Ogoni Youths Demand 500 NNPC Jobs as Oil Exploration Resumption Sparks Divisions

The youths of the Ogoni ethnic group in Rivers State are demanding 500 job openings from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited following the planned restart of oil exploration in their region. This number surpasses the 40 positions already announced by the company. The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) intends to hold a nationwide conference for youths to tackle matters tied to the oil exploration resumption, which has created significant divisions within the community.

During the congress' planning committee's inauguration, OYF Worldwide President-General Legborsi Yamaabana highlighted the importance of the event in resolving issues arising from the proposed oil production restart. While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu's role in reopening oil businesses in the area, Yamaabana stressed that the Ogoni people are at a turning point in their history.

He emphasized that any discussions about Ogoniland should be guided by principles of environmental justice, fair benefit-sharing, and the preservation of the youth's rights and future. The Ogoni struggle remains ongoing and crucial for sustainable development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. Yamaabana urged for calm over the 40 job offers provided by NNPC, deeming them inadequate considering Ogoni's economic contributions.

Instead, he called for the NNPC to allocate 500 job opportunities for Ogoni youths. The OYF leadership also expressed concern over the tension and conflict surrounding the 40 job slots and stressed that these positions should not fuel internal disputes among Ogoni people. They strongly implored all Ogoni leaders to maintain unity and refrain from squabbling over minor concessions.

Ogoni youths firmly stated that they will not settle for tokenism and will formally demand at least 500 direct employment opportunities within NNPC and its subsidiaries during the upcoming congress.