In a shifting tribute to 3 of the Niger Delta’s most revered sons, Nationwide Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Discussion board (PANDEF), Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, delivered a robust deal with on the 2025 Boro Day celebration in Kaiama, reflecting on the lives and legacies of Main Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Titled “The Trilogy of Braveness, Character and Candour”, the speech known as for renewed dedication to justice, environmental fairness, and federalism, whereas invoking the spirits of those icons whose sacrifices and advocacy formed the trajectory of the Ijaw nation and broader Niger Delta.
“This soil of Kaiama bears the footprints of heroes and pathfinders who didn’t watch for change to fulfill them — they turned brokers of change,” Igali declared to a rapt viewers. The city of Kaiama, Boro’s hometown, was was a convergence of activists, conventional leaders, and youth {groups} commemorating the 57th anniversary of the revolutionary’s loss of life through the civil struggle in 1968.
The occasion additionally served as a mirrored image on the latest passing of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, laid to relaxation simply two days earlier, on Could 13, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
A Legacy Etched in Wrestle
In his speech, Igali described Isaac Boro because the face of “revolutionary braveness and youthful idealism.” Boro, famously identified for his “Twelve-Day Revolution” in 1966, was praised for daring to problem the Nigerian state for the rights of the Niger Delta folks at simply 27.
“Although some could regard him as controversial, Boro is revered as a martyr in lots of Niger Delta communities,” Igali stated, calling on Niger Delta youths to emulate his fearlessness and sacrifice.
On Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, the diplomat famous his position as a constitutional tactician and bridge builder who “fought not with violence, however with diplomacy, knowledge and relentless advocacy.” He credited Dappa-Biriye’s advocacy on the 1957 London Constitutional Convention with laying the groundwork for the creation of Rivers and Bayelsa States.
Turning to Chief Edwin Clark, Igali highlighted his strategic braveness, political consistency and unwavering voice for useful resource management and restructuring. “Even below army regimes, Pa Clark fearlessly spoke fact to energy,” he famous, calling Clark “a father determine in Nigerian politics.”
A Name to Motion
Ambassador Igali’s deal with was not simply reflective however visionary. He charged the Ijaw nation, particularly the youth, to uphold the legacy of the area’s forebears by pursuing justice by way of diplomacy, activism and mental advocacy.
“Allow us to not surrender on {economic} empowerment and environmental justice. Our voices should stay loud within the name for useful resource management and a clear Niger Delta,” he urged.
Whereas recognising previous and current efforts, he warned that peace stays elusive. “The entrenched injustices are nonetheless looming giant. Our wrestle is much from over,” he stated, citing the historic roles of figures like King Jaja of Opobo, King Koko of Nembe, and fashionable actions corresponding to MOSIEND, MEND, and the Niger Delta Avengers.
Conclusion
The speech, delivered earlier than a crowd of dignitaries, activists, and neighborhood members, concluded with a poignant reminder that the way forward for the Niger Delta will depend on how nicely as we speak’s leaders synthesize diplomacy, activism, and principled resistance to demand lasting fairness in Nigeria’s federal construction.
“On this 57th memorial of Main Isaac Adaka Boro, Bayelsa and certainly the Ijaw nation should rise in braveness, conviction, and in character—as did Dappa-Biriye, Isaac Boro and Edwin Clark,” he declared.
Learn the speech in full:
THE TRILOGY OF COURAGE,
CHARACTER AND CANDOUR;
BRIEF REFLECTIONS
ON THE LEGACY OF
DAPPA BIRIYE,
ISAAC BORO AND
EDWIN CLARK.
A SPEECH BY
AMBASSADOR (DR.) GODKNOWS BOLADEI IGALI, OON
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN,
PAN NIGER DELTA FORUM
(PANDEF)
AT BORO DAY CELEBRATION IN KAIAMA, 15TH MAY 2025
INTRODUCTION
Right this moment, on this historic city of Kaiama of the nice Kolokuma folks, we collect to mirror and venerate the lifetime of certainly one of our biggest ever, Isaac Jasper “Adaka” Boro. By happenstance, he handed on 57 years in the past i.e., ninth Could, 1968 at Ogu in Okrika below mysterious circumstances on the top of the Nigerian Civil Struggle at a youthful age of 29. Like different nice revolutionaries in world historical past, his life was quick however typified the saying “A lion’s energy comes not from its bodily prowess, however from its unwavering religion.”
For a indisputable fact that this yr’s celebrations coincide with the burial of one other of our heroes, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, which simply passed off lower than 48 hours in the past, that’s on thirteenth Could 2025, in his dwelling in Kiagbodo, in Burutu LGA of Delta State, this event affords a possibility to see how our journey has been, and take inventory of the heritage left for us by a few of our different departed fathers. These additional buttress the purpose that the best of countries on the earth weren’t constructed by tremendous people or angels however by women and men with distinctive braveness, character and candour which they possessed.
