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Jonathan Lokpobiri MEDIA, Yenagoa (2025)

15/07/2025

The Revered President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, extended a warm and inspiring welcome to the students who visited his office to familiarize themselves with the leadership of the Council. In his address, he emphasized that education is key and indeed priceless. He urged the students never to take their studies lightly, stressing that education in this modern age is both a privilege and an honor. He reminded them that many have been denied this opportunity, and therefore, those who have it must value and maximize it for personal growth and communal advancement.

Sir Lokpobiri passionately highlighted that the future of the Ijaw Nation rests in the hands of its young people. The development, unity, and prosperity of the Ijaw people depend on the readiness of the youth to rise to the challenge of leadership, innovation, and accountability. He encouraged the students to look beyond their current circumstances be they economic, environmental, or societal and envision the greater possibilities ahead. He reminded them that many of today’s most influential leaders started with very little, but they dared to dream big and work hard.

Furthermore, the President charged the students to embrace passion as a driving force for success. According to him, success is not accidental; it is intentional and fueled by determination and love for one’s goals. He urged them to remain focused, to set clear objectives, and to cultivate the discipline required to achieve them. Growth, he said, is not something that happens overnight, but a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and evolving. Passion, when combined with education and purpose, becomes a powerful tool for transformation.

In closing, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr offered his heartfelt best wishes to the students, whom he warmly referred to as his younger brothers and sisters. Representing various clans and communities within the Ijaw Nation, their presence, he said, symbolizes hope and unity. He encouraged them to support one another and return to their communities as ambassadors of change, armed with knowledge, vision, and compassion. “The Ijaw Nation we all desire,” he concluded, “is possible if you all dare to believe, to strive, and to lead.”

14/07/2025

Charge to Ijaw Youths by the Revered President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr

Value Education as the Bedrock of Success

Education is the compass that guides individuals toward purpose and progress. For the Ijaw youth, embracing education whether formal or informal is not just a personal journey, but a collective responsibility to uplift our communities and preserve our identity. It is the tool that transforms dreams into realities and opens doors to opportunities far beyond the rivers and creeks of the Niger Delta.

As Ijaw youths, we must understand that education is not confined to classrooms alone. Our heritage, culture, and the wisdom of our elders are also rich sources of knowledge. Let us cultivate a hunger for learning through books, mentors, and everyday experiences and use that knowledge to challenge injustice, drive innovation, and lead with integrity. Ignorance is a limitation we cannot afford.

Let this be a call to every young Ijaw son and daughter: take your education seriously. Seek wisdom relentlessly, not just for personal gain, but for the advancement of our people. A well-informed and morally grounded mind is the greatest weapon in the struggle for self-determination, development, and dignity. The future of the Ijaw nation rests in your hands build it wisely.

13/07/2025

As you reflect on your progress, take a moment to acknowledge how far you've come. Every step forward no matter how small brings you closer to your goals. Progress isn't always linear, and it's easy to overlook growth when you're focused on the distance left to travel. Remind yourself that consistent effort, day after day, builds the foundation for lasting success.

The path toward any meaningful goal is rarely smooth. Delays, detours, and disappointments are part of the journey, not signs of failure. It's normal to encounter moments that test your patience and resolve. What truly matters is your ability to rise, recalibrate, and continue moving forward with clarity and purpose. These experiences strengthen your resilience and shape your character.

Setbacks can be discouraging, but they’re also opportunities in disguise. They offer you a chance to learn, to grow, and to come back even stronger. Let every challenge you face sharpen your focus and deepen your determination. Keep your vision in sight and trust in your ability to overcome anything that stands in your way.

Your commitment to your goals is your most powerful asset. Stay connected to your "why" the deeper reason behind your efforts. When your motivation wavers, return to your purpose. Let it fuel your actions and renew your energy. Remind yourself that the pursuit is just as important as the destination.

Each new week offers a fresh start, a new chapter to write. Use this time to reset your mindset, realign your priorities, and reaffirm your dedication. Don’t dwell on what didn’t go right focus instead on what you can do now. Recommit to excellence, and aim even higher than before.

So as you step into this week, carry forward the lessons, the courage, and the momentum you've built. Take pride in your journey, trust the process, and keep pushing forward. Whatever your goals may be, you're capable, you're worthy, and you're making progress one step at a time. Have a focused, fulfilling, and inspiring week ahead.

Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr
The Revered President Ijaw Youth Council IYC Worldwide

05/07/2025

The Revered President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, stands tall as a shining example of servant leadership. Over the years, he has carved a niche for himself as a leader who not only commands authority but also embodies humility, responsibility, and vision. His journey through the ranks of the Council has been marked by diligence, loyalty, and an unflinching commitment to the ideals of the Ijaw struggle and youth empowerment. Today, as President of Council, he continues to surpass expectations with a leadership style rooted in experience and integrity.

Under his stewardship, the Council has witnessed remarkable transformation and development in a relatively short period. In just two years, President Lokpobiri has achieved what many considered impossible delivering a working constitution for the Council within a record time of one year and six months in office. This singular act has laid the foundation for unity, structure, and effective governance within IYC. The constitution serves as a binding document that now guides all actions and decisions of Council, a feat that will stand the test of time.

Further cementing his legacy, President Lokpobiri facilitated the approval and consistent payment of monthly subventions to all structures of Council, including the esteemed Elders Council. This move has revitalized the various arms of IYC, ensuring they are financially equipped to carry out their responsibilities and participate actively in Council affairs. It is a bold step that reflects his inclusive leadership style and his desire to leave no one behind.

Another remarkable achievement is the ongoing construction of the Epochal Secretariat, Training, and Event Center building. This infrastructural project is not just a physical structure, but a monumental symbol of growth, institutionalization, and progress for the Ijaw Youth Council. It will serve as a hub for training, development, and administration, further empowering the youth and strengthening Council operations.

President Lokpobiri’s approach to conflict resolution, particularly in the Rivers State crisis, has been firm yet diplomatic. His decisions have consistently leaned towards the path of peace, justice, and reconciliation. By prioritizing dialogue and showing unwavering courage in taking difficult but necessary stands, he has proven to be a stabilizing force in turbulent times. His leadership has helped preserve the dignity and unity of the Ijaw people in moments of uncertainty.

Lastly, his gesture of publicly supporting the late Chief Offonia's family of Kaiama, especially the promise to secure a job opportunity for one of their daughters before the end of his tenure, speaks volumes of his compassion and sense of responsibility. This act, though simple, underscores his commitment to service and community development. Indeed, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr has not only fulfilled his mandate but has etched his name in the sands of time in gold a true trailblazer and one of the most successful Presidents in the history of IYC.

30/06/2025

The Revered President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, is truly changing the narrative of the Council through his visionary and all-inclusive style of leadership. His efforts have sparked a new wave of unity, purpose, and renewed confidence across the various arms of the Council, earning him admiration both at home and in the international community.

Through his inclusive approach, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr has successfully bridged divides, fostering stronger collaboration and mutual respect among all structures of the Council. His leadership has breathed new life into the Council, rekindling hope among members and creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

For the first time in the history of the IYC, every arm and structure of the Council including the Elders Council now receives a monthly subvention. This unprecedented move has not only boosted operational efficiency but also reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, equity, and genuine capacity building within the organization.

Sir Jonathan is known for his calm disposition and open-spirited nature. He is a leader who is not only accessible but also deeply committed to listening to all voices, particularly those with meaningful contributions aimed at advancing the Council's mission. His open-door policy has made him a beloved and approachable figure among stakeholders at every level.

Under his leadership, the Council has experienced a rebirth, with many key players and active members regaining trust in its mission and future. His unwavering commitment to rebuilding hope has solidified his legacy as one of the most impactful Presidents in the history of the IYC.

We continue to pray that God grants him the wisdom, strength, and grace needed to successfully pilot the affairs of the Council to even greater heights. His ability to remain focused, selfless, and visionary in service is a testament to his dedication to the Ijaw Nation.

As his tenure progresses, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr is poised to finish strong, with several legacy projects underway. Among them is the Epochal Secretariat Project, a historic undertaking he has vowed to deliver to the Ijaw Nation before the end of his tenure.

Truly, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr stands as a symbol of transformational leadership. His tenure is not just about maintaining the status quo but about laying a solid foundation for the future. The Ijaw Youth Council, under his guidance, is indeed rising to its rightful place of prominence, unity, and lasting impact.

25/06/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Rivers High Court Strikes Out Ijaw Youth Council Leadership Suit

In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Rivers State has struck out Suit No. PHC/2318/CS/2023 filed by Dr. Tari Alaye Theophilus and 10 others against Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri and 10 others. The suit, which sought to declare Dr. Theophilus and his group as the legitimate Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has been a source of controversy and division within the IYC’s 9th National Executive Committee (NEC).

