Why I wrote book on Ijaw struggle, activist Donkemezuo

The struggles of the Niger Delta have been a long-standing sociopolitical battle, the former president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Engineer Elvis Donkemezuo, and author of ‘The Vain Ijaw Struggle’ has said.

For that reason, Donkemezuo indicates the imperative of preserving the historical injustices faced by the people of the region and the legacy of the struggle for future generations.

It was at the occasion of the book launch and celebration of his 40th birthday during the weekend at Victoria Island Lagos.

The forward of the book was written by Ist Vice President, Academy of International Affairs, 12th Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ambassador Godknows Igahi, while the reviewed was written by Professor Adepoju Tejumaiye of the department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Yaba Lagos.
A short captivating drama depicting the central message of the book was also showcased.

As a key figure in the Niger Delta Youth Council, Donkemezuo highlighted the relentless pursuit of justice amidst adverse conditions, characterized by political manipulation and environmental degradation by multinational corporations.

“The people of the Niger Delta have fought so much, we live in unbearable conditions. Caused by bad oil politics, abuse of our land by multinationals. And that is one of the drives that brought us to the struggle.”

Sharing his personal motivation for penning the book, he said it was to leave a tangible record of the sacrifices made by past and present activists.

“Having been a key player in the Ijaw Youth Council, I thought it wise to make my statement known, that I should write a book and document the incidents and role that I played. Because my children are small, they’re going to grow up tomorrow. I don’t want anybody to come and say your father never did this or never did that.

“It is important and imperative, that the children who have lived their life on the course of the struggle, which I dedicated the book to, should be heard. The Ijaw nation have been on this struggle for more than 30 years. From the time of Issac Adaka Boro And yet there has not been proper documentation on our struggles,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that future generations are equipped with knowledge about their heritage and the ongoing struggle for justice.

Reflecting on the broader impact of the book, Donkemezuo emphasized its role in initiating a culture of documentation within the Niger Delta community.

He believes that the book serves as a catalyst for future writers and activists to contribute to the narrative of the region’s struggle, fostering a deeper understanding of its complexities and challenges.

In discussing the key message conveyed by the book, Donkemezuo said that the collective nature of the Niger Delta struggle, transcends individual egos and interests.

He emphasized the need for unity and steadfastness in pursuing the foundational goals of the struggle, cautioning against the influence of external forces that seek to derail the movement.

“The Ijaw nation is bigger than any one man and we should not allow any individual parochial ego or interest, distract the foundational course of the struggle by our forefathers.

“The purpose of this struggle is that the nation should not allow any government, any person placed in high positions to undermine the collective interests of the Ijaw struggle or to impose leadership on us, that is my message.”

Thanking God for blessings bestowed upon him, including family, health, and the opportunity to contribute to society, Donkemezuo reflected on the significance of reaching a milestone age and the sense of purpose derived from giving back to his community.

“They say life begins at 40, to me, I feel fulfilled. God has given me a beautiful family, good health and the ability to take care of my family. What more can a man ask and I feel grateful and it is a welcome call to do more for the society. A few days ago I distributed books to my alma mater and so much I’ve been doing for Niger Delta and it is a reason for me to more.”

Speaking on the sideline at the event, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, who defined the Ijaw struggle as a quest for the emancipation of the oppressed and the pursuit of social and economic justice.

According to him, the struggle has also undeniably yielded tangible results.

He cited examples of advancements in governance and recognition of the Ijaw marginalized groups as evidence of the enduring impact of societal movements.

He highlighted the progress made in the struggle, albeit amidst ongoing challenges such as environmental degradation and economic disparities.

“Today, most of the things the Ijaw have actually benefited in the managerial state is based on the fact that yes, they were given the palliative of the struggle.

“They are struggling and they were listened to, and Nigeria as a nation has also blessed the Ijaws too by giving the region at least the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, even me as the MD of NDDC is also part of the struggle,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jr, emphasized the importance of supporting the author and the significance of documenting the region’s journey towards progress.

“The book ‘The Vain Ijaw Struggle’ which is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Niger Delta region, aims to redefine the narrative of the collective struggle for economic and political stability among the Ijaw people.
With poignant insights into defining moments and past events, the book sheds light on the hardships faced by the Niger Delta community and serves as a wake-up call for action.

The event marks a pivotal moment in the quest for a better future for the Ijaw people, sparking discussions on leadership and direction in the struggle for development.

During the symposium, the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said.