Poor attendance, largedly attributed to inadquate organisation, characterised the Ijaw National Congress Day celebrations held last Saturday as most of the top shots expected to grace the occasion were conspicously absent.

Ijaw Wari House, along Sani Abacha Road, main conference hall was virtually empty as only few youth were milling around as at 10 am when the occasion was supposed to start.

The occasion finally took-off at about 12 noon when the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson and his cabinet members arrived the venue.

However, while addressing the scanty audience, Governor Dickson identified manpower and infrastructural development as major challenges facing the Ijaw nation.

Governor Dickson, noted that it was in realization of this need that his administration has made huge investments in the education sector.

According to Hon. Dickson, government has awarded  140 Doctorate degree, 400 Masters degree scholarships as well as 300 at the post primary level in choice schools both within and outside the country in the last one year of his administration.

He urged Ijaw people especially those in positions of authority to encourage excellence among the young ones and uphold the time tested values of hard work, truthfulness and selflessness.

Describing the Ijaws as a resilient people who have conquered their environment, the governor also enjoined them to continue to speak with one voice to promote the unity and cohesion of the Ijaw nation.

While commending the Acting President of the Ijaw National Congress, Chief Joshua Benamaisia and other members of the congress, he called on the various aspirants and their supporters to ensure hitch-free INC elections.

Hon. Dickson, who also reaffirmed his commitment to protect the collective interest of the Ijaw nation, called for continued prayers and support for President Goodluck Jonathan and the present administration to succeed at state and national levels.