Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Association, in conjunction with the Ogoni National Youth Congress, during a briefing on youth unity, collaboration, peacebuilding and meaningful youth participation in discussions on oil and gas resumption in Ogoni, held in K-Dere Community, Gokhana Local Government Area…Photo by Deborah Mie-Fiberesima.

Youths in Ogoniland have called for meaningful participation in consultations, negotiations and decision-making processes surrounding the possible resumption of oil and gas activities in the area.

The call was made by the Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Association, in conjunction with the Ogoni National Youth Congress, during a briefing on youth unity, collaboration, peacebuilding and meaningful youth participation in discussions on oil and gas resumption in Ogoni, held in K-Dere Community, Gokhana Local Government Area.

The renewed discussions come after more than three decades of suspended oil production in Ogoniland. The Federal Government has been pursuing renewed engagement on the possible return of oil production, with NNPC and other stakeholders involved in the process.

President Bola Tinubu had also directed an inter-agency process to advance recommendations arising from consultations on the Ogoni question.

The debate has, however, continued to generate different positions among Ogoni stakeholders, with some supporting a carefully managed return to production, while others insist that environmental concerns, community participation and outstanding issues must be properly addressed before any restart.

Against this background, the Ogoni youths are asking to be part of the process, particularly decisions that could affect their environment, economy, employment opportunities and future.

Presenting a statement written and signed by the President of the Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Association, Teddy Gianen, the Secretary of the group, Noble Nwolu, said Ogoni youths could not afford to remain spectators as decisions that may affect their communities are being discussed.

“The Ogoni youths cannot afford to remain spectators while decisions that may significantly affect our communities, environment, economy, employment opportunities, and future are being discussed,” the statement said.

The group said it was not opposed to development, but stressed that any conversation on oil resumption must take into account the experiences of the past.

Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Association, in conjunction with the Ogoni National Youth Congress, during a briefing on youth unity, collaboration, peacebuilding and meaningful youth participation in discussions on oil and gas resumption in Ogoni, held in K-Dere Community, Gokhana Local Government Area…Photo by Deborah Mie-Fiberesima.

It called for responsible development that protects the environment and provides opportunities for local youths in employment, skills development, entrepreneurship, technical training, contracting and community development.

The association also urged Ogoni youths to prepare themselves through education, skills acquisition, professionalism and responsible leadership to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

On peacebuilding, the group urged youths to reject violence, vandalism, oil theft, intimidation and destruction of public and private infrastructure.

It, however, stressed that peaceful advocacy should not be interpreted as silence.

The statement said youths could remain firm in defending their interests while being “peaceful, responsible, informed, and constructive.”

The group further called for stronger collaboration among youth organisations, community leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, government agencies and other stakeholders.

It said the objective was not competition for recognition but ensuring that the legitimate interests of Ogoni communities and their youths were properly represented.

The association concluded with a call for greater unity among Ogoni youths, saying the future of the area must be collectively pursued.

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

The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, youth unity, collaboration, environmental responsibility and sustainable development, urging Ogoni youths to unite, organise and take their rightful place in discussions concerning the future of their homeland. (Channels TV)

•Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Association, in conjunction with the Ogoni National Youth Congress, during a briefing on youth unity, collaboration, peacebuilding and meaningful youth participation in discussions on oil and gas resumption in Ogoni, held in K-Dere Community, Gokhana Local Government Area…Photo by Deborah Mie-Fiberesima.