The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called for increased federal appointments, employment opportunities and political inclusion for Ijaw youths, following the election of lawyer, Etifa Jonathan, as Chairman of its Abuja and Northern Nigeria Chapter.
Jonathan secured 35 out of 45 votes cast to emerge winner of the leadership election, which was attended by the President of IYC Worldwide, Doubra Collins Okotete, members of the 10th National Executive Council and other stakeholders.
In his acceptance address, Jonathan pledged to strengthen the council’s engagement with government institutions and relevant authorities to ensure that Ijaw youths receive greater access to opportunities in federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
He argued that the Ijaw people deserved a more prominent place in Nigeria’s political and administrative structure, given their significant contributions to the nation’s economy, particularly through the oil and gas resources generated from the Niger Delta.
The newly elected chairman identified unity, institutional development and the promotion of Ijaw interests as major priorities of his administration.
He said his first 100 days in office would focus on reviewing the chapter’s existing achievements, identifying areas requiring improvement and developing strategies to make the organisation more effective.
Jonathan also extended an olive branch to other contestants, urging them and their supporters to put the election behind them and join hands with the new leadership.
He described his victory as a collective achievement of the Ijaw nation rather than an individual accomplishment, promising to run an inclusive administration that would give members opportunities to contribute to the council’s growth.
The chairman-elect disclosed that he had already contacted some of the contestants to seek their support, stressing that cooperation and mutual understanding would be essential to achieving the chapter’s objectives.
Speaking at the election, IYC Worldwide President, Doubra Collins Okotete, described the exercise as credible, transparent and peaceful, rating its conduct at 97 per cent.
Okotete explained that the election was an internal democratic process aimed at selecting leaders capable of advancing the interests of Ijaw youths and strengthening the council.
Drawing on his more than 20 years of experience in the organisation, he advised the incoming leadership to embrace consultation, patience, sacrifice and collective responsibility.
He specifically warned Jonathan against making sensitive public pronouncements or taking important decisions without consulting relevant stakeholders, noting that the Abuja chapter operated within the broader national structure of the IYC.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Okotete said the council would maintain its non-partisan position while creating platforms for political candidates to engage with Ijaw communities.
He explained that candidates would have opportunities to present their programmes and address issues affecting the Niger Delta, including resource control, state creation and equitable political representation.
According to him, the council would encourage Ijaw youths to scrutinise political promises and make informed decisions based on candidates’ positions on issues affecting their people.
Earlier, the outgoing chairman, Emmanuel Deinma, urged the incoming executive to preserve the unity of the chapter and build on the achievements recorded during his administration.
He emphasised that leadership changes should strengthen the organisation rather than create divisions or unnecessary competition among members.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Miriam Kiriboh Erenaminaka, acknowledged the challenges encountered during the electoral process, particularly in the sale of nomination forms and screening of aspirants.
She, however, expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the exercise, noting that the committee remained committed to ensuring a credible election.
Erenaminaka, who described herself as the first woman to head the IYC Worldwide Electoral Committee, said her emergence reflected the need to expand women’s participation in leadership and decision-making within the organisation.
She called on members to support the new executive and work collectively towards achieving the council’s objectives.