The Claimants had approached the court to obtain a declaration affirming their leadership status and to restrain the faction led by Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri from parading themselves as the legitimate IYC executives. However, this request was met with a swift legal counter from Ebilade Obiri, Esq., counsel to the Defendants, who filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

Mr. Obiri argued that the cause of action, primarily concerning the conduct of the IYC election, occurred in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State clearly outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Rivers State High Court. He pointed out that the Claimants failed to provide any evidence showing that the purported election of their faction was conducted within Rivers State.

The Defendants, on the other hand, submitted compelling exhibits indicating that the legitimate IYC election was held at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. These exhibits strongly supported the argument that the matter was outside the court’s jurisdiction and further revealed that none of the four officers from the IYC Eastern Zone resided in Rivers State.

In its ruling, the court upheld the preliminary objection and struck out the case for lack of jurisdiction. The court concurred that the Claimants' Statement of Claim failed to disclose any credible venue where their alleged election took place, and affirmed that the actual election occurred in Bayelsa State, making it beyond the jurisdiction of the Rivers State judiciary.

Significantly, the court made no order as to cost, signaling a neutral closure to a case that had long disrupted the functioning of the IYC's 9th NEC leadership. The legal victory was met with jubilation among supporters of the Lokpobiri-led faction, many of whom saw the case as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the council’s legitimate structure.

This judgment is viewed as a major step forward in stabilizing the IYC leadership and restoring internal cohesion. It reinforces the principle that legal actions must be filed in proper jurisdiction and backed by substantive evidence, particularly in sensitive organizational disputes. As the dust settles, stakeholders now anticipate a refocus on developmental and advocacy efforts for the Ijaw youth.

25/06/2025

BREAKING NEWS

Jubilation as the High Court of Rivers State has struck out Suit No. PHC/2318/CS/2023 between Dr. Tari Alaye Theophilus & 10 Ors. vs. Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri & 10 Ors.

Dr. Tari Alaye Theophilus amongst other reliefs sought the court to declare him and and 10 others as the legitimate Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) whilst restraining the Jonathan Lokpobiri led Excos.

Ebilade Obiri, Esq. who is Counsel for Jonathan Lokpobiri & 10 Ors., the Defendants in the said suit filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain same citing the fact that the cause of action arose from Bayelsa outside the territorial jurisdiction of the High Court of Rivers State.

Ebilade Obiri further argued that the Claimants Statement of Claim did not disclose any where election was conducted but the Defendant attached sufficient exhibits to show that the IYC election was conducted at the Gabriel Okara Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, outside the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

Ebilade Obiri, Esq. in a further affidavit drew the court's attention to Exhibits showing that none of all the four officers from Eastern Zone resides in Rivers State

The Court in a ruling striking out the suit, agreed with Ebilade Obiri, Esq., Counsel to the Defendants and held in part that the Statement of Claim of the Claimants did not disclose any venue where they conducted their supposed election and agree that the IYC election was conducted in Bayelsa State outside the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

There was no order as to cost

25/06/2025

Every day, life presents us with choices choices that define our future and shape the legacy we leave behind. As members of the Ijaw Nation, we are often faced with critical decisions: do we stand with capable leadership that delivers, or do we allow complacency and stagnation to thrive through our silence?

In times past, the Ijaw people have proven their resolve. We are not a people easily swayed by shallow sentiment or empty promises. Our history is one of courage, strength, and clarity where competence and character are the true measures of leadership.

This is precisely why we refuse to take chances with the future of the Ijaw Youth Council. Our future is too valuable, our vision too important. It is not enough to simply hope for change; we must entrust our Council to proven leaders who have shown unwavering commitment and capacity.

Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr embodies that commitment. Nearly two years into his tenure as President of the Ijaw Youth Council, he has already begun to rebuild and restore the institution to its rightful place among respected youth organizations. His leadership is not just symbolic it is transformational.

From uniting fractured voices to strengthening internal systems, his vision for a greater Council is evident in action, not just words. He leads with wisdom, experience, and a heart for the people. The Council is once again becoming a platform for progress, advocacy, and purpose under his guidance.

It is time to rebuild the Ijaw Youth Council fully and without hesitation. Let us rally behind the leadership that has already begun the work. Let us finish what we've started. With Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, we are not guessing our way forward we are moving with purpose.

