Diri Charges New IYC Leaders on Unity

Author: Gist Correspondent

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the newly elected National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide to promote unity, peace and development across Ijaw land.

The governor gave the charge on Thursday when he received the new IYC leadership, led by its President, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, at Government House, Yenagoa.

Congratulating the executives on their election, Diri described the IYC as the umbrella body and conscience of Ijaw youths worldwide, stressing the need for the organisation to remain focused on advancing the interests of the Ijaw nation.

He called on the new leadership to shun division and work towards restoring the council's core values, while collaborating with governments and other stakeholders to improve the welfare and development of Ijaw youths.

Diri said he was encouraged by the agenda presented by the new leadership, expressing optimism that it would restore the IYC to its position as a vibrant and development-driven organisation.

He urged the council to promote respect for traditional institutions, elders and community leaders, noting that such values were essential to preserving the Ijaw identity.

The governor also assured the IYC of his administration's continued support and partnership, while urging its members to serve as ambassadors of peace across the Niger Delta.

Earlier, the new IYC President Worldwide, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, led a delegation that included the immediate past President of the council, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, and other prominent Ijaw leaders on the courtesy visit to Government House.