Mar 9 • 15:24 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Ogoni, South-South youths protest over NNPCL’s neglect of environment varsity

Youths from Ogoniland and South-South Nigeria protested in Port Harcourt against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited's neglect of the Federal University of Environment and Technology.

On Monday, youths from Ogoniland and the broader South-South region of Nigeria staged a protest in Port Harcourt, demanding action from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding the alleged neglect of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) located in Saakpenwa, Rivers State. The demonstrations were organized by youth groups, notably the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative and the South-South Youths Initiative, who marched through the streets calling for immediate funding and institutional support.

The protest followed a previous ultimatum issued by Imeabe Saviour, the Global President of the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative, which called for NNPCL to comply with President Bola Tinubu's directive to finance the university. The youth leader highlighted the urgency of the situation and criticized the NNPCL for ignoring the president's orders and neglecting the educational institution at a time when environmental studies are increasingly critical for the region, affected heavily by oil extraction activities.

The protests not only reflect a local desire for improved educational infrastructure but also raise larger issues regarding corporate responsibility and environmental management in a region plagued by oil-related damages. By mobilizing the youth community in this manner, the groups are emphasizing the importance of academic funding and access to education as vital components of development in Ogoniland, further asserting the need for accountability from oil companies operating in their territories.

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