Anna George
The Pre-Summit Conference of the First Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit, organized by the Steve Azaiki Foundation in collaboration with the Ijaw National Congress, commenced on 17th October 2024 at the Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The two-day event, themed “Environmental Regeneration and Economic Sustainability,” aims to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Ijaw people and serves as a precursor to the main summit scheduled for December in Port Harcourt.
The conference was inaugurated with an opening prayer by Apostle David Zilley Aggrey of Royal House of Grace Church, a respected clergyman in the Niger Delta region.
In his welcome address, the President of the Ijaw National Congress and Pro-Convener of the summit, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, declared, “The era of lamentation by the Ijaw people is over. Let us look inwards and see how we can develop ourselves.” He called for self-reliance and innovation within the Ijaw nation.
Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retired), the former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Elders Council, served as the event chairman. He emphasized the economic potential of the Ijaw region, noting that 65% of Nigeria’s coastline lies within Ijaw territory, highlighting the region’s strategic importance to the nation.
Notable figures delivered goodwill messages during the event, including King Alfred Diete Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, and Hon. Aniekan John Umanah, former Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State.
Umanah encouraged regional governments to prioritize education, agriculture, and sustainable development.
Other distinguished attendees included Professor Patience Akani, Captain Caleb Olubolade, and Professor Matthew Wegwu, National President of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB).
Professor Wegwu stressed the need for eco-friendly policies, warning that environmental neglect could severely impact the region’s natural ecosystems.
The keynote address, delivered on behalf of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, emphasized the importance of leveraging the blue economy for regional development.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR, represented by Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, also underscored the significance of the blue economy, urging the Ijaw people to embrace their identity and maximize their regional resources.
The conference includes several technical sessions where experts and technocrats will present papers on environmental regeneration and sustainable development.
The pre-summit conference represents growing efforts within the Ijaw community to foster sustainable development and environmental awareness as part of broader efforts to transform the region.