Boro Day 2010 - Announcement#2

Below is an update of the “Boro Day” Summit and 13^th annual “Service & Devotion” award ceremony scheduled on Saturday, the 29^th of May 2010 at the Sheraton Newark Airport  Hotel, Newark, New Jersey, United States.

SUMMIT THEME:

This year’s theme is “The Niger Delta: Path to A New Era.” With sustained voices of anguished hope, the adoption of some more strategic alternatives to paths taken in the past, there is opportunity for a new dawn in the Niger Delta. This potential paradigm shift could be more than a subjective certainty when there is reasoned discourse and search for common ground.  Panelists being assembled are drawn from people in academia, industry and civil society.

 2010 “SERVICE & DEVOTION” AWARD RECIPIENT:

The Ijaw National Alliance has the honour and privilege to bestow the 2010  “Service & Devotion” award to Mr. Oronto Netie Douglas. A true Ijaw patriot, Mr. Douglas’s efforts on the scenes, behind the scenes, in the trenches and on the hills have always added meaning, muscle and salience to the debate and demand for economic empowerment, social and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.  A grassroots social activist who is also one of the seminal minds of the seminal “Kaiama Declaration” document, he is dauntless in challenging any vestige of inequity and injustice. He is uniquely dogged, well-informed and singularly articulate in presenting the Niger Delta grievances at domestic and international forums, always faithful that the Ijaw and others in the Niger Delta have a right to live harmoniously with nature while also enjoying the rights and privileges of their environment as well as the basic rights of justice and equity as Nigerians. An adroit negotiator and a compelling advocate for the Ijaw and people of the Niger Delta, his sense of decorum, relative young age and physical size belie the effective energy he exudes and the goliath that he is when challenged on matters about justice, peace and progress in Ijawland and the Niger Delta in general.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

General Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd.), former Chief of Defense Staff, will deliver the key note address. Arrangements have been completed for him to attend and play this critical role at the summit.

INVITED GUESTS:

Like past years, guests who are formally invited are those expected to contribute meaningfully to elevate the level of discourse and preserve the integrity of the summit. They include some past and present political and civil leaders, Traditional Rulers, NGO officials and stakeholders in Ijawland and beyond. Many of them have confirmed their expected presence at the event.

EXCLUSIVE PAN-IJAW SESSION:

Agenda for this very important session is in the process of being completed and you are encouraged to submit ideas or items to be included. The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) will also attend this summit and deliver “The State of the Ijaw Union)” address during this session which precedes the main event on the same day, Saturday, May 29. This is where we traditionally (and respectfully) debate some of the critical and sensitive issues confronting us, ask questions, get answers  and build consensus for the way forward. While the main event is open to the public, this session is limited to all Ijaws from the north, south, east and west of the Niger Delta. It is also the place and time we can discuss and address some of the concerns and grievances often posted on IjawNation forum.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION:

The Sheraton Newark Airport Hotel has given significant discount to guests attending the event. Therefore, room rates are $89.00 per night. Once the limited block of rooms INAA has reserved for guests are sold out, the regular rate of $169.00 will apply to those who make their reservations.  Number to call for the reservation is (973) 690-5500. Please tell the reservation clerk that you are for the INAA event to receive the discount.

REGISTRATION:

Registration for the event is $60.00 per adult. This is expected to cover cost of the formal dinner. The menu is posted on INAA website (ijaw-naa.org) where you are encouraged to register and select what you prefer.

Please, do not hesitate to contact me or any other INAA official with any questions and/or suggestions. While INAA members look forward to seeing you all from Nigeria, Europe, Canada, the United States and beyond, you are promised an eventful and  momentous “Boro Day” summit.

Thank you, God bless and goodnight.

Joe Ebiware.

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