By Jesse Ese
National News – The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has congratulated the newly inaugurated National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, led by Dr. Doubra Okotete, describing the emergence of the new leadership as a significant milestone in the collective quest for a stronger, united and more progressive Ijaw nation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Spokesman of MOSIEND, Comrade Charles Omusuku, urged the new IYC leadership to remain committed to protecting, promoting and advancing the interests and aspirations of Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta and beyond.
Omusuku said the confidence reposed in the Doubra Okotete-led executive comes with enormous responsibility, stressing that the new leadership must provide purposeful, inclusive and visionary leadership capable of addressing the challenges confronting Ijaw youths while championing their socio-economic and political development.
He called on the new executive to place unity above every other consideration and ensure that the IYC continues to serve as a formidable platform for defending the collective interests of the Ijaw people.
According to him, the Council should continue to promote peace, constructive engagement, youth empowerment, education, environmental justice and sustainable development in the Niger Delta while maintaining its historic role as the foremost voice of Ijaw youths.
MOSIEND also commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, alongside respected Ijaw traditional rulers, elders, political leaders and stakeholders, for their commitment and sacrifices in ending the prolonged factionalisation that had bedeviled the Council.
The group described the reconciliation efforts as a landmark achievement that has restored hope and confidence among Ijaw youths, noting that the unity achieved should be sustained for the overall progress of the Ijaw nation.
Omusuku urged the Doubra Okotete-led leadership not to allow the Council to return to the era of divisions and parallel leaderships, but instead consolidate on the gains of reconciliation by embracing inclusiveness, dialogue and collective decision-making.
He further appealed to all Ijaw youths, irrespective of political affiliation, clan or state of origin, to rally behind the new leadership and support its programmes and policies aimed at strengthening the Council and advancing the common aspirations of the Ijaw people.
“MOSIEND believes that a united Ijaw Youth Council remains indispensable to the struggle for justice, equity, resource fairness, environmental protection and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. We therefore urge the newly inaugurated executive to lead with integrity, transparency, courage and selflessness.
“We congratulate Dr. Doubra Okotete and every member of the newly inaugurated executive and wish them a successful tenure as they work to preserve the unity, dignity and progress of the Ijaw nation,” the statement concluded.
