Jonathan, Diri, Fubara to Grace Pre-conference on of Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit

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Olawale Ajimotokan

In anticipation of the 1st Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit 2024, notable figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Sen. Douye Diri, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara are expected to attend a Pre-Summit Conference. This pivotal event will address the infrastructural, developmental, and environmental challenges facing the Ijaw people in Nigeria.

Scheduled for October 17-18 in Yenagoa, the conference will pave the way for the main Pan-Ijaw Summit, set to take place from December 3-5 in Port Harcourt. Alongside the governors, dignitaries from Edo, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Delta, and Niger States are also slated to participate.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Environmental Regeneration and Economic Sustainability.” Former Bayelsa State Governor Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson will chair the Opening Ceremony, while Professor Steve Azaiki will serve as the Principal Convener. The Azaiki Foundation, in partnership with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), is organizing the summit.

Furthermore, the event is expected to attract Ijaw communities from the Diaspora, with participants traveling from countries such as Canada, Germany, France, and Australia, among others.

According to the organizers, this summit is a crucial initiative aimed at confronting the infrastructural, developmental, and environmental challenges that the Ijaw people face in Nigeria. It aims to assemble a diverse group of experts, international partners, academic leaders, policymakers, and community representatives, all focused on devising innovative solutions for a sustainable and prosperous future for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

The summit will also seek to foster economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development for the Ijaw people, emphasizing their essential connection to the Blue Economy. Key discussion topics will include exploring potential opportunities within the marine and Blue Economy in Ijawland and the Niger Delta, addressing guidelines for environmental regeneration and economic sustainability, transforming the Niger Delta coastline into a tourism hub, and agricultural transformation in Ijawland.

Additionally, discussions will delve into improving youth economic fortunes for sustainable growth, enhancing transportation development in Ijawland and the Niger Delta, recalibrating gender inclusivity and women’s rights, alongside infrastructure protection measures aimed at preventing oil theft in the Niger Delta.