The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, yesterday participated in the South-South Town Hall Meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, where he presented critical demands reflecting the aspirations of the Ijaw people and other stakeholders in the region.

Speaking at the session, the IYC President stressed that the Nigerian Constitution must be reformed to reflect the unique realities of oil-producing communities if it is to serve all citizens fairly.

A central demand in his address was the creation of Tori-Ebe State, an oil-rich area predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw people. Lokpobiri argued that the existing state structure continues to marginalize ethnic minorities, limiting their political representation and access to developmental resources. He emphasized that establishing Tori-Ebe State would strengthen the voice of the Ijaw nation while driving socio-economic growth in a region burdened by environmental degradation and chronic underinvestment.

The IYC President also highlighted the urgent need for youth training and retraining initiatives, calling on the Federal Government to prioritize capacity-building programs designed to empower Niger Delta youths with modern skills. He noted that such investments would curb unemployment, reduce militancy, and secure the future of the region’s young population.

On security, Lokpobiri championed the institutionalization of community policing as a sustainable measure to address rising insecurity. He explained that localized policing would enhance trust between security agencies and residents, improve intelligence gathering, and provide more effective protection of lives and property.

The IYC’s intervention at the constitutional review meeting reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advocating for equity, development, and justice for the Ijaw people and the entire Niger Delta region.