Agbedi to Chair Grand Reception of Homecoming Celebration of IYC President Okotete

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

Foremost Ijaw Leader and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Fred Agbedi, PhD, will chair a grand reception organised by the Common Men Assembly (CMA) in honour of the President of the 10th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete.

The homecoming celebration which was scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, Doluouma, NPA, Warri, Delta State was put up to recognise and celebrate Dr. Okotete’s emergence as the President of the foremost youth organisation in the Ijaw nation.

The event would attract an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders, Ijaw leaders and youths from across the Niger Delta and beyond.

Congress News learned that Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi, General Manager of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, would serve as Chief Host, while High Chief (Hon.) Macdonald Ebi Igbadiwei, Esq., President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), would be the Special Guest of Honour.

Meanwhile, the list of distinguished personalities expected at the celebration includes the HRM Elder Capt. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), PhD, The Ibenanawei of Ogulagha kingdom and HRM, Mobene III. PERE AMA-OKOSU of Ogbe-ijoh Kingdom, JP, who would serve as Special Fathers of the Day. High Chief Tunde Smooth (JP), popularly known as the Bolouwei of the Niger Delta, would serve as Father of the Day.

Other Special Guests of Honour include High Chief Kestin Pondi, PhD, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; HRH Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission; and Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

Also expected were Hon. Julius G. Pondi, PhD, Member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the South-South Development Commission; Chief Dennis Otuaro, Senior Special Adviser to the Presidential Amnesty Programme; Chief Boro Opudu, Chairman of the Delta State Waterways and Land Security Committee; Amb. Shedrack Agediga, Chairman of the Delta State Scholarship and Bursary Board; Chief Julius Takeme, Executive Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Area; and several other prominent personalities.

The event would also feature musical entertainment by Barrister Smooth.

Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Common Men Assembly is emphasising the importance of recognising individuals whose achievements bring honour to their communities and inspire the younger generation. The reception is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to celebrate Dr. Okotete while reaffirming the importance of unity, purposeful leadership and collective advancement within the Ijaw nation.

The statement is signed by Comr. Napoleon Kenerekedi serving as Chairman of the Planning Committee and Engr. Duopayo Akemotubo as Secretary of the Planning Committee.

The Common Men Assembly has extended an invitation to Ijaw sons and daughters, traditional institutions, political leaders, youth organisations, community leaders, friends and well-wishers to join in the celebration.

The ceremony will commence at 1:00 p.m. prompt at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, Doluouma, NPA, Warri, Delta State.