By Comrade Ilaya Efemena Beckly Founder/President (INPLM)
It is with a heavy heart and deep concern for the future of our beloved Isoko Nation that I write this message, not as an attack on any individual or group, but as a wake-up call to every Isoko son and daughter, especially the youth.
Let’s speak the raw truth, if not for greed, selfish ambition, and unhealthy rivalry, there is absolutely no reason why Isoko, with all our history, intellect, strength, and pride, should have so many fragmented youth organizations, all claiming to represent the youth body of isoko nation.
We have:
INYA (Isoko National Youth Assembly),
INYC (Isoko National Youth Council),
NYCN (Isoko Chapter)
IDU Youth Wing,
And others too many to mention…
Yet with all these so-called “representative bodies,” where is the unified voice of Isoko youth?
Where is our power?
Where is our presence on the national stage?
Let us compare ourselves honestly.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) one voice, one force, commands respect across Nigeria. When they speak, the nation listens. Niger Delta leaders respond. Even at the federal level, they are recognized.
But Isoko?
We are busy dragging for position, for power, for recognition, and in the process, we’ve sacrificed unity for ego, and sold our strength for crumbs.
What legacy are we building?
What future are we preparing?
How long shall we allow petty pride, tribal sentiments, and personal gain* to tear down what our fathers built with sweat and sacrifice?
The truth is bitter, but it must be told.
Today, Isoko Youths are divided, not by ideology, not by purpose, but by self-centered leadership, rivalry over titles, and ambition without vision. Everyone wants to be “President,” “Chairman,” or “Coordinator,” but no one wants to build a lasting structure of unity and progress.
This is not just shameful.
It is a betrayal of our heritage and an insult to the elders who entrusted this generation with the future of Isoko land.
Until we drop our selfish interests and personal battles, Isoko will continue to be ignored, both politically and economically. We will be overlooked in appointments, development projects, and national conversations, not because we lack talent, but because we lack unity.
We need to ask ourselves:
What is the point of having ten youth groups if none can deliver real results for the Isoko people?
Why are we so proud of titles and uniforms, but silent on key issues affecting our land?
Why is there no central youth agenda, no active advocacy, no strong leadership voice, when other ethnic youth bodies are pushing development for their people?
This must change, and the change starts with you and me.
We must set aside ego, titles, and factions.
We must return to the drawing board and build one, strong, united Isoko Youth Movement that carries the hopes and aspirations of our land. Let us stop selling ourselves short. Let us start fighting for our land, our future, and our dignity.
To the various youth leaders and groups reading this, the time for division is over.
The time for unity, strategy, and purpose has come. History will not be kind to those who continue to hold Isoko back in the name of leadership.
Let us rise. Let us unite. Let us lead, not just in name, but in truth, vision, and action.
