Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has challenged the new leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to reinvent the organisation and restore the ideals for which it was established.
Diri spoke on Wednesday when the 10th President of the IYC, Dr. Doubra Okotete, his executive members and other stakeholders paid a courtesy visit to the Government House in Yenagoa.
Key Highlights
- Diri urges IYC to depoliticise its activities and promote Ijaw interests.
- Governor warns youths against using social media to escalate community disputes.
- IYC plans a database of youths’ skills and qualifications to improve access to opportunities.
- Okotete seeks stronger engagement with governments and amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act.
The governor urged the new leadership to work collectively to reposition the council and promote the interests and development of the Ijaw people.
Diri called for a vibrant IYC that would engage governments at all levels, international agencies and other stakeholders to create opportunities for Ijaw youths.
He also cautioned the leadership against politicising the council, picketing companies for personal gains and engaging in activities capable of damaging the organisation’s reputation.
“I want to see a new IYC that will be re-engineered to engage with Bayelsa State government and every other government or agency nationally and internationally.”
Diri said the Ijaw National Congress and IYC were established to promote the development of the Ijaw nation, secure recognition for Ijaw people and protect the region’s resources from exploitation.
He urged Okotete to build on the work of his predecessor, Jonathan Lokpobiri, while restoring values such as respect for elders, constituted authority, mutual respect and the fear of God.
## Diri Warns Against Social Media Abuse
The governor also admonished Bayelsa youths over the use of social media, saying disputes that emerge online could often be resolved through traditional and community leadership structures.
He urged youths to follow established channels for resolving grievances rather than using social media to inflame tensions.
Diri warned that negative narratives about individuals and Bayelsa State could damage the state’s investment prospects and hinder development.
He further urged the IYC to work with governments and other stakeholders to address poverty and expand opportunities for young people.
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Responding to requests by the IYC leadership for a utility bus and renovation of its secretariat, Diri promised that the state government would consider the requests.
In his address, Okotete said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the new executive and strengthening relations between the IYC and the state government.
He outlined plans to establish an Ijaw youth database containing the skills and qualifications of young people to improve advocacy for employment and other opportunities.
Okotete also said the council would pursue the protection of Ijaw interests across Nigeria, seek amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act to reflect the concerns of Niger Delta communities, and promote Ijaw culture and identity.