19/06/2025

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17/06/2025

My Very Dear And Invaluable Youths Of Ijaw Nation,

I greet you warmly from the depths of my heart on this beautiful day, and I reaffirm my leadership's commitment to ethical practices, demonstrating our stewardship of integrity, as the President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.

As President of council, it is my duty to keep you informed about the council's activities, enabling you to assess our performances and hold us accountable as your representatives in the 9th NEC.

As you are aware, the IYC has been engaged in about 13 years effort to review our constitution, recognizing that the Ofoniama constitution no longer meets its evolving needs.

On December 16, 2024, my leadership successfully organized a National Convention in Odi Community, Bayelsa State, where we comprehensively reviewed the constitution.

Key outcomes included adopting Option A4 as the sole election method, raising the participation age, expanding delegate numbers for Lagos and Abuja chapters, and other significant amendments that now shape our council's governance.

Given the National Convention's supreme authority in the IYC, which makes it the highest decision-making body in council, its decisions are final, even allowing for the suspensions of extant provisions in our Constitution, only another National Convention can override Convention decisions.

So with the newly amended constitution in place, the Lagos Chapter election serves as the first test case for implementing these groundbreaking changes.

Now on the Lagos Chapter election ground, on the 14th of May 2025, which i was preciding over, controversy arose over the exclusive use of Option A4. However, in order to maintain council's integrity and the supremacy of the National Convention, i announced the suspension of the election and promised to call another National Convention, which would enable us to bring in other election methods, such as the secret ballot system, because the Lagos gathering does not posses the powers to override decisions of a National Convention.

Unfortunately, following the suspension of the election, the Speaker of the IYC Mobile Parliament, went behind to conduct an unauthorized election, disregarding the decisions of the National Convention.

His argument, which falls short logically, is that the new constitution has not been fully implemented, so the open secret ballot method can be used for the Lagos election. However, this stance suggests he may not grasp that the core issue is not about the constitution, but the National Convention's decisions, which are binding until another convention makes changes.

While I advocate for teamwork among council organs, the Speaker and his officers have repeatedly undermined the council's progress, even disregarding decisions made by the National Convention, our highest decision making body.

It is sad and unbelievable to acknowledge that few principal officers in the parliament have turned a sovereign over the NEC and even the National Convention, in their stridency to show that they are in power.

It is now a public knowledge, their plans to sabotage every of our achievements, including the new constitution, the Secretariat Building project that is in progress, and even our transition period ahead.

While the IYC strongly disapproves of such unruly behaviour. We will address this matter and take necessary actions, but at the moment, we will focus on how the Lagos Chapter will elect their Chapter officers through a legitimate process.

However, due to the unforeseen leadership vacuum, since the tenure of the Lagos Chapter's Exco successfully came to a close at 12:00am last night, the 9th National Executive Council, after careful deliberation invoked the doctrine of necessity, constituting a 3 member Caretaker Committee to ensure continuity and stability within the Chapter until a substantive leadership is elected withon the shortest posible time frame.

The committee's primary task will be to unite IYC members in Lagos Chapter, in preparation for the election. The committee members are:

- Amangi Amafina - Chairman
- Comrade OkoroDightorusin - Secretary
- Comrade Anthony Oki- Information Officer

This interim arrangement is to ensure continuity and stability as we move towards a new leadership.

One thing I must assure you our beloved youths is that, my leadership will leave a lasting legacy, we will handover a stronger and more resilient IYC than we inherited. We will ensure a seamless transition, free from leadership defects, and build a robust organization capable of withstanding challenges.

We clearly recognize the legacy our founding fathers left for us, and it is our duty to preserve and build upon the IYC's foundation. My administration will protect the council's integrity, ensuring no individual or group prioritizes personal agendas over the collective good of the Ijaw people.

The IYC is our identity and voice, we will protect its unity and purpose, and fiercely defend it.

Thank you for standing with us since we took office. With your continued support and dedication to our cause, I am confident that we will achieve a successful tenure.

God bless our youths
God bless IYC
God Bless Ijaw Nation

Signed
Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr
The Revered President Ijaw Youth Council IYC Worldwide

17/06/2025

Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide Press

Statement

16/06/2025

Clarifications On Why The IYC Lagos Chapter Election Was Suspended
..President Jonathan To Make Further Live Broadcast 10am this morning

The leadership of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide extends warm greetings to leaders, members, and youths of the Ijaw nation in the spirit of unity and oneness. It has become imperative for the NEC to provide clarifications surrounding the activities that led to the suspension of the IYC Lagos Chapter election, scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Lagos.

