OGONI YOUTHS WELCOME NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN DIALOGUE PROCESS, SAYS CONCERNS ARE YIELDING RESULTS

The Ogoni Youth Stakeholders Forum has welcomed reported developments in the ongoing Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) process, saying concerns previously raised by Ogoni youths and other stakeholders are beginning to receive attention.

The forum, in a statement signed by its leader, Comr. (Dr.) Nwisabari Bani Samuel, said the reported outcomes of a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, September 17, 2026, could represent a significant step towards restoring transparency, confidence and inclusiveness in the dialogue process.

According to the forum, the reported decision to review the approach to the dialogue process, reconstitute the harmonisation committee, improve access to information, disclose the names of the 40 Ogoni youths associated with NNPCL employment opportunities and publish the contractors handling the Confidence Building Projects are developments that could help address some of the concerns raised by stakeholders.

The group also congratulated Distinguished Senator Olaka Nwogu, DSSRS, on his reported emergence as the new coordinating figure in the renewed arrangement for the Ogoni Dialogue Process.

The forum noted that, as the Senator representing the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, where the Ogoni people constitute a significant part of the population, Senator Nwogu occupies a strategic position to contribute to a process with major implications for Ogoniland.

It urged the senator to engage directly with Ogoni stakeholders, including community leaders, youths, traditional institutions, professionals and civil society organisations, while ensuring that relevant information concerning the dialogue process is made accessible to the people.

Youths Recall Warning Protest and Demands

The Ogoni Youth Stakeholders Forum said the latest developments were significant because they addressed some of the issues it had consistently raised.

The forum recalled that it had organised and participated in a warning protest over concerns about the manner in which the ODC process was being handled.

Among the demands listed by the group were greater transparency and accountability in the dialogue process, disclosure of the 40 Ogoni youths reportedly connected to NNPCL employment opportunities, transparency in the Confidence Building Projects and the processes surrounding contract awards.

The group also called for improved access to information, broader participation of Ogoni stakeholders and an opportunity for the Ogoni people to scrutinise any proposed agreement or Memorandum of Understanding before its final adoption.

Forum Welcomes Reported Suspension of MOU Signing

The group particularly welcomed the reported suspension of the proposed MOU signing pending broader scrutiny and consideration by the Ogoni people through the Ogoni Congress.

The forum stressed that its position had never been opposition to dialogue, stating that genuine dialogue remained an important pathway towards addressing longstanding issues affecting Ogoniland.

It said its concerns were primarily about the process, transparency, inclusiveness and ensuring that benefits arising from the dialogue would serve the wider Ogoni population rather than being limited to a few individuals or interests.

Calls for Town Hall Meetings and Disclosure

The Ogoni Youth Stakeholders Forum urged Senator Olaka Nwogu and other stakeholders involved in the renewed process to ensure that the reported decisions were translated into concrete actions.

It called for the prompt and transparent disclosure of the 40 Ogoni employment beneficiaries and the contractors handling the Confidence Building Projects.

The forum also welcomed the reported plan for town hall meetings across the four Ogoni Local Government Areas, urging that the engagements provide opportunities for residents and stakeholders to ask questions, receive information and make meaningful submissions.

The group said the Ogoni people deserved a dialogue process founded on trust, transparency, accountability, inclusion and fairness.

While expressing optimism over the reported developments, the forum said it would continue to engage constructively, responsibly and peacefully with relevant stakeholders.

It maintained that its objective was to protect the collective interests of Ogoni youths and ensure that the outcome of the dialogue process contributes to the development, dignity, peace and prosperity of Ogoniland.

The statement was signed by Comr. (Dr.) Nwisabari Bani Samuel, Chairman, NYCN Rivers State and Leader, Ogoni Youth Stakeholders Council.