By Our Correspondent
The planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State, has triggered fresh debate, with youths from the area demanding at least 500 employment opportunities from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The demand follows the reported allocation of 40 job opportunities to Ogoni youths as part of efforts to build confidence ahead of the proposed return of oil activities after more than three decades.
The Ogoni Youth Federation said the 40 positions were insufficient, considering the size of the youth population and the historical contribution of Ogoniland to Nigeria’s oil industry.
Speaking in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of a planning committee for the proposed Ogoni Youth National Congress 2026, OYF President-General, Legborsi Yamaabana, called for a more inclusive approach to employment and economic opportunities.
He appealed to youths and community leaders to avoid allowing the limited number of job opportunities to create divisions among the people.
According to him, the focus should be on ensuring that the planned return of oil exploration provides meaningful benefits for Ogoni communities, particularly young people who have faced years of limited economic opportunities.
The demand for 500 jobs has therefore become part of a broader call for local participation in the oil sector. Youth leaders want employment opportunities to be complemented by skills acquisition, technical training, entrepreneurship programmes and other forms of economic empowerment.
The proposed resumption of oil exploration has generated mixed reactions across Ogoniland. While some stakeholders believe renewed oil activities could create employment, attract investment and boost economic development, others remain concerned about environmental protection and the possibility of repeating mistakes of the past.
For many residents, the question is not simply whether oil production should return, but under what conditions it should take place.
Youth groups have called for greater transparency, proper consultation with host communities and adequate safeguards to protect the environment.
They also want local people to have a stronger voice in decisions concerning exploration activities, employment and the distribution of economic benefits.
The Ogoni Youth National Congress is expected to provide a platform for young people from across the area to deliberate on the proposed oil resumption and other issues affecting the future of the region.
The congress could also help stakeholders develop a common position and reduce disagreements among youth groups and communities.
The controversy over employment comes as NNPCL continues its engagement with Ogoniland. The company has previously highlighted employment and other initiatives as part of its efforts to rebuild confidence and promote responsible energy development in the region.
For Ogoni youths, however, expectations remain high. They believe the return of oil exploration must come with tangible opportunities for the people whose communities have hosted oil activities for decades.
Beyond the demand for 500 jobs, the youths are seeking a new approach to oil development — one that combines economic opportunities with environmental responsibility and genuine community participation.
As discussions continue, government officials, NNPCL, traditional leaders, community representatives and youth organisations will face the challenge of finding common ground on the future of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
For the youths, the message is straightforward: if oil exploration is returning to Ogoniland, the people of Ogoni must have a meaningful share in the opportunities and benefits that come with it.
