Ijaw Nation Congress Inaugurates New Executive Council

The Ijaw Nation Congress (INC) held its national convention on April 14, 2026, at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where a new executive council was inaugurated. Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei was elected as president, succeeding Prof.

Benjamin Okaba, who had served since May 14, 2021. The election was conducted with 600 delegates from across the Ijaw nation participating.

The INC, established in 1991, aims to foster Ijaw national consciousness and address issues such as environmental degradation and revenue allocation from oil extraction. During the inauguration, Prof.

Okaba reflected on the progress made during his tenure and emphasized the need for the new leadership to consolidate achievements and correct past mistakes. The INC plans to engage with international bodies and advocate for the interests of the Ijaw people, who number approximately 15 million and are predominantly located in the Niger Delta region.