President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr. Theophilus Alaye, has warned contestants jostling for various positions that the council is meant to serve the Ijaw nation and not a money-making venture.
Speaking at the weekend during the 2026 pre-elective convention ceremony held in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, the IYC President revealed that delegates for the forthcoming convention cut across the Central zone, Eastern zone, Western zone, Abuja chapter and the Lagos Chapter.
Alaye emphasised that as president, his tenure would be coming to an end on July 19th, 2026, adding that it was imperative to kick-start the transition process by setting up the National Electoral Committee (NECOM) in place to usher in the 10th National Executive Committee (NEC) of Council.
He expressed confidence that with the inauguration of the NECOM members, the electoral process would proceed smoothly.
He advised NECOM members to be transparent with the electoral processes and guidelines in order to have a transparent, free, fair and credible election.
Alaye noted: “The aspirants that will be aspiring for various offices are Ijaw youths who will be offering themselves to serve the Ijaw nation and not to make money.
“Aspirants should not be made to spend so much as if they are contesting for governorship election, so as at the end, those that will emerge will serve with all sense of dignity and open-mindedness for the common interest of Ijaw Nation.”
Alaye reiterated his call for the decentralisation of the Oil Pipeline Surveillance Contract for the interest of peace, justice, equity, stability and progress of Niger Delta.