By Abiola Olawale
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the President General of the Ijaw National Congress (Worldwide), has expressed his admiration for Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the lawmaker representing Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State at the Senate, over his recent legislative efforts in sponsoring bills seeking the establishment of educational institutions in Delta State’s Ijaw communities.
Okaba said it is commendable that Joel-Onowakpo has proposed a bill seeking the establishment of a School of Nursing in the town of Patani, and the second bill, which seeks to create a Polytechnic in Bomadi, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
The President of the INC said the proposed bill is a vital step toward improving educational opportunities and fostering development in the Delta State.
In a press statement, Okaba said the development has brought happiness to the faces of Ijaw people, not only in Delta State but across the globe.
The statement reads in part: “The Ijaw people, both in Delta State and across the globe, are thrilled at the prospects of having such higher institutions finally located in their long-neglected communities.
“Nearly all other ethnic groups within the state have benefited from these institutions, with some ethnic nationalities enjoying the presence of multiple federal and state institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, nursing schools, and specialized medical schools. In contrast, the Ijaw areas have been systematically overlooked.
“Regrettably, this marginalization persisted even though Ijaw representatives have served in parliament for extended periods, some for over two decades.
“This makes Senator Onowakpo’s efforts even more commendable, as he has demonstrated rare leadership and inclusiveness in championing the cause of the Ijaw people To Senator Onowakpo, the Ijaw National Congress says: ‘The reward for hard work is more work.'”
The President of the INC also urged the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas to ensure that the bills are expedited through the legislative process.
Okada called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to leverage his presidential influence to support the swift passage of the two bills through the National Assembly and to give his assent promptly once they are passed.
