In a colourful celebration of culture, identity and leadership, the City of Houston in Texas, United States, has officially declared July 5 as “Ijaw Convention Day,” a historic recognition of one of Nigeria’s oldest and most resilient ethnic nationalities.
This was contained in statement issued by Daniel Alabrah, the Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, on Sunday.
According to the statement, the proclamation was announced during the second Global Ijaw Convention hosted by the Ijaw National Congress of the Americas (INC-A) at the Marriott Hotel in Westchase, with the theme “Effective Leadership in Ijaw Nation.”
It drew Ijaw sons and daughters from across the globe, creating a vibrant diaspora moment that bridged continents, generations, and aspirations.
Signed by Mayor John Whitmire, the proclamation was presented to the Ijaw delegation and received by the Governor-General of the Ijaw nation and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe. He was joined by INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba and INC-A Chairman Mr. Ken Anga.
Mayor Whitmire, in his address, described the Ijaw community as a vital and dynamic part of Houston’s growing cultural and civic landscape.
“Their presence in business, energy, healthcare, education, and public service enriches the very fabric of our city,” he said.
He also praised the Ijaw people’s enduring connection to their heritage and their contributions to global conversations on culture, unity and leadership.
Responding to the honour, Governor Diri, through Dr. Akpe, said the proclamation was a proud moment for the Ijaw nation. He noted that such international recognition affirms the global relevance of the Ijaw people and their values.
“This moment is heartwarming. It speaks to the strength of our people, our culture, and the importance of unity. I urge all Ijaw sons and daughters in the diaspora to remain great ambassadors, not just of our ethnic nationality, but of Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Diri also highlighted steps taken by his administration to preserve the Ijaw identity, including the employment of over 350 language teachers and the enactment of a law making the teaching of the Izon language compulsory in Bayelsa schools.
The convention offered a rare blend of cultural expression, intellectual engagement, and award recognition, creating space for the diaspora community to reflect on its roots while shaping its future.
READ ALSO:Rivers Crisis Over, I won’t Reveal Peace Deal With Fubara — Wike
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was honoured at the event, delivered a virtual goodwill message in which he commended the leadership of INC-A for uniting Ijaw voices in the diaspora. He called on the people to remain focused on values that define the Ijaw spirit—justice, truth, unity and equity.
“This convention is a reunion of purpose,” he said. “Let us not pull each other down. Let us instead commit to building a community grounded in love, sacrifice and collective growth.”
One of the major highlights of the convention was the unveiling of the Ijaw Cultural and Heritage Centre, which the organisers said would serve as a home for Ijaw memory, identity, and intergenerational dialogue.
Awards were presented to some of the most influential Ijaw personalities, recognising their service and leadership. Honourees included former President Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara (represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo); and former Bayelsa Governor and serving Senator, Chief Seriake Dickson.
Others recognised were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; MD of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Board, High Chief Amagbe Kentebe; and Prof. Benjamin Okaba.
Also honoured were King Bubaraye Dakolo of the Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Shadrach Erebulu of Kabowei, oil magnate Chief Ken Etete, and Ijaw Youth Council President, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri. A posthumous honour was bestowed on the late elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark, in recognition of his towering legacy.
Throughout the convention, presentations and papers on leadership, cultural preservation, and development issues affecting the Ijaw nation were delivered by respected voices such as King Bubaraye Dakolo, Dr. Seiyifa Koroye, Prof. Engobo Emeseh of the University of Bradford, and governance and finance expert, Dr. Sam Jaja.
The Global Ijaw Convention in Houston was more than just a gathering. It became a symbol of collective identity, cross-border unity and a declaration that the Ijaw nation, both at home and abroad, is charting its own narrative in a globalised world.
As the sounds of traditional drums echoed through the halls and the Izon language found rhythm in speeches and songs, it became clear that for the Ijaw people, distance has only strengthened their resolve to stay connected, to lead, and to preserve their heritage.
Houston now stands as a city that not only hosted a convention, but etched the Ijaw name into its calendar, permanently.