May 18, (THEWILL) — Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomor, highlighted the importance of Boro Day, noting that the celebration will continue to provide Ijaw people an opportunity to honour the memory of the Late Major Adaka Boro and other freedom fighters who paid the supreme price with their lives for the Ijaw nation.
Chief Oporomor, who commended the state government for supporting the yearly celebration, added that Boro Day will not only enable upcoming children and youths to learn of the heroic exploits of their departed leaders but also inspire them to pursue the Ijaw struggle with better understanding and determination.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders, CITRE, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, noted that although the Ijaw nation is relevant to the Nigerian Federation in terms of its God-given natural resources, the fourth largest ethnic group is yet to have a fair share of its rights and opportunities in the country.
King Dakolo, who is also the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, however, insisted that the Ijaw nation can only attain a pride of place among the comity of ethnic nationalities if Ijaw sons and daughters speak, act and work together for the common good of their land.
The high point of the event was the laying of wreaths at the tomb of Late Major Adaka Boro by the Governor represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Dakolo, a representative of the Boro Family, Madam Esther Boro, representatives of the Ijaw Youth Council and the Nigerian Legion, Bayelsa State Council, among other groups and individuals.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Acting Chief of Staff to Governor Diri, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Mayor of Yenagoa City, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, traditional rulers, including the Ebenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Joshua Igbugburu, among other notable personalities, attended the wreath-laying ceremony.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
