By Robinson Ere Erebi | EMTV News
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!YENAGOA, BAYELSA — A leading aspirant for the office of National Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Etolumor E. Henry, has pledged to promote peace, unity and purposeful service if elected at the forthcoming 2026 IYC national elections.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with EMTV News, Henry said his aspiration is driven by a commitment to strengthen the IYC as the foremost platform for advancing the interests of the Ijaw people.
“My ambition to contest for National Secretary is predicated on service delivery, peace-building and contributing my quota to the development of the Ijaw nation,” he said. “The Ijaw Youth Council remains our constituency when it comes to the Ijaw struggle, and I want to help reposition it for greater effectiveness.”
Addressing the recent internal challenges within the IYC, Henry commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his efforts to reconcile aggrieved factions and restore unity within the organisation.
According to him, the governor demonstrated statesmanship by bringing together the warring groups in pursuit of lasting peace.
“The governor, being the father of the Ijaw nation, has done his best at this critical time. We cannot afford to remain divided when there are so many issues confronting the Ijaw people. We need a united front to tackle our common challenges,” he stated.
Henry also praised the performance of Governor Diri’s administration, describing it as development-oriented and focused on improving the welfare of Bayelsans.
He noted that the administration has made significant investments in road infrastructure, particularly by opening up rural communities and connecting hinterland areas to urban centres, thereby stimulating economic activities and improving access to opportunities.
“No government can achieve everything, but Governor Douye Diri has performed creditably. His commitment to infrastructure and human capital development has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth in Bayelsa State,” he said.
The IYC National Secretary hopeful further urged Bayelsa youths to remain united and actively support initiatives that promote development, peace and economic empowerment.
According to him, government investments in youth-focused projects, including sports infrastructure and skills development programmes, demonstrate the importance attached to youth development by the present administration.
“When young people are properly engaged and empowered, crime and drug abuse will reduce significantly. We must remain united and continue supporting programmes that create opportunities for our youths,” he added.
Responding to a question on how he would react if unsuccessful at the polls, Henry maintained that the election should not divide members of the IYC.
“In every election, there must be a winner and there must be others who do not win. We are all contesting to serve the Ijaw nation. There should be no bitterness because service to our people remains the ultimate objective,” he said.
Expressing confidence in his chances, Henry appealed to delegates to support his candidacy, promising to use his experience to foster reconciliation, inclusiveness and effective administration within the Ijaw Youth Council.
“If given the opportunity to serve as National Secretary, I will promote peace, unite every faction and work with all stakeholders to build a stronger and more progressive Ijaw Youth Council. Together, we can achieve the change our youths desire,” he concluded.
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