A group of Ogoni youth leaders has called for fairness and inclusion in the ongoing discussions about restarting oil production in Ogoniland. They insist that youths and women must have a voice in future meetings about the project.
The demand follows a recent meeting between some Ogoni leaders and President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, where discussions were held on resuming oil exploration in the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11/51 fields.
Although the youth group supports the plan, they believe it is unfair to exclude young people and women from the decision-making process.
Youths and Women Must Be Included
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, Legborsi Yamaabana, convener of the Ogoni Youth Stakeholders’ extraordinary meeting, emphasized the need for inclusivity.
“We welcome the idea of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland, as we believe the modus operandi this time would be different from what was obtainable in the past,” Yamaabana said.
However, he expressed disappointment that young people and women were not part of the Abuja meeting with President Tinubu.
“We are not opposed to oil production and, therefore, express confidence in the National Security Adviser’s appointment to deepen this conversation,” he added. “We urge him to harmonize and bring together all stakeholders’ interests, particularly young people, for a smooth and robust discussion for results.”
Yamaabana also highlighted the importance of preparing youths for leadership roles in the future.
A New Opportunity for Ogoniland
Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, who joined the youth leaders, urged Ogoni people to focus on the future rather than past struggles.
“Today is a significant day for us, especially the Ogoni Youths Stakeholder. On the subject matter, I think it is very important for us to look forward rather than go behind,” Yobo said.
He acknowledged the historical struggles of the Ogoni people but encouraged them to see the new oil exploration plan as an opportunity.
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“From my knowledge, having lived and schooled here, I do understand the struggle and I believe that the Ogoni people have been deprived of greater things that would have come to our place. But now, there’s an opportunity and we have to accept it with open minds,” he stated.
Yobo also thanked President Tinubu for initiating the discussion and expressed confidence in his leadership to see the project through.
A United Front for Development
The Ogoni Youth Stakeholders have vowed to support their leaders in ensuring that oil exploration benefits the local communities.
“We shall support and encourage our leaders to demand for those things which matter most to our people that are doable within the ambit of the current day reality of the Nigerian state,” Yamaabana said.
He also announced the formation of a steering committee of Ogoni youth leaders to work with elders and other stakeholders on the project.
As discussions continue, the Ogoni people are hopeful that this new phase of oil production will bring development to their land while ensuring fairness and inclusivity in decision-making.