Ogoni Youth Leader Backs OML 11 Resumption, Demands Inclusion in Oil Operations

The President-General of the Ogoni Youth Federation and spokesperson for the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, Engr. Legborsi Yamaabana, has called for greater youth participation in the development of the Niger Delta as Nigeria marks International Youth Day 2026.

Yamaabana, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, commended young people across the Niger Delta for their resilience and contribution to peace and economic stability in the oil-producing region.

He attributed recent improvements in Nigeria’s oil output partly to what he described as the commitment of youths in the region to peace and their cooperation with government authorities and security agencies.

Speaking specifically on Ogoniland, the youth leader expressed support for the Federal Government’s efforts to restart oil and gas operations in the area, including plans relating to Oil Mining Lease 11 (OML 11).

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over efforts to resolve the long-standing issues surrounding oil operations in Ogoniland, describing a successful resolution of the OML 11 situation as a potential milestone.

Oil production in Ogoniland has remained suspended for decades, with the region’s environmental degradation, community concerns and disputes over oil operations continuing to generate controversy.

While backing the proposed resumption, Yamaabana stressed that Ogoni youths should not be excluded from consultations and decisions concerning future operations.

He said sustainable oil production would require young people and other local stakeholders to be treated as partners rather than spectators.

Yamaabana also appealed to Ogoni youths to maintain peace and announced plans to convene an Ogoni Youth Congress in the coming days.

According to him, the proposed gathering will provide an opportunity for young people to deliberate on issues affecting the community and develop a common position on matters concerning their future.

Marking International Youth Day, Yamaabana urged young people across the Niger Delta and Nigeria to overcome ethnic, political and religious divisions and work towards common objectives of peace, security and inclusive development.

He said the 2026 International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” underscored the need for young people from diverse backgrounds to unite around shared aspirations.

Yamaabana, who previously contested the Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency seat, reaffirmed the Niger Delta Youth Leaders Forum’s commitment to youth empowerment, inclusive development and greater participation of young people in decisions affecting the region.