Leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide have called on President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to prioritise the funding and autonomy of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State.
In a statement signed yesterday by IYC national spokesman, Comrade Bedford Berefa, to commemorate the life and legacy of Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, he said the university plays a pivotal role in advancing education and research in maritime studies, yet it suffers from chronic underfunding.
Berefa said granting the university financial autonomy will enhance its capacity to fulfill its mandate and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta.
He stated that the plight of communities affected by oil spills, including the Foropa oil spill cannot be overlooked, which has continued to inflict immense hardship and suffering on the people of the region.
He urged the federal government to expedite efforts to remediate these sites and provide necessary support to affected communities, ensuring that they receive justice and restitution for their losses.
The IYC spokesman commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the Niger Delta, notably through the construction of major roads and railways, particularly the Lagos-Calabar coastal road that has improved connectivity and accessibility for communities in the region.
He said, “These infrastructural investments are critical steps towards addressing longstanding challenges and fostering sustainable development in the oil rich region. However, while progress has been made, there is more work.
“We need the Federal Government to demonstrate greater dedication to more infrastructural development of the Niger Delta such as; ensuring that essential projects are prioritized and adequately funded to meet the needs of the region’s inhabitants.
“We urge the government to address disparities in access to opportunities and resources. Despite initiatives such as conditional cash transfers and SME projects, the participation of Ijaw people remains disproportionately low, with less than 15% of Ijaw-speaking states benefiting from these programs. It is imperative to implement inclusive policies that empower marginalized communities and promote equitable development.
“We demand that the federal government should facilitate the reconstruction and where necessary, the rehabilitation of the East West Road. As we honor the memory of our legend, Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, let us recommit ourselves to advancing his vision of a just and equitable society for all.”
Berefa, however, called on the Niger Delta governors to focus on human resource oriented governance for the welfare of the people as well as the progress of the region, and urged the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to remain resolute in his work for the progress of the people of the state.
He disclosed that the IYC is making plans to get the federal allocation to each Niger Delta state from the National Bureau of Statistics and also condemned in totality, the recent gas explosion allegedly owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Bayelsa State.
