Olu-Derimon Wraps Up Abuja Campaign Consultations, Seeks Support for IYC National Director of Mobilisation, Promises Unity and Stability
In what observers have described as a strategic and well-coordinated consultation tour, youth leader Olu-Derimon has concluded an important round of campaign engagements in Abuja as he seeks support for his aspiration to become the National Director of Mobilisation of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC).
The visit to Nigeria’s federal capital formed part of a broader consultation process with key stakeholders, leaders, and members of the Ijaw Youth Council across various chapters as the council prepares for its forthcoming leadership transition under the expected 10th National Executive Council (NEC).
During the consultation meeting with the Abuja Chapter leadership and members of the council, Olu-Derimon presented what he described as a clear and actionable vision aimed at strengthening unity, discipline, and organisational stability within the Ijaw Youth Council.
Consultation with Abuja Chapter Leadership
The Abuja engagement brought together prominent youth leaders, stakeholders, and members of the Ijaw community resident in the Federal Capital Territory. The meeting provided an opportunity for Olu-Derimon to formally intimate the chapter about his intention to contest for the strategic position of National Director of Mobilisation.
Addressing the gathering, the aspirant emphasised that his ambition is rooted in a deep commitment to the development of Ijaw youths and the institutional strengthening of the council.
According to him, the Ijaw Youth Council remains one of the most influential youth platforms in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria, and its continued relevance depends largely on effective mobilisation, visionary leadership, and strong collaboration among the council’s various chapters.
He explained that his aspiration is guided by a strong belief that the council can achieve greater organisational stability if leaders prioritise unity, inclusiveness, and purposeful engagement with youths across the region.
Vision for a Stable and United Council
Olu-Derimon used the occasion to outline his vision for the mobilisation department should he be elected. According to him, the role of the National Director of Mobilisation goes beyond coordinating youth activities; it also involves building a structured system through which the council can effectively engage with communities, government institutions, and development partners.
He noted that the Ijaw Youth Council must continue to serve as a platform that amplifies the voices of Ijaw youths while also promoting peace, stability, and responsible leadership within the region.
“Our vision is to build a council that is stable, united, and proactive in addressing the needs of our youths,” he said during the interaction with members.
He further stressed that the mobilisation department must function as the engine room of the council by coordinating grassroots participation and ensuring that youths across the Eastern Zone, Central Zone, and Western Zone remain actively involved in the activities of the organisation.
Mobilising Against Threats to Ijaw Communities
A major highlight of his presentation was his emphasis on strengthening advocacy efforts against activities of multinational oil companies that threaten the safety, livelihoods, and environment of Ijaw communities.
He explained that the mobilisation department must remain vigilant in defending the rights of host communities, particularly in areas affected by environmental degradation, oil spills, and other ecological challenges associated with oil exploration activities.
According to him, protecting the environment and ensuring corporate accountability should remain central to the mission of the Ijaw Youth Council.
He assured members that if elected, he would work with other leaders of the council to develop structured mobilisation strategies that would enable the organisation to respond effectively to issues affecting Ijaw communities.
Addressing Social Challenges Among Ijaw Youths
Beyond external advocacy, Olu-Derimon also drew attention to internal social challenges affecting many young people in the region.
He expressed concern over the growing prevalence of illegal drug abuse among youths in various communities, describing it as a serious threat to the future of the Ijaw nation.
According to him, youth mobilisation must not only focus on political activism but also address social issues that undermine the well-being and productivity of young people.
He therefore proposed the development of community-based awareness campaigns and youth engagement programmes aimed at discouraging the use of illegal drugs and promoting healthier lifestyles among young people.
“We must look inward and confront the issues affecting our youths,” he said. “Drug abuse is destroying the potential of many young men in our communities, and we must mobilise collectively to address it.”
Tackling the Problem of Out-of-School Youths
Another major area of focus highlighted by the aspirant was the growing challenge of out-of-school children and youths across many communities in the Niger Delta.
He emphasised that the future of the Ijaw nation depends largely on the educational advancement of its young population.
To address this challenge, Olu-Derimon proposed that the mobilisation department should work closely with community leaders, educational institutions, and development organisations to promote school enrollment and youth empowerment initiatives.
He noted that ensuring access to education and vocational opportunities for young people would help reduce poverty, crime, and social instability within the region.
Plans to Secure Offices for Strategic Chapters
In addition to his broader mobilisation agenda, Olu-Derimon also highlighted the need to strengthen the administrative capacity of the council’s chapters in major cities.
He promised that if elected, he would work closely with the incoming leadership of the 10th NEC to ensure that both the Abuja and Lagos chapters of the Ijaw Youth Council secure befitting office spaces.
According to him, these two cities occupy strategic positions in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, making it necessary for the council to maintain strong administrative bases in both locations.
He explained that functional offices would not only enhance the operational effectiveness of the chapters but would also provide a visible platform for engaging with policymakers, development partners, and the wider Nigerian public.
Stakeholders Express Support
Reacting to the presentation, the Chairman of the IYC Abuja Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Dienma Abibo, expressed appreciation for the aspirant’s passion and dedication to the development of the organisation.
He commended Olu-Derimon for presenting what he described as a thoughtful and practical vision for the mobilisation department.
Abibo noted that the strength of the Ijaw Youth Council lies in the commitment of leaders who are willing to dedicate their time and energy toward advancing the interests of Ijaw youths.
He therefore encouraged aspirants and members of the council to continue promoting unity and constructive engagement within the organisation.
Campaign Team Members
Olu-Derimon was accompanied during the consultation visit by respected figures within the council who are supporting his aspiration.
Among them were Prince Abraham Kokomimgbi, a former National Director of Mobilisation of the Ijaw Youth Council, and Ebolo Samuel, former Chairman of All Clan Chairmen of the IYC Western Zone.
Samuel also serves as the spokesman of the Olu-Derimon campaign team.
Speaking after the meeting, Samuel reiterated the campaign team’s belief that Olu-Derimon possesses the leadership capacity and organisational experience required to strengthen the mobilisation structure of the council.
A Call for Collective Support
As the consultations draw to a close, supporters of the aspirant are calling on members of the Ijaw Youth Council across all zones to rally behind his candidacy.
According to the campaign team, the aspiration represents an opportunity to strengthen youth mobilisation and reposition the council for greater impact in the Niger Delta and beyond.
The team emphasised that unity, discipline, and purposeful leadership remain essential ingredients for building a stronger future for Ijaw youths and the wider Ijaw nation.
Source: Campaign Team Statement
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Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
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