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Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South Senatorial District has been commended over the Bills he sponsored seeking to establish a School of Nursing in Patani, in Patani Local Government Area and a Polytechnic in Bomadi in Bomadi Local Government Area both in Ijaw areas of Delta State.
This commendation was made by Ijaw National Congress(INC), main umbrella body of Ijaw ethnic nationality in a statement signed by Prof Benjamin O. G. Okaba, President General, Ijaw National Congress (Worldwide).
Prof. Okaba stated that the Ijaws in Delta State and across the globe are thrilled at the prospects of having such higher institutions finally located in their long-neglected communities.
According to Prof. Okaba, “” Ijaw National Congress (INC) is aware of two critical Bills currently before the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These bills, sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo, who represents Delta South Senatorial District seeks to establish a School of Nursing in Patani in Patani Local Government Area and a Polytechnic in Bomadi in Bomadi Local Government Area both within Ijaw areas of Delta State.
“We, the Ijaws in Delta State and across the globe are particularly thrilled at the prospects of having such higher institutions finally located in our long-neglected communities.”
Giving a brief historical perspective, Prof Okaba stated that for decades, the Ijaw people of Delta State have consistently advocated for the establishment of higher institutions in their areas, he regretted that hose appeals fell on deaf ears, adding, “even though, Delta State boasts of the highest number of higher institutions in Nigeria.
Prof. Okaba spoke further, “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 despite the fact that Ijaw representatives have served in parliament for extended periods some for over two decades.
“This makes Senator Joel Onowakpo’s efforts even more commendable, as he has demonstrated rare leadership and inclusiveness in championing the cause of the Ijaw people .To Senator Joel- Onowakpo, the Ijaw National Congress says: The reward for hard work is more work.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) then appealed to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to ensure that the two Bills are expedited through the legislative process, adding that the significance of the Bills cannot be overemphasized, “as they directly address the long-standing educational aspirations of the Ijaw people of Delta State.”
Prof. Okaba also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to add his voice to, adding, “furthermore, we humbly call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to leverage his Presidential influence to support the swift passage of these Bils through the National Assembly and to give his Assent promptly once they are passed. At this critical juncture in history, these projects represent the most meaningful way to address the developmental yearnings of the Delta Ijaws.
“Mr. President, we trust in your leadership and commitment to equity and inclusivity. This is a golden opportunity to bring lasting change to a group of people that has endured decades of neglect.”
