting the Ijaw Nation.

Concluding, the Western Zonal Executive Council reaffirmed its determination to build on its achievements and pursue greater service throughout the remaining period of its tenure.

“Our administration remains guided by the conviction that the interests of the Ijaw Nation must always come first,” the statement declared.

“We shall continue to serve with humility, lead with courage, pursue peace with determination, defend our legitimate interests through lawful means and promote unity without compromising our collective identity.”

The council maintained that although it had not achieved everything initially envisioned, the progress recorded during its first year provided a solid foundation for greater accomplishments.

“One year down, greater service ahead. The journey continues. The responsibility remains. The commitment is unwavering,” the statement concluded.

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