Pre-Summit Conference of the 1st Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit 2024 Concluded in Bayelsa
L to R: Barrister Inuruo Wills, Lead Consultant, Govenant Consulting & Former Commissioner for Environment, Bayelsa State; Prof Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide & Co-Convener; H. E. Rear Adm. G. John Jonah (Rtd), Former Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State; Prof. Steve S. Azaiki,OON, President, Azaiki Foundation & Principal Convener; Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, Environmentalist & Human Rights Activist; Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Chairman,BOT, SESSPN; Ms Hilda Dokubo, Actress, Author, Politician; Mr. Felix Achibiri, Chairman/CEO, Dfc Holdings Ltd; Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (Rtd), Former Military Administrator, Bayelsa State & Former Minister of Police Affairs.
The Pre-Summit Conference of the 1st Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit took place from October 17-18, 2024, at the Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa.
Hosted by the Azaiki Foundation in partnership with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the two-day event brought together key stakeholders, leaders, and experts to discuss the economic development and sustainability of the Ijaw region, setting the stage for the main summit scheduled for December 3-5, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Under the theme ‘Environmental Regeneration and Economic Sustainability’ , the conference addressed critical topics ranging from marine and blue economy opportunities to infrastructural security in the Niger Delta.
The event emphasized that environmental regeneration and economic sustainability in the Ijaw region should not rely solely on government efforts but require proactive involvement from the Ijaw people themselves.
Keynote speakers included H.E. Sir Siminilayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, represented by Chief Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, and Ambassador Godknows Igali, representing former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who served as the Chief Special Guest of Honor.
The South East-South South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN), represented by Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, presented a goodwill message, highlighting the importance of the Development Agenda South East-South South 2035 (DASESS 2035) for discussion at the main summit.
The Pre-Summit Conference featured six thematic areas, including marine economy opportunities, environmental regeneration, prevention of oil theft, and human capital development. Chairpersons, presenters, and panelists engaged in technical sessions that generated actionable insights and ideas to guide discussions at the upcoming main summit.
“We are committed to fostering an environment that promotes economic resilience and sustainable practices in the Ijaw region,” said Prof. Steve Azaiki, President of the Azaiki Foundation. “This summit is a significant step towards ensuring the Ijaw people benefit from the rich resources of our land.”
The event closed with a call to action, urging stakeholders to implement the strategies discussed to secure a prosperous future for the Ijaw people.
The main Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit will be held from December 3-5, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
