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Commercial activities were paralysed in Yenagoa and Kaiama, hometown of the late Ijaw hero, Isaac Adaka Boro, as the Ijaw of Bayelsa State converged to celebrate this year’s Isaac Boro Day.
Shops, markets and other businesses were closed down in Yenagoa, Kaiama and other major towns in the state, while banks and other financial institutions that opened for business recorded low patronage.
Governor Seriake Dickson, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd.), led the celebration with the laying of wreath in Boro’s honour Boro at the Ijaw Heroes Memorial Park Cenotaph, Yenagoa.
Dickson said although he was dead, Boro’s sacrifices and contributions were alive and ever present in the lives and minds of Ijaw people.
He urged youths to follow the good part Boro took and always show discipline in their endeavours saying: “I want to thank the youths of Ijaw nation for always keeping the Boro dream alive.
President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eric Omare, said the late Boro was the inspiration behind the Niger Delta region, noting that he envisioned a Niger Delta region where the people would have control of their resources and manage the resources in harmony with the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
Omare who spoke in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, called on the federal government and critical stakeholders to take drastic steps to protect the Niger Delta environment from continuous degradation.
Speaking, Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw Affairs, Dressman Wilson, pointed out that the Bayelsa State Government has been able to erect some structures in Boro’s honour.
Responding, David, a younger brother to Boro, commended Dickson for always remembering the late hero, urging the state government to recognise Isaac Boro through a public holiday for schools and civil servants in the state.
Speaking in an interview shortly after the event, Arch. Reuben Okoya urged youths to emulate Boro’s good part, and advised the youths to be disciplined and get educated, as Boro was an educationist during his struggle for liberation of the Ijaw people.
