PTV News Media: December 2024

By Perekeme Odon

The National Association of Ijaw Female Students Worldwide (NAIFS) proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary and convention on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Lagos.

This remarkable three-fold event not only marked a significant milestone in their unwavering commitment to empowering and shaping a brighter future for Ijaw women, but also showcased the active participation of their esteemed alumnae, dedicated patron, Comrade Joseph Evah, and a host of other distinguished guests.

The event was a significant celebration held at the Classic Event Centre in Ikeja and Mercy Hall in Ketu, Lagos State, in Celebrating 20 Years of Deworming Children of the Niger Delta, with the theme, “Inspiring The Ijaw Nation To Shape The Future.” Over 6,000 Ijaw female students and alumni attended from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria and beyond, with dignitaries from across the nation joining to honour this impactful initiative.

NAIFS, established in February 2004 and inaugurated at the 28th convention of the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students in Torugbene, Delta State, represents all female students of Ijaw origin in higher education. With a focus on deworming children in the Niger Delta for over 20 years, it seeks to unify Ijaw female students and promote communal networking, supported by Comrade Joseph Evah, while aiming to expand its presence in tertiary institutions across Nigeria and beyond.

In her address, the former president of the NAIFS alumnae confidently outlined her insights on the significant progress of the association and emphasized the crucial role NAIFS plays in advancing the Ijaw Nation and beyond.

Hilda Dokubo & Comrade Joseph Evah

“The association has made such that we provide humanitarian aid and socially beneficial programmes despite the economic collapses. The collective determination we have demonstrated has had a positive effect and improved the lives of those who need our assistance. The growing membership and active participation within the association indicate a positive trend towards increased mutual coexistence. This development is expected to continue indefinitely.”

Barr. Mrs. Elizabeth Ajuwa

President Ajuwa-Ajibuu addressed the association's shortcomings, emphasizing that recognizing these deficiencies is crucial for improvement. “The challenges of gathering a large number of members due to our geographical discrete locations and financial constraints have hindered our coming together frequently. However, our dedication to the association motivates us to overcome obstacles to collaborate to the best of our ability.”

Prof. D.D Moro

Barr. Ajuwa-Ajibulu expressed her deep appreciation for Super Comrade Joseph Evah, the founding father and President-General of the association. She lauded his relentless dedication and strategic guidance, which have been pivotal in propelling the association to remarkable success.

“I cannot tell my life story without mentioning this fantastic great man, a rear gem, a living legend and a nation builder, Super Comrade Joseph Evah for being a remarkable leader and your selfless dedication to helping others and standing as a father figure, mentor, leader and councilor. Your support to the association members in various ways, such as financially, morally, socially, physically, spiritually and mentally has been priceless. We are grateful for the positive impact you have for all of us.” She stated.

Queen Doubrah Samuel

In his keynote speech, Prof. D.D. Moro, the distinguished Professor of Microbiology at Lagos State University and chairman of the event, passionately commended Comrade Evah for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the association over 20 years, which has positively transformed lives across the Niger Delta region.

“This programme is a very significant milestone in the annals of the history of Ijaw female students. It’s very encouraging to see Ijaw female students gathered together in one fold. It is not an easy task for a man to sustain a vision like NAIFS for 20 years. It has cost him a lot, financially and morally to gather thousands of Ijaw female students from all Nigerian universities.”

Hilda Dokubo

Hilda Dokubo, a remarkable and dynamic Nollywood actress, producer, and director, emphatically emphasized the importance of education and employment. She inspired Ijaw women to embrace their strength and remain resilient. Additionally, she applauded Comrade Evah for his impactful contributions over the years.

“I was told a long time ago by my mother that the answer to every problem is in the problem. The average Ijaw woman including my grandmother is very resilient. We come from the stock of people who never give up. However, do not despise small beginning.”

“Once upon a time, whenever they come to where we come from, they will say they cannot employ us because we are uneducated. We are under-educated. Our daughters were only good enough to be wives and mothers. And even that, they will leave us with allegations of having children outside wedlock. But one thing nobody has ever accused an Ijaw woman of is that we don’t abandon our children. Our children everywhere are accountable to us. Today, I am seeing very beautiful women in this room, and all of them, are either graduates or undergraduates. Today, we are not only employable, but we want to employ them. I am very proud of our Super Comrade for this strategic position event.”


Comrade Joseph Evah & Comr. Nicholas Tamaradenyefa Igarama

In a compelling media interview, Comrade Evah, the founder and grand patron, emphasized that the association was established in memory of his late sisters who lost their lives to oil pollution. He shared the positive feedback from members and stressed the importance of mobilizing and empowering Ijaw female students. This initiative aims to foster solidarity among them, helping them pursue their dreams and build a brighter future for themselves and the Ijaw ethnic group in the Niger Delta region.

“This programme is in memory of my late kid sisters who died of oil pollution in my village when I was a child, and I will continue to do it. Some of the graduates are also sponsoring a lot of platforms. They sponsored the medical team. I hope the new members of the association will follow in the elders' footsteps by deworming children, promoting speaking the Ijaw language, and encouraging education in Ijaw land as we are at a disadvantage like the Northerners. Those who can push it are women as they care for the homes, as the men are so engrossed with economic and glitches of hardship. This association will be bigger than this in future”.

(l-r) Chief Komboye Biakpara-Ishola, Mrs. Yebiye Jacobs & Ms. Kuro Fapohunda

The event was a celebration of excellence, with Miss Doubrah Samuel, a medical student at the University of Benin City, crowned the queen of the 2024 Miss Ijaw Beauty Pageant. Her outstanding performance earned her a brand new Honda car as a well-deserved prize.

Elections were held for a leadership transition, and Comrade Tamaradenyefa Ogunkoru emerged victorious and was elected as the new NAIFS student president, succeeding Dr Tekena Wariboku, both from the University of Benin City, Edo State.

At the alumnae election, Barrister Bilkisu Odoko and Miss Pricilia Ugbagba were elected as President and Vice President of the NAIFS Alumnae, succeeding Barrister Elizabeth Ajuwa and Mrs. Gladys Samuel Iheanacho in their leadership roles.

The vibrant event was graced by remarkable personalities, including former INC Lagos Chapter Chairman Pst. Ebitimi Dio-Posibi, insurance Amazon, Mrs. Ebika Magada, Comr. Nicholas Tamaradenyefa Igarama, Chairman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, Comr. Elayelagha Golden Ambakederemo, Secretary, INC Lagos Chapter, among others.