By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide has urged President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the establishment of a nursing school in Patani, and a polytechnic in Bomadi, both Ijaw speaking areas of Delta.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, INC Worldwide, made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday.
Okaba said the appeal became imperative in view of two Bills before the Senate sponsored by Sen. Joel Onowakpo, representing Delta South Senatorial District.
The Bill sought to establish the establishment of the two schools in those areas.
He said that Ijaw people globally were thrilled at the prospects of having such higher institutions finally located in their long-neglected communities.
He also appealed to the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, to accelerate hearings on the Bill.
He also said the Bill was significant because it would go a long way in addressing the long-standing educational aspirations of the Ijaw people of Delta.
“We humbly appeal to President Bola Tinubu to leverage his presidential influence to support the swift passage of these bills through the National Assembly and to give his assent promptly once they are passed.
“At this critical juncture in history, these projects represent the most meaningful way to address the developmental yearnings of the Delta Ijaws.
“We also make an earnest appeal to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to ensure these bills are expedited through the legislative process.
“The significance of these bills cannot be overemphasised as they directly address the long-standing educational aspirations of the Ijaw people of Delta State.
“The Ijaw people, both in Delta and across the globe, are already thrilled at the prospects of having such higher institutions finally located in their long-neglected communities,” he said.
The INC president said for decades the Ijaw people of Delta had consistently advocated the establishment of higher institutions in their areas.
“Unfortunately these appeals have fallen on deaf ears though the state boasts the highest number of higher institutions in Nigeria.
“Nearly all other ethnic groups within the state have benefited from these institutions, with some ethnic nationalities enjoying the presence of multiple federal and state institutions.
“These include universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, nursing schools, and specialised medical schools, while in contrast, the Ijaw areas have been systematically overlooked.
“Regrettably, this marginalisation persisted in spite of Ijaw representatives serving in parliament for extended periods, some for over two decades.
“This makes Sen. Joel Onowakpo’s efforts even more commendable, as he has demonstrated rare leadership and inclusiveness in championing the cause of the Ijaw people”.
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