Niger Delta Youth Back Ogoni Oil Resumption, Demand Stakeholder Inclusion
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The President-General of the Ogoni Youth Federation and Spokesman of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, Legborsi Yamaabana, has commended the resilience of
Port Harcourt — The Ogoni Youth Federation’s President-General and spokesperson for the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, Legborsi Yamaabana, lauded the resilience of Niger Delta youth while backing the government's plan to restart oil and gas operations in Ogoniland. Speaking on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day, Yamaabana also advocated for greater youth involvement in consultations and operational frameworks regarding the upcoming resumption of activities in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11.
Yamaabana expressed his appreciation for the contributions of young people to peace and stability in the Niger Delta, crediting their cooperation with government authorities and security agencies for fostering an environment that has facilitated increased oil production and national revenue. He emphasized that young Niger Delta residents are now focused on ending economic sabotage and collaborating with security agencies and government institutions to promote sustainable development.
Regarding Ogoniland specifically, Yamaabana called for calm among youth and announced plans to convene an Ogoni Youth Congress in the near future to discuss pressing issues affecting young people in the area. He commended President Bola Tinubu for the successful resumption of oil and gas operations in Ogoniland after a prolonged shutdown, describing the achievement as a potential historic milestone for the administration.
Although Yamaabana pledged the support of Ogoni youths for the resumption of exploration activities, he stressed that the youth must be directly involved in the process. He warned that continued exclusion of youths would be unsustainable, arguing that meaningful participation was crucial for achieving lasting peace and sustainable oil production in Ogoniland.
Echoing the theme of the 2026 International Youth Day, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," Yamaabana urged youths across Nigeria's diverse socio-political and ethno-religious groups to unite around shared aspirations for peace, security, inclusive development, and economic prosperity.
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