Newly inaugurated President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei, has declared that the agitation for the creation of Toru-Ibe State and Oil River State will remain a major priority of his administration.
Igbadiwei made the declaration during his inauguration ceremony in Warri, Delta State, where he officially assumed office as President of the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw people.
Addressing delegates, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and supporters at the event, the INC President reaffirmed the Congress’ commitment to the political and developmental aspirations of the Ijaw nation.
“The creation of Toru-Ibe State and Oil River State, we shall pursue to a logical conclusion,” he stated.
The declaration was greeted with applause from attendees, many of whom described the statement as a renewed signal of the INC’s determination to push for greater political inclusion and equitable representation for Ijaw communities across the Niger Delta.
In a move seen as an immediate fulfilment of one of his campaign promises, Igbadiwei also announced the donation of operational buses to each zone of the Congress to improve coordination and ease movement for zonal activities.
According to him, the gesture is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the organisation and ensuring more effective engagement across the regions.
“Our administration will be driven by service, unity, and commitment to the welfare and aspirations of the Ijaw people,” he said.
Observers at the inauguration described the donation as a practical demonstration of leadership rooted in accountability and promises fulfilled.
Several stakeholders who spoke at the event expressed confidence in the new leadership, noting that the early actions taken by the INC President reflect a readiness to reposition the organisation for greater advocacy and regional development.
The inauguration ceremony attracted prominent Ijaw leaders, political figures, youth representatives, women groups, and community stakeholders from across the Niger Delta region.
The renewed push for the creation of Toru-Ibe State and Oil River State is expected to further intensify conversations around restructuring, political representation, and resource equity in the country.
