IYC Bans Indiscriminate Use Of Council Flag At Political, Social Events
By Chris Mark
Youth Council Says Move Is To Protect Apolitical Stance And Integrity Of Ijaw Struggle
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has placed a ban on the indiscriminate and irresponsible use and flying of the IYC flag at events that do not directly relate to the Ijaw nation and its objectives.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday, 23rd July 2026, at the end of the maiden Executive Council meeting of the 10th National Executive Council (NEC) held at the Ijaw House, Sani Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to the statement signed by the National Secretary, Barr. Ayebakuro Igbeta, Ph.D, the Council resolved that youths across clans, chapters, and zones are henceforth prohibited from hoisting, displaying, holding, or flying the IYC flag at gatherings that do not bear on the Ijaw cause.
The Council specifically banned the use of the flag at political rallies, “irrespective of the status of Candidates, and the Political party,” to reinforce what it described as the “apolitical stance of the IYC which is effectively questioned by the mention or display of its colors at any political gathering.”
The resolution also extends the ban to personal and social events such as burials, marriages, naming ceremonies, child dedications, title takings, and “gyrations of whatever nature” that are not connected to the Ijaw struggle.
However, the Council noted that the display of the flag will be permissible at burials and other significant events if the occasion concerns a serving IYC Officer or a notable icon of the Ijaw nation who has contributed significantly to the Ijaw course.
In addition, the IYC colors may be displayed at events in solidarity with the presence of the President of the IYC, any National Officer, the Speaker of the Mobile Parliament, and Zonal/Chapter Chairmen.
The President of IYC Worldwide, Comr. Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, has therefore directed all organs and structures of the Council to take note and comply accordingly.
