By Warefa Pereke.
August 16, 2025.
Leadership is often measured by a person’s ability to serve, and few embody this principle more completely than High Chief (Dr) Se-Alabo Nengi James, OON. His decision to run for the presidency of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) is a natural extension of a life devoted to philanthropy and selfless service. His candidacy is not driven by a hunger for power but by a genuine desire to amplify the voice of the Ijaw people and address their most pressing needs, a commitment that has been the cornerstone of his diverse and impactful career.
Dr. Nengi James is a man of many talents, a rare blend of career administrator, mediator, arbitrator, and author, who has consistently used his skills to uplift his community and the Niger Delta. His professional titles—MCArb, Mnim, OON—are more than just letters; they represent a foundation of knowledge and expertise that makes him uniquely qualified to lead a complex organization like the INC.
As a public policy specialist and rights advocate, he has a deep understanding of the systemic issues that affect the Ijaw nation, and as a civil society practitioner, he knows how to mobilize and empower people to demand change. His work as an ecologist and environmentalist, a field that is central to the Ijaw way of life, shows his commitment to protecting the land and waters that are the lifeblood of the Niger Delta.
One of his most significant contributions is his concept of “Oceanification.” Dr. James was the progenitor of this term, which describes the alarming and devastating encroachment of the ocean on Ijawland and beyond.
His insightful book, Oceanification: Environmental, Ecological and Socio-Economic Impact in the Niger Delta, not only brought this critical issue to national attention but also provided a detailed analysis of its consequences. This pioneering work earned him a place in the Bayelsa State History and Archives Environmental Hall of Fame, a recognition of his foresight and dedication to the long-term well-being of his people. This is the kind of forward-thinking, proactive leadership that the INC needs—a president who can identify a looming crisis, articulate it with clarity, and lead the charge for a solution.
Dr. Nengi James’s philanthropic spirit is the engine that drives his ambition. He has not waited for a leadership position to begin serving; he has spent his life doing so. His experience as the National Vice President 2 of the INC and Vice President of the Nembe Se Congress has given him an intimate understanding of the organization’s structure and the needs of its members.
He is a multiple awardee on several administrative and advocacy fronts, and each award is a reflection of his tireless work for the betterment of society. As an accomplished entrepreneur, he also understands the importance of economic empowerment and development, a crucial element for a people who have long been marginalized.
In seeking the presidency of the INC, High Chief (Dr) Nengi James is offering more than just a political platform; he is offering a lifetime of service, a deep well of knowledge, and a heart dedicated to the Ijaw people. He is the kind of leader who will not only represent the Ijaw nation with dignity and authority but will also work tirelessly to address the environmental, social, and economic challenges that lie ahead. His vision is one of progress rooted in philanthropy, and he is the right person to lead the INC towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
