A COMMUNIQUÉ Issued at the End of the Maiden All-Inclusive Leadership Meeting of Clan Chairmen Across the Central, Eastern, and Western Zones of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Held on Friday, 29th August 2025, at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Preamble:
The maiden all-inclusive leadership meeting of the Executive Clan Chairmen of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) from the Central, Eastern, and Western Zones was convened on Friday, 29th August 2025, at Ijaw House, Yenagoa. The gathering, themed “United for Purpose: Strengthening Clan Leadership for a Stronger and Better Ijaw Nation,” was called by the leadership of the Clan Chairmen’s Forum to foster unity, deliberate on critical issues affecting the Ijaw nation, and chart a collaborative path forward for the development, peace, and security of our people and communities.
Council of Clan Chairmen Forum from Eastern, Western and Central Zone
Observations:
After extensive, frank, and fruitful deliberations on the state of the Ijaw nation, the following observations were made:
1. There is an urgent need for a unified front to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Ijaw people, including environmental degradation, underdevelopment, and youth unemployment.
2. The sustenance of peace and security in Ijaw territories is paramount for development and must be pursued collectively.
3. The strength of the IYC lies in its grassroots structures; therefore, empowering Clan Chairmen is essential for effective governance and representation.
4. There is a persistent need to protect and promote the Ijaw language, culture, and heritage for future generations.
5. The constitutional and legal rights of the Ijaw people to self-determination and control over our natural resources remain non-negotiable.
Western Zone Clan Chairmen Forum
RESOLUTION:
Consequently, the meeting unanimously resolved as follows:
1. The meeting confirmed that unity among Clan Chairmen is indispensable for the survival and advancement of the IYC.
2. The Chairmen shall consistently collaborate to eliminate all forms of division and disunity.
3. Regular inter-zonal engagements shall be institutionalized to ensure that Clan Chairmen communicate with a unified voice concerning matters pertinent to the IYC and the Ijaw nation as a whole.
4. This gathering will be recognized as a foundational step towards strengthening leadership and collective action within the IYC.
5. This meeting shall be held periodically as a platform for interaction, brainstorming, and strategic development.
6. The meeting reiterates that clans form the foundation and lifeblood of the IYC, emphasising that since every leader within the Council originates from a clan, clan leadership must be accorded priority, respect, and esteemed recognition.
7. The Council of Clan Chairmen stands as the custodian of grassroots authority and must be empowered as a central decision-making, as well as advisory body within the IYC framework.
8. The Council of Clan Chairmen unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), led by Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, President of Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide and as well as, all the Chairmen at the Zonal level, in recognition of their commendable achievements, which include, but are not limited to:
(a) The ongoing construction of a well-structured and functional IYC Secretariat by Tantita Security Services, which will serve as a symbol of institutional identity and stability.
(b) The consistent recognition, support, and celebration of the initiatives of the Council and proactively addressing critical issues affecting the Ijaw nation.
9. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate effectively with the NEC and other governing bodies for the advancement of the Ijaw nation. Specifically, the Clan Chairmen resolved to:
(a) Engage in collaboration with all strata of the IYC to ensure stability, unity, and focused leadership.
(b) Mobilize and educate their respective clans to encourage greater participation in the activities and advocacy of the IYC.
(c) Endorse initiatives designed to bolster the IYC as a formidable pressure group and a defender of the collective interests of the Ijaw people.
Council of Clan Chairmen Forum IYC Worldwide
CONCLUSION
The meeting was deemed an August assemblage, establishing a new benchmark for unity and inclusivity among the Clan Chairmen of the IYC. It fostered a renewed sense of direction, camaraderie, and collective determination to strengthen clan leadership for the advancement of the Ijaw nation.
The Council urges all Ijaw youths, elders, and stakeholders from across the Niger Delta to embrace this renewed spirit of unity and support the leadership of the IYC in its efforts to reposition the Ijaw struggle for justice, equity, and development.
Signatories:
Comr. Zidougha Prince Kerenim
Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Central Zone (Leader)
Comr. Collins Albert Nnah
Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Eastern Zone
Comr. Oyinkuro Wazo Zikurebai
Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Western Zone
