IPF (Ijaw Publishers’ Forum) Media Conference 2024 Maiden Edition communiqué
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) hosted its first Media Conference and Annual Dialogue with the theme “Advancing the Quest for Economic and Political Justice” at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. The event featured a thorough discussion of various issues that impact the Ijaw Nation.
Top government leaders, environmental activists, and media professionals were among those who attended the conference.
The conference discussed the partisan political rift in the Ijaw Nation and, as a result, condemned such an act.
The conference also examined how certain Ijaw political office holders responded to their fellow Ijaw. According to the conference, there have been cases of Ijaw political office holders closing their doors to their fellow Ijaw and, more significantly, favoring outsiders over their Ezor brothers and Sisters in terms of aid.
The conference voiced concerns about a few national issues that have a consequence on the Ijaw Nation. The conference focused specifically on the ongoing discussion on Tax reform measures in the National Assembly and the Ijaw people’s seeming silence
At the conclusion of the discussion, the 2024 Media Conference and Annual Dialogue decided on the following:
Demands for resource management and self-determination have grown as a result of the Nigerian Federal Government’s marginalization and mistreatment of the Niger Delta people.
That the Ijaw people and the region as a whole are demanding more control and autonomy over their natural resources since they still bear the brunt of the country’s oil wealth.
That the urgent problems affecting the Niger Delta region, including environmental deterioration, economic marginalization, and political isolation, must be addressed right away by the federal government and other interested parties.
That in order to confront the continuing marginalization and seek a better future for themselves and their children, the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta as a whole must stand together and be resolute.
That despite the long-standing issues facing the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta region—such as environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion—the region, and Ijaw Nation in particular, must continue to be resilient and committed to fighting for their rights.
That until their voices are heard and their rights are upheld, the Ijaw people must keep fighting against political, economic, and environmental injustice.
In addition to calling for more inclusive and representative governance, the conference called for increased investment in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
It is imperative that Ijaw people unite and adopt a unified stance on the Tax reform bills currently being debated in the National Assembly. Additionally, the Ijaw Nation must assemble its brightest minds, especially those in the legal profession, to critically examine the bill and adopt an anonymous stance while the NASS gets ready for the public hearing.
that Ijaw leaders, especially those in political position, should maintain an open door policy, welcome Ijaw brothers and sisters into their offices, and offer support when needed.
That the Niger Delta region and the Ijaw Nation would lose if they were unable to unite and fight as one.
That the Ijaw people themselves, who have always positioned themselves as their own obstacle, are the determining factor in the Ijaw people’s unity.
That because of the self-centered actions of certain leaders who constantly prioritize their own interests, the Ijaw Nation has not advanced despite the Ijaw people’s aspirations for political, environmental, social, and economic liberation. Therefore, the interests of the Ijaw Nation should come first for those politicians who represent the Ijaw people or the Nation in the governmental organs.
That in order to advance Ijaw Nation, the Ijaw people must seriously consider what they consider to be fairness and prioritize it.
That the Ijaw people have to hold their sons and daughters responsible, as well as institutions that have beentray their interests.
The armed struggle against the Federal Government and multinational corporations that began with the INC and IYC has changed, claiming that it has turned into a personal battle that has exacerbated the Ijaw people’s neglect, poverty, environmental genocide, and general unrest in the Ijaw Nation. This is in contrast to the benefits of democracy, justice, and development, which have been overthrown by self-interest.
That in order for the Ijaw Nation to prosper, its citizens must make sure that their languages, cultural identity, customs, and values are preserved for future generations. They must also work to eliminate internal divisions by fostering social cohesiveness across the Ijaw Nation, irrespective of zonal differences.
Even though the Niger Delta is a region that produces gas and oil, the conference also addressed the problem of poverty there, particularly among Ijaw people.
That through the Ministry of the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the Amnesty Program, the governors of the Niger Delta region—especially those from the Ijaw extraction—should encourage entrepreneurship and educational opportunities for the populace.
That the Ijaw people must engage in politics that serves their interests. If its leaders want to escape political enslavement, they should take the initiative and start their own political parties.
that Ijaw media professionals who are presenting the Ezor story accurately should receive financial support from Ijaw leaders and all prosperous Ijaw sons and daughters.
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