Excitement filled the atmosphere as the Assistant Secretary General, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC), Amb Egelu Edise-Emi Bright, empowered Ijaw youths in the Lagos State chapter of the council with point-of-sale (POS) machines and starter cash.
The event which held at Benny Hotel in Festac, Lagos State on Saturday featured a symposium, music, and various cultural displays marking the first anniversary of the Bright in office.
The initiative is in line with the council’s determination to alleviate the lingering unemployment crisis through wealth creation and sustainable economic growth strategies.
In his address, Bright stated that the IYC is a pressure group for resource control, stressing the paramount need to give back to the people.
He affirmed that this gesture underscores the IYC’s commitment, under the leadership of its President, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, to alleviating the sufferings of the less privileged in the Ijaw Nation.
Bright clarified that the empowerment initiative specifically targets those who yearn to earn a daily income through legitimate means and create investment opportunities that will bring them tranquillity and peace of mind.
“The IYC is an Ijaw revolutionary body, not just for resource control but to make sure the Ijaw ethnic region is being placed as a priority. This event marks my one-year in office with my president.
“This is a program that will benefit youths like me across all the IYC zones. I want you to know that this is just phase one, as more of these will unfold.”
Lokpobiri in his remarks expressed gratitude for the support shown to the host.
He emphasized that the event is a motivation for Bright to continue contributing significantly to the growth and development of the Ijaw people in Lagos State.
Lokpobiri also underscored the council’s non-monetary orientation, emphasizing its reliance on goodwill to facilitate conscientious and effective service provision
“The council is not a money-making organisation, but relies on goodwill, especially when you serve a people and the people recognise the humble conditions you’re making towards them, they will support you.
“And with that little privilege, our brother, Amb Egelu Edise-Emi Bright, has thought it wise to give back to society.”
The IYC helmsman highlighted that the gesture reflects the Assistant Secretary General’s dedication to advancing financial opportunities for young people.
While encouraging them to cherish the limited opportunities they have, emphasizing the importance of peace and unity in the country, he admonished the Lagos Chapter to adamantly refrain from undermining fellow Ijaw individuals for the pursuit of financial gain in politics.
“If you are diligent, there is a God available to prosper you. There are people in this country today who have become rich by diligence. Somebody can give you five million Naira, and the next day, you are back in the street if there is no diligence to manage the resources given to you.
“We are now witnessing in the Ijaw Nation where we fight to pull down ourselves just to benefit from money offered by politicians. We need peace and unity in our country.
“The council cannot go through a divided house, especially when there is a fair leadership commitment to ensuring harmony amongst us as a people.”
Comrade Tikima L. Arigban, the Chairman of IYC Lagos Chapter, expressed gratitude to the attendees and commended Amb Egelu for organizing the event.
He underscored the role of the IYC as a pressure group dedicated to upholding traditional culture and safeguarding the interests of the Ijaw Nation.
The event included impactful lectures on “Human Power Development: A Pathway to a Peaceful and Greater Ijaw Nation,” delivered by Comrade Baitei Fukpele.
He commended Bright for empowering Lagos Chapter youth with essential skills they need to succeed rather than handouts, quoting the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Comrade Godspower Fiyebo Eperete, a senior point-of-sales (POS) associate at Perecity Enterprise, underscored the significance of the code of conduct, dedication, and discipline in the POS business during his presentation to the beneficiaries.
The event was graced by the presence of notable individuals such as Prof. D. D. Moro, Comrade Freedom Atigbi, IYC Deputy President, Comrade Ari Fekorigha, IYC Director of Mobilisation, Comrade Victor-Gow Ayebatari, IYC Financial Secretary and Mallam Africa (MC).
Others are Comrade Godspower Fiyebo Eperete, Pst Ebitimi Dio-Posibi (Guest of Honour), Comrade Tikima Arigban, Chairman IYC Lagos Chapter, High Chief James A. Stephen, Amananaowei of Ijaw, Ajegunle, Apapa, Elder Regent Youmor (Father of the Day).
Elder Asu Beks, renowned maritime journalist, Comrade Anthony Oki, Comrade Owen Naphtali, Mr Barnabas McClint Ebiede and Comrade Pius from IYDA were also in attendance.
