Agediga Receives Western Zone IYC Exco, To Work In Synergy For Progress

By Binebai Princewill 

In what could be seen as a gathering of progressives, the Executive Director, Planning,  Research and Statistics, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Amb. Dr. Comr. Shedrack Agediga earlier today received the Executive members of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone in his office, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.  The Liberator Newspapers Worldwide can report.

In his remark during the meeting, Dr. Comr. Doubra Collins Okotete, Chairman Western Zone IYC while lauding Dr. Agediga for his humanitarian activities over the years. Okotete said the visit was to familiarise and introduced the new exco to Agediga whom he described as a selfless leader in Niger Delta. 

Okotete said after their emergence as exco members of the IYC in the Zone from the Igbekebo Community in Apoi Kingdom, Ondo state election, there is the need for his exco members to identify with critical stakeholders in the Zone to bring about progress for the Ijaw youths in Western Zone. 

The Zonal Chairman opined that they will not say much for they have come to say thank you to Amb. Shedrack Agediga for the many selfless sacrifices he has been rendering to the Ijaws Worldwide. 

Speaking further, Okotete while soliciting for Agediga’s support revealed that the official inauguration of the Western Zone IYC leadership will be taking place at Bomadi community, headquaters of the Local Government and also headquarters of Western Zone within a month time. 

He explained further that the inauguration will be taking place simultaneously with the foundation laying ceremony of Western Zone secretariat at Bomadi, appealing that the exco will be needing the cooperation of well meaning Ijaw sons and daughters in actualizing the laudable dream. 

Other issues Okotete highlighted include the development of Ijaw communities, youth empowerment programmes, a plea to carry the Western Zone IYC along in the scheme of things, stressing that the Zonal IYC is ready to partner and work with Agediga and the commission whenever the need arises. 

In his words: “We will continue to support you throughout your tenure, God will continue to open more doors for you as you have done well.”

In his reaction, Agediga while congratulating the new exco members on their  victory asserted that he appreciates them for identifying with him, stressing that he will do whatever he can to ensure that the Western Zone IYC have a sense of belonging in the system. 

He revealed that deliberate efforts is being put in place to actualize the Western Zone IYC secretariat that will be sited at Bomadi being the headquarters of the zone.

However, Agediga had particularly charged Okotete to carry every member of his exco along as well as all  those that contested for the various positions in the last election, adding that everyone must be carried along to achieve progress. 

Nevertheless, the selfless leader, Agediga had promised that his doors are always open for the IYC anytime, anyday and anywhere, he also charged Okotete and his exco members to come up with ideas geared towards packaging a sensitization programme for the Ogbos such as Meinbutus, Ogbokone, Olabrakopere, Kemekedoumene as well as other notable Ijaw groups. 

“On human capital and infrastructural development, we play complementary role to the Delta State Government. DESOPADEC is not another Government, we are under the state Government. We have 21 local government areas in Delta State that the commission is covering. 

“On human capacity development, we  have been doing a lot in this direction with the DESOPADEC academy, we are training not less than 120 persons with different skills for  six months, we  will be concluding  it this month with starker packs. Personally I believe so much interest in developing young people. We have too many Ijaw youths roaming the streets, I am very much disturbed about it. 

“On inauguration, I am very sure that I will be there and will make personal efforts to support the inauguration ceremony. However on Community Development, We have touched all Ijaw  kingdoms in Delta State despite the paucity of funds, we are two years now as officials of DESOPADEC. 

“As leaders, We need to build young people now otherwise the society will not be safe, i appeal to IYC to support programmes and policies of DESOPADEC. I  Want a symbiotic relationship with IYC. Critically you people should be focused, don’t be a political tool to any politician, you have to stand for Ijaw nation and its development at all times. 

“You need to carry your Exco members along, continue with what you are doing, you are on the right track so far, you should maintain it.

“You should prioritise engaging stakeholders and companies to employ Ijaw youths. Leaders must reproduced their kinds. Try your best, I am available for you. You can call on me anytime. Treat both the losers as winners, flow with everybody, you have our firm support”. 

Others who spoke during the meeting include Comr. Kikiranki Loko, alias high voltage comrade, Vice Chairman IYC Western Zone and Comr. Lugard Izoukumor, also pointed out that Agediga is a good man that needs to be reckoned with by Niger Deltans. 

“The primary reason behind this meeting was to familiarise our exco with you, we will collaborate with you in whatever way our assistance is needed. The Ijaws are proud of you.” Loko stated 

High point of the meeting was the presentation of IYC flag to the Executive Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Amb. Dr. Comr. Shedrack Agediga in his office as a symbol of love and a reward for his selfless services to Ijaw youths and Niger Delta. 

The meeting was well attended by executive members of IYC Western Zone and officials attached to the ED, PRS office.