ON COURAGE, CHARACTER AND CANDOUR
Bunaotu, let me state that, in a world typically pushed by ambition, grandstanding, and pursuit of success, the virtues of braveness, character, and candour stand as timeless foundations of a significant life which outlined the life’s journey of our three heroic personalities. These three qualities are intertwined, every enriching the opposite, and collectively they form the essence of integrity and trustworthiness in leaders, people and societies. Certainly, they’re overlapping concentric sides with a big frequent space.
I’ll prefer to briefly say one thing about “COURAGE”
Braveness isn’t merely the absence of worry however the willpower to behave rightly with out worry. In Izon, we check with this as “bie kuro”, or “Ododo Kuro” and “Ye Isieghen”, and so on. As a matter of reality, braveness manifests in varied types— For instance, the soldier on the battlefield should possess braveness to face the enemy irrespective of how defeating. However for Boro and our different heroes, it was typically that difficult the established order, and pursuing fact even when it was uncomfortable.
Alternatively, to discuss CHARACTER, is to mirror on the internal ethical construction of an individual. It’s cast within the crucible of the alternatives, small and huge, made on a regular basis. An individual of robust character is guided by ideas and norms; not by what’s handy. Within the Izon language we check with character as “Biye ebi” or “gerede keme.” Such people stay steadfast of their values, whether or not or not anybody is watching. It’s true that Character could also be inherited, however it’s constructed by way of perseverance, humility, and ethnical consistency. It’s a life-style of honesty and integrity.
Finaly, CANDOUR which is the standard of being open, sincere, and clear. That is important for belief and significant relationships. In an age the place diplomacy generally blurs into deception, candour serves as a breath of recent air. It requires braveness to be candid, particularly when fact could damage or provoke. In one other sense, candour refers back to the capability to have the ability to learn the instances with readability. That’s understanding what to do and when. In Izon, we check with it as “Kirina”. But, candour is what fosters real communication and allows progress, whether or not in private relationships, enterprise, or politics. These three virtues reinforce one another as we will now see within the lifetime of the nice heroes of the Ijaw nation.
Harold Dappa-Biriye Biography Abstract:
Born in 1920 and hailed from the nice coastal metropolis of Grand Bonny, Dappa Biriye was an influential nationalist and politician who championed the rights of minority ethnic {groups} in Nigeria. A product of Nigeria’s Prime School for Boys – Kings Faculty, Lagos – he was instrumental in bringing collectively all Ijaws in Nigeria with the formation of Ijaw Individuals’s Union in Lagos in 1941. Additionally, he was a founding determine within the COR (Calabar, Ogoja advert Rivers) Motion in addition to the formation of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC) political get together within the Nineteen Fifties. Towards the orthodoxy of Nationwide Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) dominance within the Jap area, the NDC contested federal elections in 1959 and received a seat. He boldly advocated for the political inclusion of the Niger Delta folks on the London Constitutional Convention in 1957, resulting in the organising of the Willinks Fee, and the Niger Delta Growth Board (NDDB) in 1961. These all passed off at a time when minority voices have been marginalised. His push for state creation required dominant regional powers, culminating within the eventual creation of Rivers and Bayelsa States in 1962 and 1996 respectively.
Dappa Biriye believed in peaceable negotiation, political engagement, and federalism because the pathway to justice for minority {groups}. His perception in unity-within-diversity was constant all through his life. He was revered for his diplomacy, calm manner, and integrity. Dappa Biriye is remembered as a agency and principled chief who sought sustainable growth for his folks the Ijaws and certainly all the Niger Delta. He was fearless and charismatic, however stuffed with tact and respectable manner, by way of constitutional means.
Isaac Adaka Boro
Born in 1938 in Oloibiri (Bayelsa State) to oldsters of Kaiama origin, Boro was an Ijaw nationalist and revolutionary. A former scholar union chief on the College of Nigeria Nsukka, and serving officer of the Nigerian Police Pressure (on research depart), in 1963. Barely on the age of 25, he took the Federal Authorities of Nigeria, led by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to court docket over electoral irregularities. So, regardless of being a minority, he brazenly challenged the established order on the time, finally declared the Niger Delta Republic in 1966 and led a 12-day armed insurgency which lasted from twenty third February to fifth March, demanding self-determination for the Ijaw folks.
So, Boro, accompanied by one Samuel Owonaru and Nottingham Dick each of whom have been his cousins, took the unprecedented step of open armed rebel towards the Nigerian state, risking their lives for the reason for justice and fairness for the Niger Delta folks. His actions have been seen as each daunting and unprecedented within the lifetime of the then toddler state Nigeria.
READ ALSO: PANDEF Lauds Tinubu’s Resolution to Preserve Allocations for Rivers
Boro was fiercely dedicated to the assumption that the oil producing Niger Delta deserved a fair proportion of Nigeria’s assets. His memoir “The Twelve-Day Revolution” reveals deep ideological conviction which was quite utopian, egalitarian and left lining.
