The Clan Chairmen’s Forum of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called for the strengthening of clan leadership towards the advancement of the Ijaw Nation, and for all stakeholders to support the leadership of the youth council in its efforts to reposition the Ijaw struggle for justice, equity, and development.

The calls were contained in a communique issued by the Forum at its maiden all-inclusive leadership meeting of clan chairmen across the Council's Central, Eastern, and Western zones in Ijaw House, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital on Friday, August 29, 2025.

Among attendees at the meeting are the leader of the Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Central Zone, Comr. Zidougha Prince Kerenim; the Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Eastern Zone, Comr. Collins Albert Nnah; and Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Western Zone, Comr. Oyinkuro Wazo Zikurebai.

Describing the Clan structure as "the foundation and lifeblood of the IYC", the Forum reiterated that "The strength of the IYC lies in its grassroots structures" and as such "empowering Clan Chairmen is essential for effective governance and representation."

They also emphasised that "since every leader within the Council originates from a clan, clan leadership must be accorded priority, respect, and esteemed recognition", stressing further that "The Council of Clan Chairmen stands as the custodian of grassroots authority and must be empowered as a central decision-making, as well as advisory body within the IYC framework."

Among other observations made at the meeting by the Forum are the "urgent need for a unified front to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Ijaw people, including environmental degradation, underdevelopment, and youth unemployment" and "the sustenance of peace and security in Ijaw territories" which the Clan chairmen said “is paramount for development and must be pursued collectively.”

Other observations include "a persistent need to protect and promote the Ijaw language, culture, and heritage for future generations" and that "The constitutional and legal rights of the Ijaw people to self-determination and control over our natural resources remain non-negotiable."

The IYC Clan Chairmen’s Forum, rising from the meeting, in their resolution, pledged their support to the President of IYC, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr. and all Chairmen at the Zonal level "in recognition of their commendable achievements" and "reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate effectively" with the IYC National Executive Council and other governing bodies.

The Forum also resolved to engage in collaboration with all strata of the IYC to ensure stability, unity, and focused leadership; to mobilize and educate their respective clans to encourage greater participation in the activities and advocacy of the IYC; as well as endorsed initiatives designed to bolster the IYC as a formidable pressure group and a defender of the collective interests of the Ijaw people.

The Council clan chairmen, in other resolutions reached, called for unity among Clan Chairmen for the survival and advancement of the IYC, a collaboration among the clan chairmen to eliminate division and disunity, and regular inter-zonal engagements to ensure a united voice in communication among clan chairmen.

They also resolved that the Forum's meeting, which is aimed at fostering unity, deliberating on critical issues that are affecting the Ijaw Nation, and charting a collaborative path, "shall be held periodically as a platform for interaction, brainstorming, and strategic development."

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