Ahead of the planned resumption of oil production activities in Ogoniland, the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) has called on the people to strengthen legitimate institutions and speak with one voice.
The group also dismissed claims that Ogoni youths are institutionally fragmented because they belong to different youth organisations operating in the area.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Lene Kingsley Lekue, OYF said the existence of multiple youth organisations did not amount to division among Ogoni youths.
“Ogoni must strengthen legitimate institutions and speak with one voice as we enter a critical era of renewed oil and gas activities,” the statement said.
OYF identified the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and itself as the two recognised major youth structures in Ogoniland, stressing that each has distinct origins and responsibilities.
According to the group, NYCOP is the youth wing of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), while OYF serves as the central youth organisation representing Ogoni youths.
The federation said NYCOP was formed by MOSOP, while OYF was established by KAGOTE, MOSOP and the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni.
“These institutions have different origins and responsibilities. Their separate existence does not automatically amount to division,” OYF said.
The statement followed comments reportedly made at a KAGOTE meeting held in Bori, Ogoniland, on August 8, 2026, suggesting that Ogoni youths were divided.
OYF said it was clarifying the issue not to confront KAGOTE or any other Ogoni stakeholder, but to ensure that the representation of Ogoni youths was properly understood as the area approaches renewed oil and gas activities.
The federation said it welcomed constructive criticism and genuine efforts to promote unity but rejected what it described as narratives portraying Ogoni youths as “institutionally chaotic or fragmented among numerous competing organisations.”
It urged NYCOP and OYF to strengthen their cooperation and continue working together in the collective interest of Ogoni youths.
“OYF has no interest in diminishing NYCOP. We recognise NYCOP as a legitimate partner and believe both institutions must continue strengthening cooperation in the interest of our people,” the group said.
