Niger Delta

ISOPLOT Has No Legitimacy to Speak for Isoko, INYA Warns

Published

2 months ago

June 27, 2025

The Isoko National Youth Assembly, (INYA) has stated that the Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT) lacks the credibility and recognition to speak for the Isoko youth or the nation at large.

INYA’s President, Comrade Eniwake Orogun, and Secretary-General, Governor Emumena, in a statement, called on the public to disregard the group’s comments on Warri delineation and to treat such statements as self-serving propaganda.

They emphasized that the Isoko people’s legitimate concern lies in the suppression of their state constituency—an issue ISOPLOT conveniently ignores.

In a statement, the INYA said, “It is with profound concern and a necessary sense of duty that the Isoko National Youth Assembly Worldwide (INYA Worldwide), the umbrella body representing Isoko youths globally, is compelled to address a recent publication masquerading as the voice of the Isoko people.

“We categorically denounce and disassociate the entire Isoko Nation from the press statement issued on June 16th, 2025, by an obscure entity called ‘Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought’ (ISOPLOT).

“While the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of association and expression, this fundamental right does not confer legitimacy or authority upon any random collection of individuals to arrogate to themselves the mantle of speaking for the Isoko youths, let alone the Isoko nation.

“ISOPLOT is unknown to the Isoko socio-political structure. It possesses no mandate, no broad-based membership, and no traceable lineage within our established youth leadership frameworks. It is, at best, an unauthorized and potentially mischievous subgroup operating in the shadows.

“The core subject of the ISOPLOT statement – the INEC ward delineation exercise in Warri Metropolis – is fundamentally NOT an Isoko issue. The Isoko people are not constituents of the Warri Federal Constituency. The delineation exercise primarily concerns the territorial and political dynamics between the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups within that specific geographical area.

“We are utterly perplexed by ISOPLOT’s motives in dragging the Isoko Nation into this complex inter-ethnic matter. What business does an Isoko group have dictating terms or stoking fears about ward allocations in Warri, a territory far removed from our ancestral lands and political jurisdiction? This unwarranted interference raises serious questions about ISOPLOT’s true sponsors and intentions.

“While ISOPLOT fabricates outrage over Warri, the Isoko nation has a legitimate and pressing grievance with INEC that they conveniently ignore. Prior to the last statewide delineation exercise, Isoko North Local Government Area had TWO State Constituencies. This was in recognition of our population and contribution. Shockingly and unjustly, INEC reduced Isoko North to just ONE constituency.

“This reduction is a blatant injustice, particularly for a people who contribute significantly to the national coffers, notably producing the largest volume of onshore crude oil in Nigeria. We demand the immediate restoration of our second State Constituency in Isoko North. This is the INEC and judicial matter that rightfully commands the attention and advocacy of genuine Isoko representatives, not meddling in Warri’s affairs.

“Despite our categorical rejection of ISOPLOT’s unauthorized statement and its inflammatory undertones, we recognize that heightened tensions in Warri or anywhere in Delta South have the potential for negative spillover effects. We, therefore, urge all parties directly involved in the Warri delineation issue – the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo communities, INEC, and relevant state and federal authorities – to engage in dialogue, exercise maximum restraint, and act with utmost caution.

“The paramount objectives must be equity, fairness, inclusion, and the preservation of the hard-won peace and progress of our dear Delta State. We stand against any actions or rhetoric that threaten this stability”.

Albert Ograka, Asaba

Niger Delta

HYPREP Marks International Youth Day …Tasks Ogoni Youths On Continued Support

Published

2 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) on Tuesday joined the global community to mark the 2025 International Youth Day, with a call to Ogoni youths, both at home and in the diaspora to continue to support it to achieve its set goals and targets.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call in a statement signed by the Head of Communications, Dr Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, said the youths should believe that working together with the Project, leveraging locally youth action, and fostering inclusivity, the goals of the Project would be achieved.

Zabbey assured them that HYPREP would continue to invest in training and skills development, create opportunities for them to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates for sustainable development.

He noted that HYPREP recognises the salient and highly supportive disposition of Ogoni youths as key stakeholders towards the successful implementation of the cleanup project, adding that the role of Ogoni youths in implementing UNEP’s recommendations on Ogoniland cannot be over-stated.

He said the Ogoni youths have stood at the front lines, clearing impacted sites, engaging in construction works, championing community awareness, and driving narratives of hope and renewal through traditional and online media.

According to him, the contributions of the youths serve as a potent reminder that the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) are most effectively achieved when local youth are empowered to take ownership of the process.

