Izon Egberi a Think Tank of Ijaw professionals in diverse fields has called on Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC and the National Executive Council, NEC to quickly mobilise Ijaw professionals in diverse sectors in Nigeria and abroad to structure a response to the huge developmental challenges that confront the Ijaw ethnic nationality. This is against ongoing reality of frightening Nigeria wide insecurity and economic pressures.
The call is contained in congratulatory message to Prof Okaba and the INC NEC which was inaugurated Friday May 14,2021 at Ijaw Wari Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The INC is the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaws who are indigenous to six states including Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Ondo and Akwa Ibom.
In the press statement signed by the President Izon Egberi worldwide, Mr. Rowland Ekperi and Secretary, Dr. Ebiapko Kakandar, the group stated that, ”We call for work to commence immediately as time equals survival in this time of our history as a people and as we fully understand that no leadership can succeed without the full participation and active support of the people. We Izon Egberi, a Think Tank devoted to providing solutions to enhance the growth and development of the Ijaw nation, assure you and your team of our fullest support. All you need do is call on us and other productive Ijaw organisations, both home and abroad for our partnership and support,’
The group reminded the INC leadership of the current dire situation of insecurity and economic downturn confronting individuals and communities in the country, a reason for the keen interest and participation of active groups such as Izon Egberi in the processes that led to the April 30, 2021 elections.
Prof Okaba and officials in the NEC had emerged victorious in the keenly followed elections in which voting was by electronic means and had delegates within Nigeria, The United States , United Kingdom and Canada able to cast their votes.