The Secretariat Complex of Ijaw Unity Ladies Initiative, IULI was formally launched on the 10th of June, 2026 at Okutukutu, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
This historic occasion witnessed the convergence of Ijaw women, opinion leaders, political elites, top government officials, community stakeholders, ex service men, youths, men and women of proven integrity who share a similar vision of unity and empowerment of the Ijaw women.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of the occasion, Rt Hon. Talford Ongolo applauded the Founder of the organization, Dr Tari Chrispin for her exceptional and compassionate leadership qualities.
Hon Ongolo noted that Dr Tari Chrispin is a person who is ready to pay the prize to assuage the suffering of the people, he also encouraged her not to remain in a small office but to demonstrate relevance and showcase their good work through the media.
He equally appreciated Prof Benjamin Okaba and Dr Doodei Week for their support to Dr Tari Chrispin by creating an enabling environment which helped her serve while in the Ijaw National Congress, adding that the experience has been beneficial to the establishment of the organization.
On his part, the State Secretary, APC, Barr Japan Odaji advised the leadership of the Ijaw Unity Ladies Initiative to be focused and committed to the key objectives of the organization, making positive impact in the society which would attract government and international recognition.
Barrister Odaji further advised the leadership of the organization to work in unity with the members, ensuring that there is transparency in all their activities.
An environmentalist, Hon Furoebi Akene advised them to be courageous and resilient in their humble beginnings which will take them to the limelight.
He also encouraged them to seek professional advice and consult other experienced stakeholders to assist them in their work.
One of the resource persons, Madam Unity Ototo who has been involved in development works for over 36years encouraged the leadership of the NGO to have a clear vision inorder to meet their goals and objectives.
The host and founder of the organization, Dr Tari Chrispin thanked the chairman of the occasion for honouring her invitation and other dignitaries who also graced the event.
Dr Chrispin elaborated on how the organization was formed, in her words,
“I have this dream, passion and keen interest of the well-being of Ijaw women right from my days serving in the INC, which leads to the formation of this organization”
She emphasized that the coming together of the Ijaw women ethnic nationality under the Ijaw Unity Ladies Initiative represents a unique opportunity to build a stronger and more united voice among the Ijaw women inorder to enable them achieve their goals by working assiduously, combining their efforts and knowledge to create a formidable force, shared vision and partnership.
She also pointed out that the organization is determined to tackle and address the challenges of the Ijaw women, to empower women and youths inorder to reduce social vices and take care of their families.
Highlights of the event was cutting of the ribbon by Mrs Theresa Benjamin Okaba, wife of the former INC president, also interactive and photograph sessions.
Dignitaries present at the event were Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo, who was accompanied by his
lovely wife, Akumere Talford Ongolo. Others include Mrs Theresa Okaba, Barrister Japan Odaji, Surveyor Funroebi Akene, Hon Ebipadei Apaingolo, former Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Martha Jenakumo, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Justina Lere Charles, Chief Stanley Suobo, Dr Gandy Egberibiri, Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local government area, Dr Solomon David, S.A Technical, Madam Unity Ototo, Madam Evelyn Akhigbe, Hon Lucky Kekebo and many other dignitaries were also in attendance.
