Ruth NWORIE
The Ogoni Youths Development body has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), demanding the immediate release of funds for the development of the Federal University of Environment Technology, Ogoni (FUET).
Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the group accused NNPCL of failing to fund ongoing projects in the institution, allegedly in disregard of a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The youth leaders alleged that non-payment of contractors has led to the abandonment of several projects within the university, with some contractors reportedly locking out students and lecturers from accessing certain facilities.
According to them, the development has resulted in a shortage of hostel accommodation and stalled academic activities due to incomplete classroom blocks and laboratories.
The group described the situation as a breach of agreement between the Federal Government and the Ogoni people, noting that the establishment and proper funding of the university formed part of the confidence-building measures for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
“We view this as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the smooth take-off of the institution,” the group stated.
They further argued that other federal institutions established around the same period have received operational funding, while FUET is yet to fully commence operations due to financial constraints.
The youth body called on NNPCL to immediately release funds for the payment of contractors and take over the renovation and development of the institution to ensure its smooth take-off.
They warned that failure to act within seven days would result in a peaceful protest at the gates of the company’s office.
The statement was jointly signed by the Global President of the group, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, and the Secretary General, Comrade Lekia N. Godwin.
