By Godwin Anene
Ogoni youths drawn from the Khana, Eleme, Gokana and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt demanding for the resumption of oil and gas activities in Ogoniland.
The youths in their hundreds said they were embarking on the protest owing the dying socio-economic activities in the four council areas in Ogoniland following the shutting down of oil exploration activities in the area.
The protest organized by the apex socio-cultural umbrella of Ogoni youths, Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) added that the resumption of activities would promote economic development and create employment opportunities for the youths.
Addressing newsmen during the protest at Bori, the headquarters of Khana LGA, the National President of OYF, Comrade Legborsi Yaamabana expressed that Ogoni people have continued to suffer poverty despite their God given blessings.
Yaamabana lamented that Ogoni were suffering unemployment, noting that if oil business resumes in the area, jobs would be provided and economic activities will pick up for the benefits of the area.
Yaamabana said: “The apex youth organisation in Ogoni, resolved to seek legitimate measures of alleviating their plight and bring lasting solution to the unmitigated poverty in Ogoni land, by calling for the resumption of oil exploration in the area, to avail the youth and other critical stakeholders of Ogoni, the opportunity to benefit from their God given treasures and resources.”
He urged the Federal Government to issue operational license to Belema Oil Producing Limited to commence oil exploration in Ogoni, noting that BPL is an indigenous company that has demonstrated proven records of social engagements, technical capacity and effective host community relations.
