Ijaw National Congress (INC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to leverage his presidential influence to support the swift passage of some bills through the National Assembly and to give his assent promptly once they are passed.
The bills, sponsored by the senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas are seeking to establish a School of Nursing in Patani, Patani local government area and a Polytechnic in Bomadi, Bomadi local government area, both in Ijaw- areas in Delta State.
The appeal is contained in a statement signed by the president general of Ijaw National Congress (Worldwide), Prof Benjamin Okaba, who also pleaded with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to ensure that these bills are expedited through the legislative process.
Okaba who commended Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, added that the significance of the bills cannot be overstated, as they directly address the long-standing educational aspirations of the Ijaw people of Delta State.
“The Senator has demonstrated rare leadership and inclusiveness in championing the cause of the Ijaw people. These projects represent the most meaningful way to address the developmental yearnings of the Delta Ijaws.”
Okaba stated that the Ijaw people, both in Delta State and across the globe are thrilled at the prospects of having such higher institutions finally located in their long-neglected communities.
“For decades, the Ijaw people of Delta State have consistently advocated for the establishment of higher institutions in their areas, regretting those appeals have fallen on deaf ears.
“Nearly all other ethnic groups within the state have benefited from these institutions, the Ijaw areas have been systematically overlooked.”
The statement, further added that; “Regrettably, this marginalization persisted despite the fact that Ijaw representatives have served in parliament for extended periods some for over two decades.
“This makes Senator Joel Onowakpo’s efforts even more commendable, as he has demonstrated rare leadership and inclusiveness in championing the cause of the Ijaw people. To Senator Onowakpo, the Ijaw National Congress says: The reward for hard work is more work.
“Mr. President, we trust in your leadership and commitment to equity and inclusivity. This is a golden opportunity to bring lasting change to a community that has endured decades of neglect,” Okaba noted.
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