The Ogoni Youth Coalition Movement, OYCM said that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company NPDC has made series of efforts to enter into Ogoni land for the commencement of oil exploration through the back door, adding that if the NPDC’s antics is unchecked it might result to another round of problems in the area.
The General-Coordinator of OYCM, Hon. Sunny Bekanwah who revealed this at a press briefing in Port Harcourt at the weekend, lamented that the NPDC’s plans of coming into the Ogoni land secretly has created division among the people.
He called on the leaders of MOSOP, KAGOTE and political leaders to begin the process of consulting prospective oil companies that can help in the development of Ogoni through job creation and general empowerment, as the Federal Government commences the process of the implementation of UNEP report.
Hon. Bekanwah regretted that the recently constituted Board of Trustees and Governing Council of the implementation of UNEP report, the President Mohammadu Buhari did not include critical stakeholders from Ogoni such as representative of the youths and women. The OYCM also observed that the presidency is yet to provide a legal framework for the commencement of the exercise.
He, however applauded the efforts of the Ogoni leaders and Rivers State government towards the implementation of the UNEP report. The OYCM General Coordinator decried the high rate of poverty and unemployment in the Ogoni which he said has led to serious crimes.
He had earlier called on the President to include a representative of youths and women on the Governing Council of UNEP committee, adding that, “it is critical to the process and should not be ignored.
Hon. Bekanwah has called on the youths, elite and traditional rulers to support the Rivers State government in its development efforts of eliminating crimes in the state.
The OYCM is the umbrella body of various youth organizations in Ogoni land. It’s aim is mobilization and sensitization of Ogoni youths towards the security and other activities that will stimulate socio-economic development of the area. Some of the associations that made up the OYCM include: Ken Saro Wiwa Associates, Ogoni Oil and Gas Environment Professionals, Ogoni Non-violence Youth Forum, Bomu Oil Field Youths for Peace Initiative, Ogoni Youth Movement amongst others. ###
