IYC EASTERN ZONE INAUGURATES ZONAL EXECUTIVES, PRESENTS ZONAL BLUEPRINTS & OFFICIALLY OPENS SECRETARIAT

Friday the 26th of September 2014 marked another milestone in the history of the Ijaw Youth Council Eastern Zone as it witnessed the formal inauguration ceremony of IYC Eastern zonal executives/clan exco and presentation of Eastern zonal Blueprint.

Similarly, the hugely attended programme also witnessed the official opening of IYC Eastern zonal Secretariat office located at N0. 17 Igbokwe Street D. line Port Harcourt.

Making his remark during the event the Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council Eastern Zone, Comrade Peter Timothy Igbifa expressed joy at the tripartite event, saying he is thankful to his ever supportive exco who has been a pillar, and all others who has kept faith and belief to ensure the zone is taking to another pedestal. Igbifa said he is more than elated over the extent of progress witnessed since his assumption of office and called for continued co-operation and understanding by members to achieve the zonal objective.

The IYC Eastern zonal chairman said the opening of a brand new Eastern zone Secretariat and inauguration of a new executives and clan heads are clear indication that the membership of the Eastern zone is united and resolved to move forward in spite of the handiwork of detractors. He assured that the issue of employment, empowerment and industrial subjugation will be tackled head on.

Though he acknowledges that his assumption of office has been quite challenging, he said God has been faithful while the resolve of his exco and the huge support base of the entire membership of the zone has been a blessing. ”The present exco is committed to effect changes that will change the cause of history in the zone” he said, adding that the initial storm has been tamed and has consequently turned out a stepping stone to greater things for the Eastern zone.

The IYC Eastern zone chairman once again reiterated the support of the zone to the re-election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. According to him “ IYC has sounded it loud and clear that its support for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's re – election for a second term come 2015 is non-negotiable; we are solidly behind him”.

According to him, with the giant strides of President Jonathan's administration through his well articulated transformation agenda, anything short of his re-election to complete the second tenure will be a great disservice to the country. He urged the President to declare for a second term to consolidate on the successes he has instituted.

Hear him:“Nigeria have never had it this good, that is why IYC Eastern zone is unequivocally endorsing and calling Mr. President to declare for a second term to enable the GOODLUCK continue”.

While inaugurating the leadership of the various clans the chairman urged them to imbibe the spirit of the Kiama declaration. He reminded them that IYC motto still remain 'Resource Control and Self Determination By Any Means Necessary', advising the lot to always act within the accepted standard provided by the body so as to continue to represent the Ijaw cause. On Ijaw Governor for Rivers state come 2015, he said, “ the clamour for the enthronement of aRivers Ijaw governor is one that can never be swept under the carpet, IYC as a group will ensure it mobilizes and sensitizes the people on the need to have an Ijaw man as the next Governor of the state come 2015.

While suing for peace, he advised the newly inaugurated excos to always run an all inclusive government based on unity, equity and fair play.

Present at the event was also the National General Secretary of IYC Worldwide, Comrade Emmanuel Bristol Alagbariya who called for continued unity. He commended the Peter Timothy Igbifa led administration on the innovations enthroned so far, noting that the key to taking the zone to another level is continued unity and belief in one another. He assured them that IYC Eastern zone will continue to be a model for others to follow.

Highlight of the event was the official presentation of the IYC Eastern Zone Blueprint by the chairman of the committee. The blueprint we gathered is expected to direct the actions and inactions of the IYC in the next three years.

Members of IYC Eastern zonal Elders forum were fully represented as the historical official hoisting of the various clan flags was done by the chairman of the zone, Comrade Peter Timothy Igbifa.

Eastern zonal executives inaugurated includes; Ibani (Bonny) Clan, Ibeno Clan, Opobo Clan, Unyeada Clan, Kalabari Clan, Nkoro Clan, Okrika Clan, Bille Clan, Ataba Clan, Ngo Clan, Asarama Clan and Port Harcourt Special Area.