By: Felix Ikpotor
In keeping with its earlier ultimatum, Ogoni youths on Monday protested in Port Harcourt, over alleged neglect of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Saakpenwa, Rivers State by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Recall that the youths had last two Sundays ago issued a seven-day ultimatum to the NNPCL to fund the school or face series of actions.
The youths who gathered under the umbrella of Ogoni Youths Development Initiative OYDI) in collaboration with the South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI), marched through major streets of the Rivers State capital to the NNPCL office in Port Harcourt, demanding urgent funding and support for the institution.
The protesters displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as “NNPCL Pay FUET Contractors,” “NNPCL Adhere to Mr President’s Directive,” “NNPCL Fund Our Ogoni University,” and “Ogoni University Must Be Funded by NNPCL,” alleging that the oil company had failed to fulfill its obligations toward the development of the university.
Addressing the protesters, the Global President of the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, accused the NNPCL of ignoring a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fund the institution.
Oscar recalled that the Federal Government established the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa, on February 3, 2025, and said the NNPCL was reportedly mandated to provide financial support for the take-off and development of the university.
He lamented that the failure to release funds has stalled critical infrastructure needed for the effective operation of the institution.
Oscar said, “As we speak, no funds have been released to the university as directed by the President. Students do not have access to lecture halls, laboratories, or hostel facilities. Contractors who undertook projects at the university are also stranded after taking loans to execute the work.
“The students are stranded, contractors are stranded, these contractors took out loans for the project in that school, NNPCL led by Basir Ojulari directed that the school or the project should go ahead.”
The youth leader emphasised that contractors handling projects at the university had commenced work following instructions from NNPCL management but were yet to receive payment.
Oscar expressed concern that the situation had left students, contractors, and the university management in difficult circumstances, describing it as unfair to the Ogoni people.
He also noted that the establishment of the university was part of the confidence-building measures for the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni land, urging the Federal Government to demonstrate commitment to the welfare and development of the area.
Oscar warned that the protest was only a warning demonstration, emphasising that the groups would intensify their actions if their concerns were not addressed.
He stated, “We are here today for a peaceful protest to express our dissatisfaction with what we consider neglect. If our demands are not met, we will escalate the protest and take it to the NNPCL headquarters in Abuja.
“We are just here for a warning protest. If the NNPCL or Mr. President refuse to address our demand, we’ll be forced to come back here tomorrow and then after tomorrow, we’ll be going to NNPCL Towers in Abuja.
“To actually tell NNPCL led by Bashir Bayo Ojulari that we are not comfortable and that we are not happy with the high level of negligence that we are being faced at this time.”
Responding to the protesters, the Head of Corporate Services and Administration of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mfon Ati, advised the group to formally follow up on their correspondence with NNPCL in Abuja.
Ati explained that the protesters’ letter had been submitted a week earlier, urging them to remain patient while the NNPCL reviews and processes the correspondence.
He commended the group for maintaining a peaceful conduct and encouraged them to remain calm while pursuing further engagement through the appropriate official channels.
“I appreciate the fact that you came here peacefully. I encourage you to maintain that peace and follow up on your letter, either by sending representatives or issuing a reminder. I believe the leadership will respond to your concerns.
“You came peaceably and I will enjoin you to keep that peace. Do a follow-up by sending your representative or a reminder letter, and I’m sure you will be responded to,” he said.
