Ijaw Diaspora Council to showcase culture at 2022 convention in US

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC) says it will showcase its rich and colourful culture and tradition to the global audience during the 2022 convention in the United States.

This is contained in a statement by Prof Mondy Gold, President of IDC issued on Saturday In Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.

Gold said that the convention has been slated to hold from July 1 to July 3.

According to him, three revered Kings of the Niger Delta took their culture and ancient tradition to the international scene in the US.

Gold stated that several stakeholders, partners, business moguls, investors, diplomats and political strategists have been invited to brainstorm òn development of the Ijaw homeland.

“Part of the 2022 Ijaw Diaspora Convention highlights will be the Ijaw States Cultural and Economic Exhibition and Ijaw Fashion Parade.

“The convention which will hold in New Jersey, US, is in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in New York, the Bayelsa State Government and the New York Chamber of Commerce.                       

“The IDC is recognising the contributions and leadership of Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, Major Isaac Adaka Boro, and many other leaders, economic freedom fighters, nationalists and minority rights activists from Nigeria’s Ijaw land.

“We have included a display of Ijaw socio-cultural and traditional activities in two US cities: New York City and Newark New Jersey, as part of the activities to mark the shared commitments and aspirations,” IDC stated.

IDC, a US-based group of Ijaws dedicated to integrating and achieving the pledges of past and current leaders to equal rights and important legacies.

Gold said the group aimed at economic emancipation, infrastructure development and industrialisation of Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

According to him, the event will include an Ijaw Diaspora lecture and the presentation of awards to distinguished royal fathers, sons, and daughters of the Ijaw nation who have impacted several spheres of our local, national and international life.

Gold said that the 2022 convention would mark the 60th anniversary of effective Ijaw leaders dedicated to serving Ijaw interests in Nigeria.

He said that the convention has as its theme: “The Emergence of the Ijaw Voice in the Diaspora – Hope for the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality!”

The three kings are King (Dr) Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple 111, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom, HRM King (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Amanayabo of Opobo Kingdom, and Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers.

“Their majesties would aim to help the Nigerian government in their personal capacity to woo investors and industrialists to Nigeria and particularly to the Ijaw nation of the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

“The investment will seek to expand the economy, create jobs and economically industrialise the swamps and effectively harness the marine environment, to prosper the people, prevent sea pirates and encourage the building of bridges to link the sea towns for industrialisation and commercial activities,” IDC stated.