Thereafter, his sentencing to loss of life below the Head of State, Common Aguiyi Ironsi, was made, however subsequently relieved by Gen. Yakubu Gowon who introduced him to the vanguard to “Hold Nigeria One”. Signifying his candour and unusual presence of thoughts, i.e. understanding what to do on the proper time, Boro joined the Federal facet within the Nigerian civil Struggle (1967-1970) as a Main.
Sadly, after gallantly liberating Bonny from insurgent forces, Boro and most of his followers who additionally enlisted within the Nigerian military, paid this prize of honour and sacrifice with their lives.
Although some could regard him as controversial, Boro is revered as a martyr in lots of Niger Delta communities particularly among the many Ijaws. He was passionately, radical, and idealistic together with his lifelong mantra which pointed towards justice for the Niger Delta folks, even at an amazing private price.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Biography Abstract:
Born in 1927 in Kiagbodo Delta State, into an prosperous and influential Ijaw household of Fuludu-Ambakederemo Clark, he was a veteran Nigerian politician, lawyer, and elder statesman. He served severally as a State Commissioner, Federal Commissioner, Senator and has a powerful voice for useful resource management and regional fairness, particularly for the Ijaw and Niger Delta communities.
Pa Clark persistently spoke fact to energy—even below army regimes. His open criticism of injustice, and his daring advocacy for useful resource management and for the setting of the Niger Delta, marked him as a fearless political determine.
A tireless believer in federalism, restructuring and minority proper, Clark has used each authorized and political avenues to press for regional autonomy and fairness in useful resource distribution. He’s identified for his outspoken nature,
resilience, and loyalty to the Niger Delta trigger. Although polarizing within the view of some, Clark’s dedication by no means wavered, and he remained a father determine in Nigerian politics.
A Few Phrases of Cost:
Taking a look at all these three heroes of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta, Dappa-Biriye symbolized totally different points of frequent traits and attributes corresponding to diplomatic braveness and integrity; Boro embodied revolutionary braveness and youthful idealism; whereas Edwin Clark represented strategic braveness and enduring advocacy. All three are certain by a shared objective: justice and fairness for the Niger Delta, every strolling totally different paths—however with unshakable braveness, deep conviction, and enduring character.
As for Dappa-Biriye, we study the energy of imaginative and prescient. This Ibani son fought, not with violence; however with knowledge, diplomacy, and relentless advocacy. He believed in negotiation and mental radicalism.
Girls and Gents going ahead, we should repeatedly pursue constructing stronger political establishments and alliances throughout Nigeria as a key to gaining extra leverage in nationwide affairs. Additionally, allow us to not surrender on {Economic} Empowerment and Environmental Justice. So, our voices should be heard on the continued push for useful resource management, clear up of our polluted lands, and sustainable growth.
Moreover, counting on the unique covenant entered collectively by our founding fathers, the Ijaw nation ought to maintain the demand for true federalism which stays central to our future inside Nigeria.
Conclusion
In closing, let me state loud and clear that the Ijaw nation, the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, has lengthy been on the centre of Nigeria’s oil politics and regional struggles. Distinguished leaders like Harold Dappa-Biriye, Isaac Adaka Boro, and Edwin Kiagbodo Clark have performed pivotal roles in shaping the socio-political panorama of the Ijaw folks. Their legacies, although distinct, converge on the frequent objectives of justice, fairness, and recognition for the Ijaws in Nigeria’s federal construction.
Along with these, at totally different epochs, so many different heroes got here and are lengthy gone. Simply to say a couple of, these embody; King Jaja of Opobo, King Koko of Nembe, and King Ibanichuka of Okirika in essentially the most historic instances of pre-colonial Nigeria. In our newer instances have been Melford Okilo, DSP Alamieyeseigha and Oronto Douglas, amongst others.
Right this moment, they’re all gone and the baton has been handed to us to maintain flaming alongside. Their lives remind us that the trail to justice can take many types — diplomacy, activism, political engagement or defiant resistance – simply as we’ve got seen in latest instances with the efforts of MOSIEND, MEND, AVENGERS, and the like. But, peace continues to be far-off from us because the entrenched injustices are nonetheless looming giant.
So, the way forward for the Ijaw nation will depend upon how nicely present and future leaders synthesize these approaches to handle enduring challenges and pursue lasting fairness throughout the Nigerian political biosphere.
Lastly, let me flip to our youth who’re truly our treasured future. Keep in mind that in our land, wealthy with promise as Nigerians, we’re all burdened by injustice of various dimensions. However then, a stroll within the soil of Kaiama the place we stand does bear the footprints of heroes and pathfinders and certainly the remainder of the Ijaw nation. These have been women and men who didn’t watch for the change to come back to fulfill them however turned brokers of change. So, on this 57th memorial of Main Isaac Adaka Boro, Bayelsa, and certainly the Ijaw nation ought to rise in braveness, conviction and in character as did Dappa Biriye, Issac Boro and Edwin Clark.
Thanks very a lot and God bless.
