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A new National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was on Thursday inaugurated in Warri, Delta State, with prominent Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders witnessing the ceremony.
The newly inaugurated executives include High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei as President, Dr. Okubokeme Tuodolo as Vice President I, Rose Obuoforibo as Vice President II, Kennedy Odiowei as Vice President III, and Dr. Ayanate Kio as Secretary.
The officials emerged during the INC National Convention held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in April 2026.
The inauguration formally marked the end of the five-year tenure of the immediate past INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, who delivered a valedictory address at the event.
Among dignitaries present were Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo; Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro; traditional rulers; federal and state lawmakers; government officials; members of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC); and other stakeholders of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation.
In his farewell speech, Okaba said the INC recorded remarkable progress during his administration, noting that the organisation had strengthened its relevance within the global community.
He urged the new leadership under Igbadiwei to sustain the unity of the Ijaw nation, preserve Ijaw culture and continue advocacy for the creation of additional local government areas in Bayelsa State, which currently has only eight councils.
Okaba also commended the INC Electoral Committee headed by retired Justice F. F. Tabai for conducting what he described as a credible election that ensured a smooth transition process.
He advised the new executives to uphold the constitution of the INC in the discharge of their responsibilities and called on stakeholders, clans and community leaders to support the new administration.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated INC President, High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei, described the event as a historic moment for the Ijaw nation.
He pledged to promote unity and development among Ijaw people while protecting and projecting their socio-political and economic interests.
Igbadiwei lamented what he described as the imbalance in the allocation of local government areas, noting that Bayelsa State contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy but has only eight LGAs, unlike some states with over 40 councils despite contributing less.
He assured that the new leadership would continue to pursue equity and justice for the Ijaw nation, adding that the peaceful transition reflected the democratic ideals and internal cohesion of the INC.
Also speaking, the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, congratulated the new executives and expressed confidence in their ability to reposition the organisation.
“As a stakeholder in the Ijaw nation, I have confidence in the ability of the new leadership of the Ijaw National Congress under High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei to give the Ijaw nation a new direction,” Otuaro stated.
He urged the new leadership to strengthen unity, peace and love among Ijaw people.
