By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The organizers of the Pre-Summit Conference of the 1st Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit which took place from October 17-18, 2024, in Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa has recounted successes achieved.

The event which was organized by the Azaiki Foundation in partnership with the Ijaw National Congress, INC, brought key stakeholders, leaders, and experts together to discuss the economic development and sustainability of the Ijaw region.

Meanwhile, the event closed with a call to action, urging stakeholders to implement the strategies discussed to secure a prosperous future for the Ijaw people, while the main summit is scheduled to hold on December 3 to 5, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.  

According to a statement made available to Vanguard, President of the Azaiki Foundation, Prof. Steve Azaiki, said that the summit was a significant step towards ensuring the Ijaw people benefit from the rich resources of their land.

Azaiki said: “We are committed to fostering an environment that promotes economic resilience and sustainable practices in the Ijaw region”.

However, the pre-summit conference themed: “Environmental Regeneration and Economic Sustainability”,addressed critical topics and featured six thematic areas, including marine economy opportunities, environmental regeneration, prevention of oil theft, and human capital development; as well as infrastructural security in the Niger Delta.

 The event emphasized that environmental regeneration and economic sustainability in the Ijaw region should not rely solely on government efforts but require proactive involvement from the Ijaw people themselves.

Keynote speakers included H.E. Sir Siminilayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, represented by Chief Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, and Ambassador Godknows Igali, representing former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who served as the Chief Special Guest of Honor. The South East-South South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN), represented by Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, presented a goodwill message, highlighting the importance of the Development Agenda South East-South South 2035 (DASESS 2035) for discussion at the main summit.