Ogoni youths in Rivers State have threatened to shut down construction sites of the ongoing power projects, Centre of Excellence, being executed by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) over exclusion.

The youths under the aegis of Wiiyaakara Youths Association (WYA) have, therefore, given HYPREP seven days ultimatum to ensure inclusiveness of youths in its activities or risks complete shutdown of its operations in Ogoni land.

They lamented that despite donating large piece of land, in collaboration with the Yorbaranam Gbene Gbebie Family, for the construction of Centre of Excellence for the environmental restoration of Ogoni power projects, they have been neglected and marginalised by HYPREP and the construction companies, handling the projects, Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Energonov Limited.

The youth group expressed this in a protest letter submitted to the Minister of Environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako, Commissioner of Police, Emeka Polycarp Nwonyi, and President General of Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana.

The letter signed by WYA President, Barinua Benedit, reads in part: “Since the commencement of these initiatives, we have received no recognition, opportunities for training, employment, access to contracts or any other form of royalties. All we see is capital flight and this is not acceptable.

“It is disheartening that we have been systematically excluded from these projects. We make this plea in anticipation of your intervention, as HYPREP has failed to hold these companies accountable for their actions.”

The youths, however, demanded that the perceived marginalization and imbalanced activities that have adversely affected Ogoni youths in particular be addressed. They said: “Our objective is to foster unity for sustainable development and empowerment of the Ogoni youth and people.” (The Guardian)

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