Ijaw Group Calls for Polytechnic and Nursing School in Delta Ijaw Communities

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the establishment of a nursing school in Patani and a polytechnic in Bomadi, both located in the Ijaw-speaking areas of Delta State.

Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of INC Worldwide, appealed during a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, November 24. He highlighted the importance of two bills currently before the Senate, which were sponsored by Senator Joel Onowakpo, representing Delta South Senatorial District. The bills aim to establish the two institutions in these long-neglected Ijaw communities.

Okaba stated that the Ijaw people, both in Delta and globally, were optimistic about the potential for the creation of higher educational institutions in their areas, which have historically been underserved.

The Youth leader highlighted that the need for these institutions had become even more urgent in light of the bills before the Senate and urged President Tinubu to use his influence to ensure the swift passage of these bills through the National Assembly and to give them his prompt assent.

He also called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, to prioritise the bills.
Okaba stressed that the bills would significantly address the longstanding educational needs of the Ijaw people of Delta State.

He noted that, for decades, the Ijaw communities have advocated for higher institutions in their region, but these calls had largely been ignored.

He disclosed despite Delta State being home to the highest number of higher institutions in Nigeria, the Ijaw areas have been systematically overlooked.

Okaba praised Senator Onowakpo’s efforts, noting that his rare leadership in advocating for the Ijaw people’s educational aspirations had been exceptional.