93RD URHOBO NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION: Ijaw National Congress Calls for Unity and Collaboration for Prosperity

TEXT OF THE GOODWILL MESSAGE DELIVERED TO THE URHOBO PROGRESS UNION (UPU) BY PROF. BENJAMIN OGELE OKABA, PRESIDENT OF THE IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC) WORLDWIDE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 93RD URHOBO NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION AT THE URHOBO HOUSE, UVWIAMUGE AGBARHO, DELTA STATE, ON DECEMBER 6, 2024

1. I respectfully acknowledge the presence of esteemed dignitaries at this momentous occasion and commend the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for inviting the Ijaw Nation to celebrate this milestone. On behalf of the 40 million Ijaw people under the Ijaw National Congress (INC), I congratulate the Urhobo Nation and the UPU for 93 years of impactful leadership and advocacy.

2. The Ijaw Nation sees its participation here as both a privilege and an obligation, reflecting shared histories, challenges, and aspirations for greatness. Our deep socio-economic and biological ties underscore the bond between the Urhobo and Ijaw, evident in our mutual presence in each other’s communities and shared heritage.

3. Cultural similarities, including traditional leadership systems, ancestral reverence, vibrant ceremonies, community-focused livelihoods, and respect for authority, reinforce our unity. These values must be preserved and passed down to future generations to foster peaceful coexistence.

4. As ethnic leaders, we must build on our shared traits and downplay divisive tendencies. Disagreements are normal, but we must avoid conflicts that could harm our collective progress.

5. The theme of today’s celebration, “Repositioning the Urhobo Nation for More Prosperity,” is timely, considering our nation’s precarious state.

6. The Urhobo Nation is abundantly blessed, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy through oil, gas, cassava, and palm oil production, alongside notable achievements in arts, sports, business, and governance.

7. However, repositioning requires introspection to address obstacles such as disunity, dishonesty, underinvestment in infrastructure, cultural decline, and ineffective representation.

8. I commend His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori for his efforts through the M.O.R.E. Agenda in addressing challenges in Delta State. The Ijaw Nation hopes these developmental strides extend to our communities, recognizing our significant contributions to state and national growth.

9. I congratulate the UPU leadership under Olorogun Barr Ese Gam Owe and urge them to remain focused on uniting and advancing the Urhobo Nation.

10. As President of the Conference of Presidents-General of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, I encourage the Urhobo to support the region’s advocacy for:

True federalism (restructuring, resource control, and devolution of power)

Repeal of harmful environmental laws

Environmental remediation

Resuscitation of ports and infrastructure

Equitable participation in the Blue Economy

Returning multinational headquarters to the Niger Delta

Modular refineries to combat oil theft

Fair federal appointments and infrastructure distribution.

11. These goals are critical for peace, prosperity, and development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

12. The Ijaw Nation has always supported Urhobo leadership aspirations in Delta State. As we approach another election cycle, where power should rotate to Delta South, we urge the UPU to consider the Ijaw’s historical support and grant us the first right of refusal, given past opportunities enjoyed by the Itsekiri.

13. Once again, I thank you for the invitation and wish you a successful 93rd Anniversary celebration.

Prof. Benjamin Okaba

President, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide

LONG LIVE URHOBO NATION!

LONG LIVE IJAW NATION!

LONG LIVE THE NIGER DELTA REGION!

LONG LIVE NIGERIA!