The President-General of the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) Worldwide, Engr. Legborsi Yamaabana, has called on Ogoni youths, irrespective of kingdom, community, political affiliation or geographical location, to unite in purpose and action for the growth and development of Ogoniland.
Yamaabana made the call in Port Harcourt on Friday, August 21, 2026, while inaugurating the Planning Committee for the 2026 Ogoni Youth National Congress.
He said the congress had become necessary in view of unfolding national and regional developments concerning Ogoniland, particularly discussions around the proposed resumption of oil and gas exploration after more than three decades of suspension.
According to him, the congress would serve as a democratic and deliberative platform for Ogoni youths worldwide to collectively determine their position, protect their interests and develop a roadmap for the socioeconomic future of the area.
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“In response to these unfolding national and regional developments, the convening of the Ogoni Youth National Congress has become an urgent necessity,” Yamaabana said.
He expressed concern over alleged attempts by some individuals and interests to undermine efforts towards the peaceful and productive resumption of oil and gas operations in Ogoniland.
Yamaabana, however, stressed that any engagement concerning oil and gas activities in Ogoniland must be guided by environmental justice, equitable benefit sharing and protection of the rights, dignity and future of the Ogoni people.
He said the proposed resumption of oil and gas activities must not be pursued at the expense of the environment or the legitimate interests of the people.
The OYF leader also appealed for calm over reports of 40 employment slots allocated to Ogoni youths in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries.
He described the slots as inadequate, considering the sacrifices made by the Ogoni people and the prolonged suspension of oil and gas operations in the area.
He urged political, traditional and community leaders in Ogoniland to avoid unnecessary disagreements over the employment opportunities.
“Ogoni youths will not settle for tokenism. At the upcoming Congress, we shall formally demand a minimum of 500 direct employment opportunities within the NNPC Limited and its subsidiaries for qualified Ogoni youths,” he said.
Yamaabana said the 2026 congress planning committee comprised representatives from the six kingdoms of Ogoniland and was expected to ensure broad-based participation by youths from all kingdoms, Local Government Areas, communities and the diaspora.
He charged the committee to develop and implement a comprehensive operational framework for the congress, engage relevant stakeholders, including youth organisations, traditional institutions, government agencies, civil society groups, women and student associations, and coordinate media and public enlightenment activities.
The committee, he added, would also be responsible for coordinating the drafting of resolutions and the congress communique, submitting periodic reports to the OYF National Executive Council and producing a comprehensive report after the congress.
Yamaabana clarified that the planning committee was not another youth organisation but a group of committed Ogoni youths who had volunteered their time and resources towards promoting unity and progress among Ogoni youths.
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He also appealed to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to provide adequate security before and during the congress.
He urged the agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of all participants, warning that the OYF would not tolerate attempts by non-state actors or other detractors to disrupt peaceful deliberations.
Yamaabana reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to peace, unity, justice and sustainable economic empowerment for the Ogoni people.
In his acceptance speech, Ledum Joseph, who spoke on behalf of the committee members, assured the OYF leadership that the committee would discharge its responsibilities diligently and work towards the success of the congress.
