President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Benjamin Ogele Okaba, has declared that the struggle of the Ijaw people must evolve from mere protest to strategic and intellectual engagement at both national and international levels.
Okaba made the declaration while delivering his address at the 2026 Ijaw National Convention, where he reviewed the performance of his administration and outlined the challenges and future direction of the Ijaw nation.
Welcoming delegates to the convention, the INC president described the gathering as a major milestone in the Ijaw struggle, noting that it provides an opportunity for reflection, strategic planning and leadership renewal.
According to him, the convention also offered the outgoing National Executive Council the chance to present a report of its stewardship after nearly five years in office.
Okaba said the condition of the Ijaw nation remains a contradiction, explaining that although the region forms the economic backbone of Nigeria through its oil and gas resources, many Ijaw communities still face infrastructural neglect and socio-economic marginalization.
He observed that while some sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation have attained high political offices, the collective political strength of the people remains weakened by divisions and systemic structures that fragment their voice.
The INC president noted that the lack of opportunities for young people remains one of the most troubling issues confronting the Ijaw nation.
He reiterated that the demand for environmental justice, resource control and self-determination remains legitimate, describing it as a fundamental human right recognized under international law.
According to him, lasting peace and development in the Niger Delta can only be achieved when these demands are addressed.
Reviewing the achievements of his administration, Okaba explained that his leadership sought to reposition the Ijaw struggle by shifting its approach from reactive activism to strategic global engagement.
He said one of the key achievements of the administration was the effort to unify previously fragmented voices within the Ijaw nation so that the people could speak with one coordinated and influential voice.
The administration also pursued projects aimed at preserving the Ijaw language and cultural heritage, which studies have warned could be at risk of extinction.
Okaba commended the government of Bayelsa State under Governor Douye Diri for recruiting more than 500 vernacular teachers and deploying them to schools across the state to teach the Ijaw language.
He further noted that universities in the region, including Niger Delta University and Federal University Otuoke, have incorporated Ijaw language studies into their academic programmes.
In a bid to strengthen the documentation of Ijaw history and heritage, the INC leadership also supported the publication of a scholarly book compiling research contributions from dozens of academics across the world.
Okaba said the book was produced to enable the Ijaw people to document their own history and cultural experiences.
The administration also collaborated with research organizations to produce documentation on environmental sustainability and ecological regeneration in the Niger Delta.
Another major initiative highlighted was a territorial mapping project designed to clearly define the geographic spread of Ijaw communities across several states.
The map, according to Okaba, forms part of the intellectual and diplomatic strategy aimed at strengthening the identity and geopolitical recognition of the Ijaw nation.
Through these efforts, he said, the INC secured international recognition for the Ijaw people by obtaining a permanent seat at the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization.
Okaba noted that participation in the UNPO platform has enabled the Ijaw nation to present its case directly to the international community and engage with other groups advocating self-determination and minority rights.
Despite these achievements, the INC president acknowledged that the organization faced significant financial challenges during his tenure.
He explained that the inability to transform the INC into a self-funding institution made it difficult to hold regular meetings and conventions as required by the organization’s constitution.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the administration managed available resources prudently and would leave office without incurring any debt.
As the tenure of the current executive council approaches its end, Okaba urged the incoming leadership to build on the foundations already laid and strengthen the intellectual and diplomatic engagement of the Ijaw nation.
He also stressed the importance of unity among Ijaw leaders and communities, warning that internal divisions could weaken the collective struggle.
The INC president further announced plans for a smooth transition of leadership within the organization.
According to him, for the first time in the history of the INC, there will be a transition period during which the outgoing and incoming presidents will work together for about two months before the formal handover.
Okaba explained that the arrangement would ensure continuity and provide the incoming leadership with adequate time to understand the workings of the organization.
While reflecting on his tenure, he admitted that the administration recorded both achievements and shortcomings but expressed confidence that the foundations laid would support the continued advancement of the Ijaw cause.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful transition and maintain unity within the organization as the Ijaw nation continues its pursuit of justice, development and recognition.