The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, has extended financial and housing support to Ijaw Highlife music icon Fubara Orutugu, popularly known as “Toiyo Toiyo.” The gesture includes a monthly stipend of N100,000 and coverage of a one-bedroom apartment rent for the duration of his tenure.
The initiative is aimed at honoring the contributions of Fubara Orutugu to Ijaw culture and music. Orutugu, who earned widespread recognition under his stage name “Toiyo Toiyo,” has been a respected figure in the Highlife music scene, celebrated for his role in promoting the cultural identity of the Ijaw people through his art.
Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting cultural figures while they are still alive, rather than waiting until after they are gone. His decision to provide both financial and housing relief for Orutugu reflects a broader call for appreciation of those who have played significant roles in preserving the traditions and heritage of the Niger Delta region.
The financial support of N100,000 each month is intended to provide stability for Orutugu, ensuring that he can live more comfortably. The housing assistance, which guarantees him accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment until the end of Lokpobiri’s leadership tenure, is also meant to ease the burden of living expenses and allow him to focus on his well-being.
The gesture has drawn positive reactions from members of the Ijaw community and beyond, with many describing it as a much-needed move to celebrate and support living legends. Supporters argue that cultural icons often receive recognition too late, usually after their passing, and initiatives such as this set a positive example for honoring people in their lifetime.
Fubara Orutugu’s musical journey under the moniker “Toiyo Toiyo” has influenced generations of Ijaw people and contributed to the preservation of the Highlife genre. His songs have carried messages of culture, identity, and community spirit, resonating deeply among audiences in the Niger Delta.
By providing this support, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri has highlighted the responsibility of leaders to preserve and promote cultural heritage by standing with those who embody it. Observers believe this could encourage more initiatives aimed at supporting artists, musicians, and cultural leaders in Nigeria who often face challenges in their later years despite having made significant contributions during their active careers.
Many within the Ijaw Youth Council and the wider Niger Delta have welcomed the decision, pointing out that it underscores a spirit of gratitude and respect for tradition. The move is also seen as a reminder of the need for sustainable cultural policies that go beyond symbolic gestures, ensuring that cultural custodians receive lasting recognition and tangible assistance.
As Orutugu continues to be honored in this way, the gesture is expected to spark conversations about how best to value and sustain cultural heritage in Nigeria. For now, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri’s initiative stands as a symbolic and practical step toward showing respect and care for those who have given their lives to the cultural enrichment of their people.
