OGONI YOUTH GROUPS DEMAND MEANINGFUL ROLE IN OIL RESUMPTION TALKS, CALL FOR UNITY

The Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Association, in collaboration with the Ogoni National Youth Congress (ONYC), has called for greater unity among Ogoni youths and their meaningful participation in discussions concerning the possible resumption of oil and gas activities in Ogoniland.

The groups made the call in a joint statement on youth unity, collaboration, peacebuilding and participation in oil and gas discussions, stressing that Ogoni youths must not remain spectators in decisions capable of affecting the future of their communities.

The statement said the initiative was aimed at promoting dialogue, understanding, unity, peace and collective action among Ogoni youths and other stakeholders.

The groups urged Ogoni youths to put the collective interest of the region above individual, political and organisational interests.

They noted that differences in political affiliations, communities, opinions and personal interests should not become sources of division, but should instead enrich discussions about Ogoni's future.

According to the statement, no single youth organisation or individual can address all the challenges confronting Ogoni alone, making collaboration among youth groups and other stakeholders essential.

On discussions surrounding the possible resumption of oil and gas activities, the groups said Ogoni youths and host communities should have a meaningful role in consultations, negotiations, planning and decision-making processes.

They said any decision on oil and gas activities would have significant implications for the environment, economy, employment opportunities and the future of Ogoni.

The groups stressed that while they welcomed responsible economic development, any discussion on oil resumption must take into account Ogoni's historical experience of environmental degradation, social dislocation and economic hardship.

They therefore called for opportunities for local youths in employment, skills development, entrepreneurship, technical training, contracting and community development initiatives that may arise from renewed oil and gas activities.

They also urged Ogoni youths to equip themselves through education, skills acquisition and professional development to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

The organisations called on Ogoni youths to reject violence, vandalism, oil theft, intimidation and the destruction of public and private infrastructure.

They, however, emphasised that peaceful advocacy should not be mistaken for silence.

“Youths can be firm in defending their interests while remaining peaceful, responsible, informed and constructive,” the statement said.

The groups maintained that peace was essential to attracting investment, creating employment and achieving sustainable development in Ogoni.

The associations called for an Ogoni where peace provides room for development, the environment is protected, young people have access to opportunities, and host communities have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting them.

“Ogoni belongs to all of us, and its future must be built by all of us.”

The groups reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful advocacy, youth unity, collaboration, environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

They urged Ogoni youths to unite, organise and engage responsibly in discussions concerning the future of their homeland.