In line with the Council's tradition regarding Chapter and Zonal elections and their subsequent inaugurations, the National Executive Council, led by the President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, Zonal, Chapter, Parliament, and Clan Chairmen Forum from the three zones, as well as other critical stakeholders of the Council, began arriving in Lagos on Thursday, June 12, 2025, ahead of the scheduled Lagos Chapter Election.

The early arrival of leaders of the Council in Lagos became necessary following insinuations that the election would be conducted with the secret ballot system, a practice that was superseded by the December 16, 2024, well-attended Odi Convention, which adopted Option A4 as the only acceptable pattern for voting and other pre-election matters.

Prior to the supposed June 14th Lagos Chapter Election, there was rising tension regarding the use of Option A4, as delegates and a larger number of the Lagos Chapter were bent on using the open secret ballot system, which has been overtaken by the Odi National Convention of 2024. It would be recalled that, knowing the supremacy of the National Convention in the Council, President Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, members of NEC, and others held a series of meetings with stakeholders and aspirants of the Lagos Chapter in a bid to explain why it would be impossible to set aside a conventional decision of Option A4 as the new voting pattern in the Council, with the explanation that it is only another National Convention that can rectify such, as NEC or any other organ of the Council cannot throw aside the decision of the National Convention that is supreme in the Council's activities.

On Friday, June 13th, separate meetings were held to lay this lingering issue to rest, as leaders of the Council met with stakeholders in the Lagos Chapter IYC and aspirants, who continued to press forward their position by stating that it is only the open secret ballot system that they would use in the conduct of the Lagos Chapter Election. However, on the other hand, the Parliament of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) also wrote a letter addressed to the Lagos Chapter IYC electoral committee, which was posted on several social media platforms, directing the ELECO to use the secret ballot system, citing references that the Odi Constitution has not met the requirements to be operational as a full-fledged constitution. Hence, the Parliament recommended the open secret ballot system for the proposed election, in line with the Ofunama Constitution.

In response to this, the NEC felt that the Parliament was overreaching its bound, as the powers of the National Convention are even more supreme than the Constitution, as the National Convention can even suspend a Constitution, can dissolve the parliament or any other organ of Council where necessary as it was done in Arogbo National Convention that produced Dr. Chris Ekiyor's led National Executive Council of the IYC. Hence, it was made clear that while the NEC is not debating the constitutional matter, NEC is only enforcing the 2024 Odi Convention that adopted option A4 for elections in the Council as a unanimous decision taken by the Ijaw people who massively attended the Convention from all Zones, Chapters, Clans, parliament respectively including prominent leaders who joyfully attended the Convention.

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the venue of the proposed IYC Lagos Chapter Election, while delegates, aspirants, Lagos IYC 2025 electoral committee, organs, and leaders, including INC Lagos Chapter led by its Chapter Chairman, had all gathered for the election, the atmosphere was still hanging in the balance, as there was apprehension about what method was to be used between Option A4 and the secret ballot system. Arguments again rocked the atmosphere. NEC, led by the President of the Council, knowing fully well the powers of the National Convention that adopted Option A4 and the tension it has generated, suspended the Lagos Chapter IYC election indefinitely, pending when a national convention will be called as soon as possible to address some of these contending issues, as neither the President of Council, the NEC, parliament nor any other organ of the Council has the power to set aside a Conventional decision.

It would be recalled that Comr. Tikima Arigban, former Chairman of the Lagos Chapter IYC, distanced himself from whatever may have happened at the venue after Mr. President had suspended the election and his subsequent movement out of the venue with NEC and other critical stakeholders. Let it be known that while there is no serious issue between NEC and the Parliament, the only issue is that the Parliament is of the opinion that the Odi Constitution has not met full requirements to be fully operational as a full-fledged Constitution, but NEC is only enforcing the Odi Convention that is supreme to even the so much debated Constitution.

However, it would be recalled that the immediate past IYC Lagos Chapter Exco, for which its Chairman, Tikima Arigban, had resigned, had formally come to an end by 12 midnight. In view of this, the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr will make a live broadcast at 10am today 17th of June 2025, as leaders, organs, members of Council and the general Ijaw nation have been enjoined to tune in via various social media platforms, as he will be shedding more light on the developments in the Lagos Chapter IYC.

The unity and progress of the Council will continue to be at the forefront of the 9th NEC.

Signed
Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill
Spokesman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide

Jonathan Lokpobiri MEDIA

15/07/2025

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