DR.-DOODEI-WEEK-LEADS-2025-IJAW-NATIONAL-CONGRESS-CENTRAL-ZONE-UNITY-WALK-IN-YENAGOA

DR. DOODEI WEEK LEADS 2025 IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS CENTRAL ZONE UNITY WALK IN YENAGOA

NIGER DELTA-PROGRESS-REPORTERS 

Dave Ikiedei Asei / June 26th, 2025

Introduction

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central Zone, under the leadership of Dr. Doodei Week, staged a remarkable demonstration of solidarity, cultural pride, and political consciousness through the 2025 Ijaw National Day Unity Walk in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event brought together a diverse array of Ijaw sons and daughters in a symbolic procession that underscored their unwavering commitment to the ideals of unity, justice, and self-determination. This year’s celebration, led by a resolute and passionate Dr. Week, HRH Nengi James and other prominent sons and daughters further deepened the relevance of Ijaw Day as a socio-political and cultural milestone in the calendar of the Ijaw nation.

A Brief History of Ijaw Day Celebration

Ijaw Day is a commemorative event that honors the cultural identity, historical resilience, and political aspirations of the Ijaw people—an indigenous ethnic nationality that predominantly inhabits the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The roots of Ijaw Day can be traced to the political reawakening of the 1990s, when calls for the protection of minority rights, environmental justice, and control over indigenous resources began to gather strength.

The pivotal moment in the evolution of Ijaw nationalism came on December 11, 1998, with the issuance of the Kaiama Declaration. This landmark document was adopted by delegates of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) during a historic gathering in Kaiama, Bayelsa State. The declaration articulated the collective demand of the Ijaw people for self-determination and control over their ancestral lands, as well as an end to environmental exploitation by multinational oil companies.

Since then, Ijaw Day has been annually celebrated on December 11 to mark the anniversary of this declaration. The occasion has grown into a powerful symbol of cultural identity, political advocacy, and communal unity, providing a platform for reflection, mobilization, and dialogue among Ijaw communities and their allies.

Significance of the Unity Walk

As part of the activities to mark the 2025 Ijaw Day celebration in the Central Zone, the Ijaw National Congress organized a Unity Walk that captured the spirit and purpose of the celebration. The Unity Walk began at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) complex and concluded at the Peace Park in the heart of Yenagoa, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic participants, including elders, women, youths, political figures, and cultural enthusiasts from various parts of Bayelsa State and beyond.

This walk served as more than a ceremonial march—it was a symbolic journey of solidarity and shared purpose. Participants carried placards with messages of unity, cultural pride, and political awareness. Traditional attire, drums, songs, and chants enlivened the event, reflecting the rich heritage of the Ijaw people.

Leadership of Dr. Doodei Week

Dr. Doodei Week, the incumbent Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress Central Zone, has continued to distinguish himself as a passionate and strategic leader committed to the Ijaw cause. A respected scholar and cultural advocate, Dr. Week has consistently championed efforts to preserve Ijaw heritage, defend their rights, and promote unity among Ijaw-speaking communities.

His leadership during the 2025 Unity Walk was a clear testament to his dedication. By leading from the front, Dr. Week reminded the people of the need to remain steadfast and vocal in their pursuit of justice and equitable development. His inclusive approach ensured that all segments of the society—youths, women, traditional rulers, and diaspora representatives—had a stake in the success of the celebration.

Participation and Mobilization

The Unity Walk was notable for its impressive mobilization and participation. Delegates from Ijaw communities across the Central Zone and beyond converged on Yenagoa, reaffirming their allegiance to the Ijaw cause. Representatives of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), women’s groups, traditional institutions, student unions, and various socio-cultural organizations added their voices and presence to the event.

The turnout and spirit of the participants underscored a growing awareness of the need for sustained advocacy on issues affecting the Ijaw nation—ranging from environmental pollution and economic marginalization to political underrepresentation and cultural erosion.

Cultural and Political Expressions

Ijaw Day is as much a cultural renaissance as it is a political statement. The 2025 celebration featured various cultural elements—traditional dances, songs, and symbolic performances that highlighted the deep-rooted customs and communal bonds of the Ijaw people.

At the same time, the event served as a forum for political expression. Leaders and speakers addressed key issues facing the Ijaw nation, including the need for restructuring of the Nigerian federation, greater inclusion in national development plans, and the right of Ijaw communities to benefit from the natural resources extracted from their lands.

These reflections were framed within the broader narrative of the Ijaw struggle for justice and equity, with many calling on the federal and state governments to address long-standing grievances.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Ijaw Renaissance

The successful organization and execution of the 2025 Ijaw Day Unity Walk in Yenagoa serves as a strong reminder that the Ijaw cause remains alive and active. The energy and unity demonstrated during the event signal a renewed commitment to cultural preservation, political activism, and community development.

As environmental and developmental challenges persist in the Niger Delta, the Ijaw people—under the guidance of visionary leaders like Dr. Doodei Week—must continue to harness collective strength and intellectual resources to advance their cause.

The Ijaw National Congress and its partners must also work toward building strategic alliances, both within Nigeria and internationally, to ensure that the concerns of the Ijaw nation are heard and addressed. Education, economic empowerment, youth mobilization, and leadership development should form core pillars of future engagements.

Conclusion

The 2025 Ijaw National Day Unity Walk, led by Dr. Doodei Week, was more than a celebration—it was a call to action. It reminded all Ijaw sons and daughters of their shared history, their collective aspirations, and their enduring resilience. As the Ijaw nation moves forward, events like this will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, uniting the people, and pushing for a future defined by justice, equity, and cultural pride.

The walk from the NUJ complex to Peace Park may have ended in distance, but its significance will continue to resonate across the Ijaw landscape and beyond.