Ogoni youths seek 500 NNPC jobs as oil exploration resumption triggers community divisions

Youths from the oil-rich Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to provide 500 job opportunities as part of preparations for the resumption of oil exploration in their area, far exceeding the 40 slots already allocated by the company.The demand comes from the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), which is also organizing a national congress of youths to tackle issues surrounding the planned restart of oil activities. The move has sparked noticeable divisions within the community.Speaking in Port Harcourt on Friday during the inauguration of the planning committee for the congress, OYF President-General Engr. Legborsi Yamaabana stressed the urgency of the gathering to resolve all concerns linked to the oil resumption.Yamaabana praised President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing the reopening of oil operations in Ogoniland after more than three decades of suspension. However, he warned that the Ogoni people now stand at a critical crossroads.“The Ogoni nation stands at a critical crossroads in its history,” he said. “We acknowledge the renewed political attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), particularly regarding the proposed resumption of oil and gas exploration in Ogoniland after more than three decades of suspension.“While we recognize this development as a significant national conversation, we emphasize that any engagement concerning Ogoniland must be anchored on the principles of environmental justice, equitable benefit-sharing, and the protection of the dignity, rights, and future of the Ogoni people, especially our youth, who remain the custodians of tomorrow."The Ogoni struggle is not merely historical; it is living, evolving, and central to the future of sustainable development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.”He urged calm over the 40 job slots offered by NNPCL, describing them as inadequate given Ogoni’s economic contributions, and insisted the company provide at least 500 positions for local youths.In a statement, the OYF leadership noted the tension and uproar surrounding the reported 40 employment opportunities allocated as a confidence-building measure toward restarting oil and gas activities.“We wish to state clearly that this 40 slots is paltry and insignificant given the scale of our sacrifice; and as such, it should not become a source of internal rancour, division, or friction among our people.“We strongly appeal to all Ogoni political, traditional, and community leaders to sheath their swords, maintain calm, and refrain from unnecessary squabbles over crumbs.“Without pre-empting the sovereign deliberations of the upcoming Congress, let it be noted that Ogoni youth will not settle for tokenism.“"At the upcoming Congress, we shall formally demand a minimum of 500 direct employment opportunities within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries for qualified Ogoni youths, who have been economically sidelined and left inactive throughout this 33-year stalemate.”Yamaabana said the issues raised made the Ogoni Youth National Congress 2026 an urgent necessity. He expressed regret that some individuals were working to undermine the Federal Government’s efforts toward a peaceful resumption of oil exploration.He directed the planning committee to develop an operational framework for the congress and ensure broad-based mobilization of other youth groups and stakeholders, with both physical and virtual participation.    

"This 40 slots is paltry and insignificant given the scale of our sacrifice; and should not cause internal rancour, division, or friction among our people" The post Ogoni youths demand 500 NNPC jobs as oil exploration resumption sparks divisions appeared first on Vanguard News.