Residents of Ogoniland have expressed growing frustration over what they describe as slow progress in addressing long-standing environmental damage caused by oil spills, raising fresh concerns about the planned resumption of oil production in the area.
Youth leaders from affected communities say expectations were raised following a recent visit by a Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to several polluted sites in Ogoniland.
However, weeks after the tour, they note that there has been little visible action to suggest that remediation efforts have moved beyond preliminary assessments.
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In Kpean Community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, youth representatives have pointed to lingering pollution in farmlands and waterways, warning that continued delays could further erode public trust.
They argue that without concrete steps towards environmental restoration, restarting oil production may not deliver meaningful benefits to local residents who have borne the brunt of decades of pollution.
The absence of follow-up actions since the federal visit, according to community youths, has fuelled scepticism over whether government commitments to environmental justice in Ogoniland will be fulfilled. Many residents fear that economic interests may once again take precedence over the health and livelihoods of the people.
Meanwhile, opinions among Ogoni youths remain divided. In Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area, some youth leaders have urged the Federal Government to proceed with oil production while simultaneously addressing polluted sites. They believe that oil activities, if properly regulated and managed, could generate employment opportunities and improve infrastructure and living conditions in the region.
