The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has formally requested the federal government to establish two new states for the Ijaw people during a constitution review hearing in the south-south region. This development was reported by The Cable on Saturday, July 20, 2025. INC President Benjamin Okaba presented the proposal to lawmakers, emphasizing the need to address the long-standing challenges faced by Ijaw communities.
*The Proposed States*
The INC has proposed the creation of two new states: Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers State. Toru-Ebe would comprise Ijaw areas in Delta, Edo, and Ondo states, while Oil Rivers State would be made up of Ijaw communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. According to Okaba, these areas have been fragmented across different states for years, hindering the political and economic growth of the Ijaw people.
*Challenges Faced by Ijaw Communities*
Okaba highlighted the difficulties faced by Ijaw communities, including the lack of basic infrastructure such as good roads, schools, hospitals, and clean water. He noted that despite the region's significant oil production, the Ijaw people have not benefited adequately. The current state of affairs has led to many Ijaw individuals leaving their villages and disconnecting from their cultural heritage. Okaba also pointed out that the Ijaw people face significant challenges in terms of representation, with some areas not having Ijaw representation in local government councils.
*The Impact of Marginalization*
The marginalization of Ijaw communities has had far-reaching consequences, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services. Okaba emphasized that the creation of new states would help to address these challenges and provide the Ijaw people with a stronger voice in the country's affairs. He noted that the proposed states would have sufficient natural resources, including oil, gas, fish, and farmland, to sustain themselves and drive growth.
*Benefits of the New States*
The INC believes that the creation of these two new states would bring about development, peace, and unity to the Ijaw people. Okaba emphasized that the proposed states would provide the Ijaw people with better access to government services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The new states would also provide opportunities for economic growth and development, enabling the Ijaw people to reach their full potential.
*A Call for Action*
The INC has reiterated its demand for the creation of the two additional homogeneous Ijaw states, emphasizing the potential benefits for the Ijaw people. The organization is confident that this development would address the long-standing challenges faced by Ijaw communities and promote their overall well-being. Okaba called on the federal government to consider the proposal and take steps to create the new states, noting that this would be a significant step towards promoting peace, unity, and development in the region.
*The Way Forward*
The creation of new states is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and planning. However, the INC believes that the benefits of creating Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers State far outweigh the challenges. The organization is committed to working with the federal government and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposal is given due consideration. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of development and inequality, the INC's proposal offers a potential solution to the long-standing problems faced by Ijaw communities.
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