The Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline-Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCON Youth Council) has celebrated High Chief Dr Akpos Mezeh Andy on his birthday, commending his contributions to the Ijaw Nation and oil and gas host communities in the Niger Delta.

Andy, who is the general manager of community relations and consultant at Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), was described by the council as a patriot and pioneer leader of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) who has contributed to the region’s struggle for resource control, self-determination and socio-economic development.

In a congratulatory statement issued in Abuja and made available to journalists via email, the council, through its spokesperson, Snr Comr Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, also known as Gen Osama, praised Andy for his longstanding advocacy for the rights and welfare of the Ijaw people.

The council said Andy played significant roles in the Ijaw struggle, particularly as chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, and as a pioneer leader of the organisation among the Ijaw diaspora in the United Kingdom.

It also recalled his role in mobilising Ijaw people in support of the late former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, during a critical period in the Niger Delta struggle.

According to the council, Andy’s advocacy reflected the aspirations of the Ijaw people for justice, equitable resource control and an end to the marginalisation of oil and gas-producing communities.

The council further commended his work at PINL, citing initiatives in employment generation, youth and women’s empowerment, student scholarships, community infrastructure and support for host-community residents.

It said such efforts had contributed to community development and strengthened relations between oil and gas operators and their host communities.

The council added that Andy’s commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta demonstrated the importance of sustained engagement in promoting peace, development and prosperity across the region.

It described his birthday as an opportunity to recognise his contributions to the Ijaw Nation, oil and gas-producing communities and the wider Niger Delta.

The council prayed for good health, renewed strength, wisdom and greater accomplishments for Andy as he continues his work in community development and regional peacebuilding.

It concluded by describing him as “a distinguished patriot and outstanding proud son of the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta.”