INC-Americas Vice Chairman Calls for Diaspora Inclusion, Cultural Center, and Unity at Ijaw National Convention

INC-Americas Vice Chairman Calls for Diaspora Inclusion, Cultural Center, and Unity at Ijaw National Convention

By Delta Event News

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State | March 6, 2026

The Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress Americas Chapter (INC-Americas), Barrister Mrs. Juliana Dapa Oguara (Esq.), has called for stronger global collaboration, constitutional recognition of the diaspora, and institutional reforms within the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

She made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Non-Elective National Convention of the Ijaw National Congress held at the Conference Hall, Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Addressing distinguished delegates, national leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders of the Ijaw Nation, Barrister Oguara emphasized that the Ijaw diaspora remains deeply connected to the homeland and is strategically positioned to amplify the voice of the Ijaw Nation on the global stage.

According to her, Ijaw professionals across the Americas occupy influential positions in international institutions, particularly in the global oil and gas industry, international law, and environmental justice advocacy.

She noted that the diaspora community has already demonstrated its commitment through landmark initiatives, including the successful hosting of two Global Ijaw Conventions in Houston, Texas, which brought together Ijaw sons and daughters from across the world alongside governors, federal ministers, and traditional rulers.

One of the most significant milestones, she revealed, occurred during the second Global Convention on July 5, 2025, when the Mayor of Houston, Honourable John Whitmire, officially proclaimed July 5 as “Ijaw Day” in the city’s civic calendar, recognizing the contributions of the Nigerian-American diaspora to business, education, healthcare, energy, culture, and civic life.

Barrister Oguara also highlighted the unveiling of the Ijaw Cultural and Heritage Centre in Houston, describing it as a historic step toward establishing a permanent institutional presence for the Ijaw Nation in the Americas.

She explained that the proposed International Ijaw Cultural Center in Houston will serve as a global hub for preserving Ijaw history, language, and heritage, while also promoting cultural education, youth leadership development, diaspora investment, and international networking among Ijaw professionals and scholars.

In addition, the INC-Americas Vice Chairman proposed the establishment of an Ijaw Internet Radio Station, a digital platform that will broadcast Ijaw stories, music, language, and advocacy messages worldwide twenty-four hours a day.

Speaking on institutional development within the INC, Barrister Oguara urged the convention to consider the creation of a Diaspora Directorate within the National Executive Council. According to her, the move will ensure that diaspora voices are constitutionally recognized and actively involved in decision-making processes of the organization.

She further stressed the importance of transparency and credibility in the ongoing leadership processes of the Congress, noting that the integrity of the institution must remain unquestionable.

“The credibility of our processes must never be open to question. Every aspirant, every delegate, and every stakeholder must have absolute confidence that the rules governing our elections are applied fairly and consistently,” she stated.

Barrister Oguara also reaffirmed that the ultimate objective of the Ijaw struggle remains resource control and self-determination, describing them as fundamental necessities for a people whose lands and waters have historically been exploited.

In a passionate appeal for unity, she urged leaders and stakeholders of the Ijaw Nation to support the strategic initiatives proposed by the diaspora.

“Our elders say that a single broom is easily broken, but a bundle of brooms cannot be snapped,” she said, adding that the proposed cultural center, digital media platform, and diaspora directorate are not projects for the Americas alone but initiatives that will benefit all Ijaw people worldwide.

She therefore called on the convention to boldly endorse the proposals, authorize joint development committees, and amend relevant constitutional provisions where necessary to strengthen global collaboration.

Reflecting on the legacy of the late Niger Delta elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark, Barrister Oguara urged the Ijaw Nation to remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice, dignity, and recognition.

“We are mobilized, organized, and ready to serve the Ijaw Nation with everything we have,” she said.

She concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity, culture, and collective responsibility for the future of the Ijaw people.

“Our unity is our power. Our culture is our identity. Our collective future is our responsibility,” she declared.

The address drew applause from delegates at the convention, reinforcing the growing call for stronger diaspora engagement and global positioning of the Ijaw Nation.

— Report by Delta Event News