Former President Goodluck Jonathan, along with Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, is set to attend the Pre-Summit Conference for the 1st Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit 2024. The event will take place from October 17 to 18 in Bayelsa and is a precursor to the main summit scheduled for December 3 to 5 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Organized by the Azaiki Foundation in collaboration with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the conference is themed “Environmental Regeneration and Economic Sustainability.” It aims to address the infrastructural, developmental, and environmental challenges faced by the Ijaw people in Nigeria.
Prof. Steve Azaiki, the Principal Convener, emphasized the importance of the summit, which will feature the governors of Edo, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Delta, and Niger, as well as Ijaw representatives from countries such as Canada, Germany, France, and Australia. The former governor of Bayelsa, Senator Seriake Dickson, will chair the opening ceremony.
The summit aims to foster dialogue and strategic engagement to tackle socio-economic issues like poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. It will focus on unlocking opportunities in the Marine and Blue Economy, transforming the Niger Delta coastline into a tourism hub, agricultural development, and enhancing gender inclusivity, security, and women’s rights.
Azaiki stated that the summit is dedicated to finding innovative solutions for a sustainable future for the Ijaw people and Nigeria, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth and job creation.