…as diasporans celebrate Ijaw leaders, culture
The City of Houston in Texas has officially proclaimed July 5th as “Ijaw Convention Day,” a significant recognition for the vibrant Ijaw community in the United States.
The proclamation, signed by Houston Mayor John Whitmire, was presented to the Ijaw National Congress of the Americas (INC-A) on Saturday, July 5, 2025, during the award night and unveiling of the Ijaw Cultural and Heritage Centre. The events were part of the three-day Second Ijaw Global Convention, held at the Marriott Hotel in Westchase under the theme: “Effective Leadership in Ijaw Nation.”
The document was received by the Governor-General of the Ijaw nation and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe, alongside the INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and the INC-A Chairman, Mr. Ken Anga.
Mayor Whitmire lauded the Ijaw community in Houston and across the U.S. as “a vibrant and growing segment of the Nigerian-American diaspora, contributing significantly to business, education, energy, healthcare, culture, and civic life – particularly in the Greater Houston area.”
He acknowledged their contributions to the city’s cultural diversity and spirit of enterprise, noting that the convention serves as a vital platform for cultural preservation, unity, and international collaboration.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Governor Diri expressed his appreciation for the proclamation, stating it was heartwarming and would strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and the United States. He urged his kinsmen to continue being great ambassadors of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and to contribute to economic growth and development back home.
Governor Diri also commended the INC and INC-A for the well-organized convention, pledging the Bayelsa government’s support for activities that promote the Ijaw identity globally.
“A family that does not sit together to discuss will lose their land,” Governor Diri remarked, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings for unity and identity preservation.
He highlighted his administration’s commitment to promoting the Ijaw language, citing the employment of over 350 language teachers and a state legislation making Izon teaching compulsory in schools.
President of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba and Mr. Ken Anga also conveyed their gratitude to the City of Houston, expressing belief that the proclamation would inspire the Ijaw community to greater achievements in America and beyond.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who delivered a goodwill message virtually due to other pressing commitments, underscored the timeliness of the convention.
“This convention is timely as it offers an opportunity for reunion and reaffirmation of our identity and values as Ijaw people,” Dr. Jonathan stated.
He urged Ijaw people to uphold values of justice, truth, unity, and equity, stressing the importance of collective work towards shared success and progress, regardless of political differences.
The convention featured presentations on leadership, socio-cultural, developmental, and environmental issues impacting the Ijaw nation.
Speakers included King Bubaraye Dakolo of Ekpetiama kingdom, Dr. Seiyifa Koroye (Pere of Tarakiri kingdom), Prof. Engobo Emeseh of the University of Bradford, and Dr. Sam Jaja, a leadership and financial management expert.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to prominent Ijaw figures and leaders. Honorees included former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State; Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara (represented by SSG Dr. Tammy Danagogo); former Bayelsa Governor and Senator, Chief Seriake Dickson; Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; former Executive Secretary, NCDMB, High Chief Amagbe Kentebe; and INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba.
Other notable individuals recognized were King Bubaraye Dakolo, King Shadrach Erebulu (Pere of Kabowei kingdom), oil magnate Chief Ken Etete, and President of Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri. A posthumous honor was also bestowed upon the late Ijaw icon, Pa Edwin Clark
