IYC Holds National Convention to Review Constitution

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa 

The ancient city of Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was agog over the weekend as the umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide held its national convention on constitution review.

Former IYC presidents, youth leaders, zonal leaders, clan leaders, government functionaries, lawmakers from Bayelsa and other states joined the IYC President, Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, to make the convention a reality.

Declaring the convention open, Lokpobiri said it was with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that he stood before Ijaw sons and daughters at the 2024 National Convention, with the theme: ‘Sustainable Drive and Self-Determination for Our Development’.

He said the convention was both timely and critical for the future of Ijaw people, noting: “We are gathered here, united in our shared commitment to securing a brighter future for the Ijaw Nation. As we sit together today, we are not merely participants in a convention; we are stewards of a movement that has endured for generations.

“We are the ones who, through our actions, will shape the path forward for our people, ensuring that the struggles we face today will pave the way for a stronger and more unified Ijaw Nation.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the leaders and youth who have taken the time to be part of this event. Your presence here today speaks volumes about the strength of our collective will and the unwavering commitment we have to the cause of our people.”

Also speaking, a former Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Tonye Isenah, appealed to youths to be peaceful and united.