The newly inaugurated executives of the Ijaw National Congress Western Zone have assured stakeholders of their resolve to play an active role in defending the interests of Ijaw people with diplomacy, unity and truth, as well as to collaborate with "government, corporate bodies and sister ethnic organizations to advance peace, security and development" in the Niger Delta region.

The assurance was given by the INC Western Zone Chairman, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, while delivering the acceptance speech on behalf of other exco members at the venue of the inauguration in Bomadi, Delta State, on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

The newly-inaugurated INC Western Zone exco are: Barr. Priye Noel Kuete (Chairman), Hon. Odi Vita (Vice Chairman), Chief Richard Ebi Sinebe (Secretary), Chief Hon. Masah Godwin (Publicity Secretary), Benson Duduwei Yabike (Financial Secretary), Aboh Monday Perekorede (Treasurer), Muje Benjamin Warela (Auditor), Veronica Ogeibiri (Woman Affairs), and Barr. Toighaposi Kiyah (Legal Adviser).

While delivering the acceptance speech, Kuete said, "Let me assure you all that under our watch, the Western Zone will not be a sleeping arm of the Congress. We will be visible, vibrant and vocal. We will defend the interests of our people with diplomacy, with unity and with truth. We will partner with government, corporate bodies and sister ethnic organizations to advance peace, security and development in our region."

Earlier, Kuete expressed appreciation to all stakeholders of the zone and the national body for the trust and confidence imposed in their leadership which he described as an opportunity to serve, and not just the bearing of titles or occupying of positions.

"With a heart filled with gratitude and humility, I stand before you today, deeply honored by the trust and confidence reposed in me to serve as the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Western Zone covering the great States of Delta, Edo and Ondo.

"This moment is not just a personal achievement; it is a solemn call to service, a sacred responsibility to defend, promote and advance the collective interests of our Ijaw people within this zone and beyond. I accept this mandate with every sense of duty, courage and sincerity of purpose.

"To my fellow zonal executives, this journey is not about titles, but about service. It is not about position but about purpose. Together, we must renew our commitment to the ideals of unity, justice and progress for which the Ijaw Nation stands," he added.

While he acknowledged there are challenges, he however expressed confidence that with determination and collective work the Western Zone will succeed.

"The challenges before us are enormous; issues of marginalization, development neglect, insecurity, youth unemployment and the preservation of our cultural heritage. But I have no doubt that with collective wisdom, courage and determination, we shall rise above them.

"Our mission as the INC Western Zone will be to rebuild trust, foster inclusiveness, empower our youths and women, and strengthen the socio-political relevance of the Ijaw Nation within the Niger Delta and the Nigerian federation.

"We will build bridges, not walls. We will engage, not confront. We will speak boldly but act wisely. Above all, we will place the unity and progress of the Ijaw Nation above personal or sectional interests," he vowed.

Continuing, Kuete thanked the Almighty God for the possibility of the exco's emergence, all stakeholders for their positive contributions to building the INC and promoting the Ijaw ethnic identity, and called for support from all Ijaw sons and daughters.

"Let me first of all return all glory to Almighty God, the giver of life and destiny, for making this day possible. I also extend my profound appreciation to the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress at the national level for their guidance and support and to all delegates and stakeholders across the three states who believed in our vision and gave us this opportunity to lead.

"I want to particularly acknowledge our elders, traditional rulers and leaders of thought who have labored tirelessly for the survival of our ethnic identity. We stand today on the shoulders of your sacrifices and wisdom. I also salute our youths and women, the heartbeat of our struggle whose energy, creativity and resilience continue to give life to the Ijaw cause.

"As I assume this office, I call on every son and daughter of Ijawland in Delta, Edo and Ondo States, whether you live at home or in the diaspora to join hands with us. The time has come to think Ijaw, act Ijaw and build the Ijaw Nation together."

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