October 15, 2026
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By Rejoice Egbaseimokumor 

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has commended and congratulated His Royal Majesty, King Michael Ateke Tom, Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Rivers State on his birth anniversary. 

The IYC issued the congratulatory message in Yenagoa earlier today via a statement signed by Amb. (Dr) Binebai  Yerin  Princewill,  Spokesman Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and made available to newsmen, a copy of which was sent to The Liberator Newspapers Worldwide. 

However, the statement while celebrating the birth anniversary of the revered Niger Delta leader had described King Ateke Michael Tom as a pillar in the Niger Delta struggle for liberation. 

The statement reads in full below:

Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide 

Press Release 

2/6/2025

Celebrating King Ateke, A Defender And Pillar Of Liberation In Niger Delta 

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has celebrated and congratulated His Royal Majesty, King Michael Ateke Tom, Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Rivers State on his birth anniversary. 

As a leader in Niger Delta and Ijaw nation in particular, our liberation struggle and journey as Ijaw people in modern times cannot be complete without mentioning your name. You are a golden fish in the struggle for a better living condition of the Ijaw people in the Nigerian State. When writing the Niger Delta and Ijaw book, you surely will have a chapter in it owing to your positive contributions in the struggle. 

However, we are not only celebrating your Majesty’s birth anniversary today but we are using this medium to commend you for your remarkable achievements in the Niger Delta emancipation struggle. Your sacrifices cannot go unnoticed and in vain our dear Royal father. Ijaw nation recognised you as a true champion of our collective liberation struggle. 

Your Masty sir, Council is also applauding you for your progressive, remarkable and inspirational reign as the paramount ruler of Okochiri Kingdom, your reign has been peaceful, impactful and transformational to our people. We are indeed very proud of you. Thank you for gradually turning Ochochiri to a fast rising Ijaw city. 

Nevertheless, as you celebrate your birth anniversary today, the IYC is commending you for sustaining peace in Rivers State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large, you have used your connections and resources in transforming the lives of our people in Rivers state and across the Niger Delta. 

We appreciate your dedication and commitment in promoting and flying the Ijaw flag high in Rivers State, your continued support for Council activities at all levels has been immesurable over the years and this is a greture Council will never  take for granted. 

Meanwhile, it is our prayer that the Lord Almighty shall continue to give you more knowledge and unprecedented wisdom to rule over your people, long life and  prosperity, may your reign continue to be peaceful and remarkable. 

Signed 

Amb. (Dr) Binebai Yerin Princewill 

Spokesman Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.

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