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Ijaw Youth Council introduction(1998)
The Ijaw Youth Council founded on the 11 December 1998 is a sociopolitical/ Pressure organization in Nigeria, representing the interest of the Ijaw people, the fourth largest ethnic groups in Nigeria
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Founded in Kaiama
The Ijaw Youth Council was founded in Kaiama, Bayelsa State on the 11th day of December, 1998 during a period of Intense activism and agitation for the rights of the Niger Delta people, with Dr. Felix Tuodolo as pioneer president.
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Ijaw Youth Council Emergence
The IYC emerged as a response to the longstanding grievances over environmental degradation, economic marginalization and political disenfranchisement faced by the Ijaw people and other communities in the oil rich Niger Delta.
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Kaiama Declaration
The IYC was established following the Kaiama Declaration, a document that articulated the demands of the Ijaw people for greater control over their natural resources, environmental protection and self determination.
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Primary Purpose
The organizations' primary purpose is to advocate for the rights and the interest of the Ijaw people particularly in relation to exploitation of oil and gas resources in their land.
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Notable Leaders Produced
The organization has also been involved in broader national issues advocating for federalism, resource control and the protection of the minority rights in Nigeria.
The IYC has produced several notable leaders who have played significant roles in Nigerian politics and the Niger Delta struggle. The organizations leadership is influential in local and national politics and its decisions can impact the broader sociopolitical landscape in the Niger delta.
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Strong Stance Against Exploitations
The IYC has been actively involved in various forms of advocacy, ranging from peaceful protests and negotiations to more militant actions. The group is known for strong stance against the exploitation of the Niger Delta's resources by multinational oil companies and the NIgerian government without adequate compensation or development in the region.
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IYC as an Advocate
Today the IYC continues to be a vocal advocate for Ijaw people and Niger delta, engaging in dialogues with government and stakeholders to address the ongoing challenge of the region. The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide currently led by Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri as president remains a key player in the socio-political/ Pressure Group dynamics of Nigeria, particularly in the context of the Niger Delta's ongoing struggles for environmental justice and resource control.
About Kaiama Declaration
We, the youths of Ijawland hereby make the following resolutions to be known as the Kaiama Declaration:
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All land and natural resources (including mineral resources) within the Ijaw territory belong to Ijaw communities and are the basis of our survival.
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Ijaw youths and Peoples will promote the principle of peaceful coexistence between all Ijaw communities and with our immediate neighbours, despite the provocative and divisive actions of the Nigerian State, transnational oil companies and their contractors. We offer a hand of friendship and comradeship to our neighbors: the Itsekiri, Ilaje, Urhobo, Isoko, Edo, Ibibio, Ogoni, Ekpeye, Ikwerre etc. We affirm our commitment to joint struggle with the other ethnic nationalities in the Niger delta area for self-determination.