Initiate process of restructuring Nigeria, Niger Delta youths tell FG

Leaders of various youth organizations from different ethnic nationalities across the Niger Delta region have called on the Federal Government to initiate a process of restructuring the country as a matter of national importance.

The coalition’s resolutions were contained in a communiqué jointly issued at the end of a one-day ‘Peace and Security Summit,’ organized by the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC) with leaders of various youth bodies from different ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

The communiqué was jointly signed by IYC National President, Alaye Theophilus; President of the Bayelsa Youth Association, Doupere Precious; President of the Ibom Youth Council, Lord Knight; President of the Urhobo Youth Leader Council, Emuejevoke Esesiobe, among other presidents of national youth groups.

While expressing support for true federalism, the coalition explained that the Peace and Security Summit aimed to “unite all youth groups from the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region.” This marks the first instance where leaders of youth bodies across the region have convened to discuss and address pressing issues of mutual concern.

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“The summit recognized that this meeting is both timely and crucial, occurring at a moment when our communities, in dire need of development, are seeking assistance.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the unity, development, peace, and security of our oil-rich region. If the Federal and State Governments cannot provide development, we pledge to achieve it ourselves through unity and dedication to the well-being of our people.

“The various youth groups have resolved to collaborate and closely monitor our development efforts. We uphold the belief that unity is strength.

“The Summit urges the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our people, particularly the youth.

“We call on the Federal Government to create opportunities for the development and meaningful engagement of our youth. Engaging young people in constructive activities will naturally reduce crime in our society.

“Regarding political stability in Rivers State, we urge the politicians causing political turbulence in the state to sheath their swords. This state is critical to both the region and the nation, and we cannot stand idle while it descends into crisis.

“The gas flaring effect fund being collected by the Federal Government should be directed to the impacted communities rather than going into the Federal Government’s purse.

“We advocate for peace throughout the entire Niger Delta region, not just in Rivers State. Peace fosters development, and we are committed to preventing the current crises in Rivers State from escalating into a breakdown of law and order.

“We call on the governors of the region to unite in combating our common enemies, which are poverty and underdevelopment. We urge the governors to leverage their positions to champion peace and security in the region and to ensure that external forces like herdsmen do not undermine our people.

“We request that the Federal Government swiftly distribute pipeline contracts among different ethnic groups. While we are not opposed to a single company handling the contracts, we believe that involving multiple leaders from different areas will enhance effectiveness and yield better results.

“We believe that only true federalism can transform our nation. Therefore, we call on the Federal Government to initiate a process of restructuring this country as a matter of national importance. The burden of leadership and development is too concentrated in the presidency. True federalism is essential for the prosperity of our nation, and we need it now.

“Given the significant economic resources in the Niger Delta, we urge the Federal Government to make positive and impactful investments to transform the region into the economic hub of the country.

“The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, start the implementation of the 3% Host Community Fund so that our people can enjoy the benefits of the PIA.

“We are also appealing to the Federal Government to remove the NDDC from the TSA so that the Commission can meet its Establishment Act for developing the Niger Delta region.

“We call on the Federal Government to support the various states in reducing crime and creating a business-friendly environment for all.

“The government should collaborate with various youth and community leaders to provide better waterway security in the region to boost the blue economy.

“As a matter of national urgency, the Federal Government, through the NNPC, should direct all IOCs operating in our region to relocate their head offices to the Niger Delta region,” the communiqué read.