Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – As the sun cast its warm glow over Heroes Park on a solemn Friday, the Ijaw nation gathered to commemorate the 57th anniversary of Boro Day, a day set aside to honour the legacy of Major Isaac Adaka Boro, a revered hero who sacrificed his life fighting for justice and self-determination for the Ijaw people.
The event, marked by wreath-laying ceremonies and stirring speeches, was a clarion call from Governor Douye Diri to the youths of the Ijaw ethnic nationality to celebrate Boro’s legacy with honour, integrity, and a renewed commitment to the ideals he championed.
Remembering a Hero: Discipline, Selflessness, and Justice
Governor Douye Diri, the chief host of the event, urged the Ijaw youths to reflect deeply on the ideals that defined Major Isaac Boro’s life-discipline, selflessness, and justice. “Boro was not a criminal nor a selfish man. He sacrificed and fought for his people,” the governor reminded the crowd, emphasizing that the celebration of Boro’s life must be marked by sobriety, honour, and integrity.
The governor’s message was clear: the Ijaw youths must respect constituted authorities, elders, and leaders, and shun the vices of crime and cultism that threaten the social fabric of the state. “Boro was not a cultist. So shun cultism as it would not pay you,” he admonished, highlighting government efforts to create opportunities for youth empowerment through sports and other initiatives.
The Fight Against Cultism and Crime
Governor Diri’s call to action was particularly directed at the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC), urging them to collaborate closely with the government to eradicate cultism and criminal activities. “The recent resurgence of cultism has to stop. We are close to another political season, and such vices must stop in this state,” he warned.
This appeal resonated deeply with the youth leaders present. Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, president of the IYC, acknowledged that while some progress had been made in the Niger Delta, the issues Boro fought against-marginalization, injustice, and underdevelopment-persist. He pledged the council’s commitment to uphold Boro’s legacy and work towards a more peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta.
Preserving Ijaw Identity and Language
The event also spotlighted cultural preservation as a key pillar in the struggle for Ijaw self-determination. Professor Benjamin Okaba, president of the INC, lamented the gradual extinction of the Ijaw language and appealed to the government to make its study compulsory in primary and secondary schools. In response, Governor Diri assured that steps were underway to establish a full-fledged Ijaw language department at Niger Delta University, signaling a commitment to cultural revival.
“This is not just about language; it is about identity, pride, and the preservation of our heritage,” Okaba emphasized.
Acknowledging Progress and Calling for Unity
King Bubaraye Dakolo, chairman of the state’s traditional rulers council, praised the Diri administration for its strategic interventions that have improved the welfare of the Ijaw people. He noted that the Ijaw nation had made significant progress since Boro’s time but stressed that unity of purpose was essential to tackle ongoing challenges of underdevelopment and injustice.
“The Ijaws are not where they were during Boro’s era. We have made strides, but we must come together to address the issues that still plague our people,” King Dakolo said.
The Intellectual Legacy: Prof. A. W. Obianime’s Lecture
A highlight of the celebration was a profound lecture delivered by Prof. A. W. Obianime on “The Ijaw Struggle for Self-Determination: Challenges, New Frontiers, and Prospects.” His address provided a sobering yet hopeful analysis of the current state of the Ijaw struggle and the path forward.
Key Insights from the Lecture:
Need for Psychological and Emotional Reorientation
Prof. Obianime stressed the importance of a broad review of the Ijaw people’s emotional and psychological state. He called for a renewed focus on environmental and social justice, urging the community to pursue corporate and sovereign responsibility. He emphasized that existing lawsuits and social campaigns must lead to accountability, environmental cleanup, and compensation, which should be reinvested into the development of the Niger Delta.
Political Disunity and the Danger of Partisan Divisions
The professor lamented the fragmentation of the Ijaw people along political party lines (PDP vs. APC), which has eroded the unity that once defined the ethnic nationality. He warned that the build-up to the 2027 elections should not overshadow the ancestral and national interests of the Ijaw people.
Globalizing the Ijaw Cause
Prof. Obianime urged the Ijaw nation to take their struggle to the international stage, advocating for their rights on global human rights platforms, environmental courts, and policy institutions. He called for a well-packaged message to gain international support.
Youth Empowerment as the Future of the Struggle
The professor highlighted the critical role of youth empowerment through education, global exposure, and leadership training. He argued that the youth must be equipped with the right information and tools to sustain the struggle and secure a better future.
Networking and Building New Alliances
Prof. Obianime encouraged the Ijaw people to expand their networks, forge new relationships, and engage in high-powered public relations activities to advance their cause.
Shift from Armed Struggle to Intellectual and Economic Empowerment
He emphasized that the new frontiers of the Ijaw struggle are not about bullets and guns but about brains and brawns-education, economic empowerment, and fair governance.
Challenges Facing the Ijaw Nation
The lecture also candidly addressed the challenges confronting the Ijaw people today:
Environmental degradation and social decay have altered the physical landscape.
The human resources to carry on the struggle have diminished.
Poverty, rising diseases, and poor quality education plague the youth.
Some struggle promoters have become contractors for exploiters, abandoning the creeks for luxurious lives elsewhere.
Political discord and lack of unity weaken the collective voice.
The general populace feels dejected, perceiving little tangible achievement.
The opposition has regrouped with sophisticated military and naval power.
The political class has often failed to serve as true leaders, causing disconnect with the philosophical struggle led by the Ijaw National Congress.
A Call to Action: Honouring Boro’s Legacy Today
The Boro Day celebration concluded with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Major Isaac Boro’s tomb, attended by Governor Diri, leaders of the IYC and INC, traditional rulers, Boro’s children Felix and Esther, and representatives of the Nigerian Legion. This symbolic act reinforced the community’s commitment to honouring Boro’s memory and ideals.
Governor Diri’s promise to the IYC president to consider declaring Boro Day a public holiday in Bayelsa State was met with applause, as was the government’s ongoing support for cultural and educational initiatives.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for the Ijaw Nation
As the Ijaw nation reflects on the sacrifices of Major Isaac Boro, the 2025 Boro Day celebration serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for justice, peace, and self-determination is far from over. Governor Douye Diri’s call for honour, integrity, and unity among the youths, coupled with the intellectual insights of Prof. Obianime, charts a hopeful path forward.
The Ijaw people stand at a crossroads-faced with daunting challenges but armed with a rich legacy and renewed resolve. By embracing education, cultural preservation, political unity, and global advocacy, the Ijaw nation can transform Boro’s dream into a lasting reality.
As the sun set over Heroes Park, the spirit of Major Isaac Boro seemed to shine brighter than ever-urging his people to rise, unite, and forge a future worthy of his sacrifice.
