The Ijaw Youth Council, Arogbo Clan has unanimously passed a Vote of Confidence on Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, the Member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. This epochal decision follows a thorough evaluation of his performances since assuming office.
In a press statement earlier released today and made available to our correspondent, the leadership of the Council expressed satisfaction over Hon. Ojogo’s renewed commitment to legislative duties, grassroots engagement, and the developmental aspirations of his constituency, particularly in the Arogbo axis of Ondo State.
While extolling Hon. Ojogo, the group urged the Federal law maker to expand human capacity development and pay special attention to the renaming of Ese-Odo to reflect the Ijaw identity.
Below is the full press release:
PRESS RELEASE
28th May, 2025
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Arogbo Clan Passes Vote of Confidence on Hon. Donald Ojogo — Urges Enhanced Youth Employment and Empowerment Initiatives
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Arogbo Clan, after careful evaluation of the performance of Hon. Donald Ojogo, Member representing Ilaje/Ese-odo Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, has unanimously passed a Vote of Confidence on his legislative conduct, constituency engagement, and demonstrable commitment to the welfare of his people.
The Council has met with Hon. Ojogo on two separate occasions. The first interaction took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, albeit informally, during a separate engagement at the Assembly quarters. Upon learning of his presence in office, we considered it important to pay him a courtesy visit. This meeting, though spontaneous, proved highly beneficial as we seized the opportunity to engage him on issues affecting our people back home in Arogbo, particularly as the visit coincided with his recovery from a prolonged health challenge. It was a moment of solidarity and renewed hope for our constituency.
The second meeting occurred at his private residence in Akure, during which we drew his attention to the stalled General Hospital project in Agadagba-Obon. We appealed to him, as a stakeholder in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to leverage his legislative influence to engage relevant authorities in fast-tracking the completion of the hospital. The health implications and benefits of such a facility for our people cannot be overstated.
The IYC, while remaining apolitical in its constitution and operation, holds sacred the mandate to defend the collective interests of the Ijaw people, to amplify their voices, and to challenge any form of systemic neglect or marginalization. In this light, Hon. Donald Ojogo, though our kinsman, is not exempt from scrutiny.
Nevertheless, our unbiased observation of his activities at the National Assembly reveals a clear sense of direction and focus. Despite grappling with health issues in the earlier months of his tenure, his recent engagements as seen in public records and the media reflect a Representative who is gradually finding firm footing in national politics.
Of particular note are the legislative initiatives he has spearheaded, including a bill proposing the establishment of a vocational institute in Agadagba-Obon, and his role in the development of a health facility in Bolowu. His involvement in facilitating job placements and human capital development is commendable and worthy of acknowledgment. For a first-time federal lawmaker, this level of impact is purpose driven and commitment to public service.
As a socio-cultural body, we wish to publicly affirm our support and endorsement of Hon. Ojogo, a true son of the soil. However, we urge him to expand the scope of employment and empowerment opportunities. If current limitations are administrative or political, we implore him not to relent in making the case for our constituency, considering the unique terrain and historical contributions of our people to the state and the nation at large. With the robust alliances he now enjoys within the leadership of the House, we are optimistic that the development of our federal constituency could become a model of transformation under his watch.
Furthermore, the Ijaw Youth Council wishes to bring to the fore the long-standing concern regarding the name “Ese-Odo.” The nomenclature fails to adequately reflect the distinct Ijaw identity of our people. We therefore call on Hon. Ojogo to initiate the necessary legislative and political processes for a name change — similar to what was achieved in the Ogun West Senatorial District with the renaming of Egbado North and South. This correction is not merely cosmetic but deeply symbolic and necessary for the cultural dignity of our people.
We also extend our gratitude to Hon. Ojogo for his visible support in ongoing national discussions regarding state creation, particularly the proposed Toru-Ibe State. With his continued advocacy and collaboration with other Ijaw lawmakers, we believe this aspiration is within reach.
In conclusion, we reaffirm our confidence in Hon. Donald Ojogo and urge him to sustain the tempo of purposeful representation. The Ijaw nation, especially the Arogbo Clan, stands firmly with him, hopeful that his tenure will mark a watershed in the political and developmental history of our people.
Signed,
Comrade Toibokumoh Arigidi (Community)
Chairman ,
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Arogbo Clan,
Comrade Kimi Meshach
Publicity secretary,
Ijaw Youth council (IYC), Arogbo Clan.
