By Adeola Badru

The Ijaw National Congress (INC), United States Chapter, has reaffirmed its collective commitment to unity, cultural preservation, effective leadership and strategic global engagement among Ijaw people living in the diaspora.

The resolution was reached during the organisation’s inaugural joint meeting held in Houston, Texas, which also featured the formal presentation of the INC–USA Constitution and Bylaws to the newly constituted Board of Trustees (BoT).

Speaking at the event, Chairman of INC–USA, Bishop (Dr.) Ayibakuro Suobite, described the gathering as “a defining moment in the history of the Ijaw people in the United States of America.”

In a statement made available to Vanguard by the Congress, the establishment of INC–USA extended beyond organisational development and served as a strategic platform for advancing the interests, welfare, cultural identity and global visibility of the Ijaw nation.

“The establishment of INC–USA goes beyond organisational structure and represents a strategic platform for advancing the interests, welfare, cultural identity and global visibility of the Ijaw Nation,” Suobite said in the statement.

He noted that the organisation was established to set an agenda for the socio-economic advancement of the Ijaw nation while also promoting the welfare of its members both at home and across the diaspora.

Suobite stressed the significant contributions of the Ijaw people to Nigeria’s economic development, particularly through the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities at Oloibiri, in present-day Bayelsa State.

“The Ijaw nation plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic growth of the country, especially with the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in the ancient community of Oloibiri in the then Rivers State, now Bayelsa State,” he stated.

Highlighting the strategic priorities of the newly established chapter, the INC–USA Chairman listed the establishment of a functional national secretariat in Houston, Texas, the institutionalisation and expansion of the annual Ijaw Day celebration in Houston, and early preparations for hosting the 2027 INC Global Convention in the city.

Other priorities included an aggressive nationwide membership mobilisation and expansion campaign, as well as the formal inauguration of INC–USA by the National Executive Committee of INC Worldwide.

Special recognition was also accorded to the City of Houston for its historic proclamation recognising July 5 as “Ijaw Day” in Houston, Texas.

The development, he said, was described as a significant milestone reflecting the growing contributions and increasing recognition of the Ijaw people within the global diaspora community.

Suobite further called for unity among Ijaw sons and daughters across the United States, emphasising that the future success of the organisation would depend on a shared sense of purpose, integrity and visionary leadership.

“Our greatest strength is not merely our numbers; our greatest strength is our unity. Let us build a chapter that future generations will proudly inherit,” he said.

The meeting also witnessed the formal introduction of members of the proposed Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. Participants commended them for accepting the responsibility of pioneering the chapter during its formative stage.

In a related development, INC–USA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with INC Worldwide under the leadership of HRM High Chief Barrister Macdonald Igbadiwei to deepen diaspora engagement and promote the global interests of the Ijaw nation.

The organisation also reiterated its dedication to excellence, transparency, cultural preservation and service to Ijaw people across the world.

In his address, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alabo Samuel Diminas, described his unanimous appointment as a call to service and pledged to deploy his extensive experience towards repositioning the INC as a leading socio-cultural organisation both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

“Ijaw race is endowed with natural resources, but unfortunately it has not translated into its socio-economic growth,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the INC would continue to pursue constitutional means to ensure that the Ijaw nation assumes its rightful leadership position in Nigeria.

“However, with the current trend in Nigeria, the INC will do everything constitutionally to ensure that the Ijaw Nation takes its leadership position in the country,” Diminas stated.

Speaking on the presentation of the Constitution and Bylaws, the BoT Chairman stressed the importance of institutional discipline and pledged strict adherence to the organisation’s governing framework.

“On the presentation of the Constitution and Bylaws, I will work with other members of the BoT to ensure strict compliance,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Her Royal Majesty, Josephine Diete-Spiff commended the leadership of INC–USA for elevating the organisation’s profile and giving the Ijaw cause greater international recognition.

She urged INC chapters in other countries to emulate the achievements and organisational drive demonstrated by the United States chapter.

The meeting was attended by several prominent Ijaw leaders and stakeholders, including Bishop (Dr.) Ayibakuro Suobite, Chairman of INC–USA, Engr. Isaac ThankGod and numerous other members of the Ijaw community in the United States.