President-General of Ogoni Youth Federation, Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana has called on Rivers youths to collaborate with the government for positive development.
Yamaabana gave the charge when he led the national executive council of OYF on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Prince Ohia Obi.
He said the development of Rivers State lies in the hands of Rivers youths.
Yamaabana, who is also the President of Rivers State Youth Leaders Coalition, RSYLC advised youths to shun cultism, violence and other social vices and channel their energy and God giving talents to something meaningful and productive. He stressed the need to make Rivers state more conducive for investors.
The Ogoni youth leader stressed on the importance of all recognised youth bodies in the state irrespective of diverse socio-cultural, economic and religious background to come together for the purpose of promoting peace, unity, discipline and leadership qualities.
The OYF leader, however, called the attention of the commissioner to the imminent break down of law, order and breach of peace in Ogoniland as a result of recent SPDC’s activities across Ogoni Communities.
He also emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of liaison offices at the headquarters of the three senatorial districts by the ministry of youth development and appointment of liaison officers to man the offices in order to draw the ministry closer to the grassroots for easy communication and accessibility.
Yamaabana also alerted the ministry of the plot to relocate the construction works of TRAIN-7 to Lagos State by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Oil and Gas (NLNG).
He called for the inclusion of Ogoni youths in the programs and policies of the Ministry of Youth Development in terms of human capacity development, skill acquisition and other youth empowerment programs.
Responding, Ohia Obi expressed his readiness and that of the Ministry to work with the OYF as the issue of drawing the government closer to the people is on the front burner of the ministry.
On the issue of liaison offices, the commissioner said that the ministry is contemplating appointing youth liaison officers in all the local government areas.
