The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the umbrella body of the Ijaw ethnic nation, has commended Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for sponsoring two significant bills in the Senate.
The bills aim to establish a School of Nursing in Patani and a Polytechnic in Bomadi, both in Ijaw communities of Delta State.
In a statement signed by its President-General, Professor Benjamin Okaba, the INC expressed delight at the prospect of the institutions being located in areas long overlooked despite persistent appeals.
The statement noted that the Ijaw people in Delta State and across the globe WEre thrilled by the development, which represented a step towards addressing decades of neglect.
Okaba lamented that while Delta State boasts of the highest number of higher institutions in Nigeria, Ijaw areas had been systematically excluded.
In contrast, other ethnic groups within the state enjoy the presence of multiple institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and specialised schools.
The INC appealed to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to ensure the bills are expedited through the legislative process.
The INC urged President Bola Tinubu to use his influence to support the swift passage and assent of the bills.
It described the proposed institutions as critical to addressing the developmental needs of Delta Ijaw communities and fostering inclusivity and equity.
Prof. Okaba acknowledged the historical struggles of Ijaw representatives in advocating for such developments. Despite some serving in parliament for over two decades, meaningful progress had been elusive.
He praised Senator Onowakpo for his leadership role and inclusiveness, stating, “The reward for hard work is more work.”
The INC appealed to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to ensure the bills are expedited through the legislative process.
The congress emphasised the importance of the bills in fulfilling the long-standing educational aspirations of the Ijaw people in Delta State.
The INC reaffirmed commitment to advocating for the rights and development of Ijaw people.
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