Ijaw Women Group Marks 4th Anniversary, Salutes Tompolo, Okrika, Otuaro, Others, Seeks Support
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The Association of Delta Ijaw Women for Peace and Culture has commemorated its fourth anniversary with a colourful ceremony in Warri, placing strong emphasis on economic empowerment and skills acquisition for women across Ijaw communities.
The event, held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, attracted women from various Local Government Areas in Ijaw land, many of whom appeared in vibrant traditional attire. The group used the occasion to commend notable Niger Delta leaders including the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo); Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro; and the Bolowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief (Dr.) Wellington O. Okirika, CON, Dr. Ebi Ibrahim Ezaza, the Wakilin Isoko of Loko, London, Nasarawa State for their continuous support toward the development of Ijaw women and the larger Ijaw nation.
A key highlight of the celebration was the empowerment session, during which the association sponsored the opening of bank accounts for participants and issued instant debit cards to promote financial inclusion. The initiative forms part of a broader plan to prepare Ijaw women for entrepreneurship, political participation, and sustainable economic advancement.
The association, along with its expanding membership, used the anniversary to appeal for greater support from regional leaders to expand its programmes and impact. It stressed the need for more investment in women-centered initiatives to enhance socio-economic and cultural development across Ijaw communities.
The group’s executives include: Comrade Mesahrun Ejiro Stella Bobo, President (Warri South-West LGA) Happy Nawei, Vice President (Warri North) Ruth Forcados, National Secretary (Burutu LGA) Beautiful Alfred, PRO (Warri South) Ezonebi Milo, Member (Bomadi LGA) Rita Sibe, Organising Secretary Alagogha Testimony, Welfare Officer.
Beyond speeches and empowerment activities, the event featured cultural displays, with the women performing traditional dances described by organisers as an exhibition of the “true identity of the Ijaw woman.”
In her remarks, President of the association, Comrade Mesahrun Ejiro Stella, said the group established on December 12, 2021 has grown from an eight-member initiative to a vibrant organisation of over 200 women drawn from creek and urban communities.
She explained that the association was formed to empower women with skills, information, and confidence needed to participate effectively in politics and community development.
“Our vision was conceived to bring women out of the creeks and equip them with information, skills, and guidance needed to secure their place in politics and society,” she said.
Ejiro thanked key Niger Delta stakeholders including Tompolo, Dr. Otuaro, the Izon Youth Council (IYC), the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS), and the Delta Ijaw Comrade Family — for consistently championing the cause of Ijaw women.
She also commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for promoting women’s inclusion in governance.
Reiterating the group’s call for support, Ejiro said: “We, the Association of Delta Ijaws Women for Peace and Culture, need empowerment to enable Ijaw women support their husbands, their homes, and society at large. We seek collaboration with leaders and institutions across Ijaw Nation and beyond, and we further appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to consider our members for appointments and empowerment.”
She urged Ijaw women to remain politically active and culturally grounded, stressing that their participation is both a rights and a duty.
“We must protect our identity, participate fully in leadership, and continue to advance the Ijaw woman,” she added.