The Project Coordinator further indicated that the theme of this year’s International Youth Day, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” resonates strongly with HYPREP as a youth-driven, community-based Project, committed to environmental remediation, livelihood restoration and sustainable peace building in Ogoniland.

He said as a project rooted in local communities, HYPREP recognises that the success of its interventions depends on the active participation and leadership of young people, saying, “from the physical restoration of polluted sites to the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, from grassroots mobilisation to digital advocacy, local youth have played a significant role in translating HYPREP’s goals into action.”

“The energy, creativity, and resilience of the Ogoni youths are helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) far beyond ecosystem recovery towards inclusive growth and national unity,” he said.

Zabbey noted that the Project is strategically tailored to benefit a critical mass of Ogoni youths across its multiple projects and programmes be it the land and shoreline remediation sites; mangrove restoration; Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration; potable water projects; the Ogoni Power Project; Ogoni Specialist Hospital; Buan Cottage Hospital; and livelihood schemes or human capacity development.

On the celebration of the International Youth Day, he saluted on behalf of HYPREP, the courage, dedication, and vision of Ogoni youths, saying, “Your work in the field, your voices in community engagements, and your leadership in peace building are helping to restore the Ogoni environment while building stronger communities and a more united nation.”

According to him, HYPREP has been intentional in ensuring inclusivity and promoting greater participation among youths, as the establishment of the Office of the Special Assistant on Women and Youth Development, underscores the significance and priority given to the Ogoni youths.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo To Open Up Edo Riverine Communities For Development

Published

2 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

Deputy Governor, Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration would open up riverine communities in the state for sustainable development.

Idahosa stated this during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for Aug.16 Ovia federal constituency by-election, in Inikorogha, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.

The deputy governor told the gathering that the new administration was keen to see development across the nooks and crannies of the state.

According to him, all that is needed from the people is support and patience with the nine months old Okpebholo-led government that hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

Idahosa who described the Inikorogha community as peace loving, said it has always supported him politically and otherwise.

Adorned in the traditional regalia of the community, Idahosa said, “I have always seen myself as one of your own even before decorating me with this traditional attire.

“All I need from you is massive votes in support for the APC candidate and our governor on Saturday,” he appealed.

He assured the community that the APC candidate would join the good work of the party as the representative of the constituency.

“Our candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, is not a neophyte in the business of lawmaking. The party chose her because we are sure of her capacity to deliver”.

While addressing the people, the APC candidate promised to synergise with the deputy governor and the state government to bring laudable projects to Ovia federal constituency.

A chieftain of the party in the community, Okubo Robert, promised to mobilize support for APC to ensure he emerges victorious at the poll.

While noting the community’s continued support to the APC in previous elections, Robert expressed optimism that Saturday’s by-election would not be different but yield the desired results.

Niger Delta

Embrace Digital Tech For National Growth, NDDC Urges Youths

Published

2 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has urged youths to embrace digital technology.

Ogbuku made the appeal in a Statement issued in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

According to the statement, Ogbuku addressed youths during the celebration of International Youth Day, organised by the NDDC for young people.

The Tide source reports that Ogbuku spoke against the backdrop of the International Youth Day.

He said that technology, when used productively, could serve as a catalyst for capacity building and sustainable development.

Ogbuku said that the NDDC chose to celebrate young people in order to encourage them to take advantage of current trends to equip and develop themselves.

“We are in the age of technology, and Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent, therefore, we are using this platform to encourage young people.

“They should take advantage of current trend to advance their cause as partners in development, enabling them to benefit from innovative ideas and latest technology, he said.

“Niger Delta youths should not allow themselves to be left behind in technological advancement.’’

Ogbuku reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to enhancing the capacities of youths in the region.

He noted that the commission had collaborated with the nine states government in the region to implement youth empowerment programmes for youths in the area.

“We have always liaised with the states governments in the Niger Delta in implementing youth empowerment programmes.

“The NDDC has also requested the states governments to nominate young people, as well as provide us with the categories of individuals in their areas of interest.

“Particularly those living with disabilities,” he said.

He advised youths to be hardworking and proactive in their chosen careers.

The Director in charge of Women and Culture Unit in the NDDC Youth Directorate, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, said the International Youth Day was recognised globally to celebrate youth creativity and potential.

She said “The NDDC’s decision to mark this day with young people is a further demonstration of the current Board’s renewed commitment to youth advancement”.

Imoni urged participants to acquire skills that would equip them to meet present-day realities.

The Tide source reports that the day is celebrated annually on Aug. 12.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso