IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS LAUNCHES WEST AFRICAN (GHANA) CHAPTER, CALLS FOR DIASPORA COMMITMENT TO SELF DETERMINATION

[Abigail pereowei]

In a historic stride towards the internationalisation of the Ijaw struggle for self-determination, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global, under the leadership of its President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, has inaugurated the West African (Ghana) Chapter of the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw people.

The event, which took place in Accra on Sunday, 31st August 2025, coincided with Professor Okaba’s Fellowship Award Ceremony and brought together Ijaw sons and daughters from across the region.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Okaba outlined the history, objectives, achievements, and future prospects of the INC, stressing the urgent need for a structured diaspora front to complement the struggle at home. He emphasised that the establishment of the Ghana Chapter was not only timely but strategic in advancing the globalisation of the Ijaw cause.

A caretaker committee was constituted to oversee the affairs of the new chapter until all constitutional requirements for a formal inauguration are fulfilled.

Professor Okaba, in his keynote address, underscored that the Ijaw quest for self-determination is anchored on international law and historical truth, clarifying that it is neither secessionist nor rebellious but a legitimate demand for justice and sovereignty. He lamented the decades of environmental degradation, economic exploitation, and systemic marginalisation suffered by the Niger Delta, citing alarming figures on oil spills, gas flaring, and dwindling derivation benefits.

He further announced a new strategic direction for the Congress shifting focus from Abuja’s deaf corridors to the global stage through diplomatic engagement with international bodies, civil society, and human rights defenders.

Highlighting the critical role of the diaspora, Professor Okaba charged Ijaw communities in West Africa to
1. Organise immediately into functional structures with legal, media, finance, and youth mobilisation committees.
2. Leverage host nations by engaging civil society, media, and policy makers in West Africa.
3. Amplify the Ijaw struggle through digital platforms, storytelling, and advocacy.
4. Support the homeland with skills, networks, and international visibility beyond remittances.
5. Serve as true ambassadors of Ijaw values, truth, courage, resilience, peace, and hospitality while shunning violence and criminality.

In conclusion, he declared that the Ijaw struggle is at a decisive stage, urging unity, sacrifice, and renewed commitment from the diaspora.

“We are not victims; we are a resilient nation rising to claim our destiny. The Ijaw nation expects every one of you to do your duty,” he affirmed.

The event marks a new chapter in the global mobilisation of Ijaw people, with the Ghana Chapter set to become a vital platform for advocacy, solidarity, and international engagement.

Signed;

Prof. Benjamin Okaba
President of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide.

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