Ogoni youths have called for greater unity across their communities, stressing that embracing diversity and working together are essential to achieving peace, stronger leadership and sustainable development.
International Youth Day: Ogoni Youths Seek Unity In Diversity For Common Future
Young people from different backgrounds and communities across Ogoniland have called for greater unity, peace and collective action towards building a better future for their people.
The call was made in Port Harcourt as the youths commemorated International Youth Day, with this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” providing a global backdrop for discussions on the shared hopes and challenges of young people.
For the Ogoni youths, those common aspirations are reflected in the desire for peace, responsible leadership, empowerment, environmental sustainability and sustainable development, despite differences in communities, experiences and backgrounds.
The occasion also saw the inauguration of the newly elected executives of the Ogoni National Youth Congress, ONYC, whose theme, “One Ogoni, One Future: Uniting for Peace, Leadership and Sustainable Development,” reinforced the message of finding common ground in diversity.
Speaking at the event, the National President of ONYC, Mene Hon Kpakol Aleema Kpakol, said the strength of Ogoni lies in its diversity, but its future depends on unity.
“Our strength lies in our diversity, but our future depends on our unity.”
He said the Congress provides a platform for community youth leaders, young professionals, entrepreneurs, students, artisans, and other young people to help shape the future of Ogoniland.
The new leadership identified youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation as areas of focus.
It said the goal is to create an Ogoni where young people have opportunities to contribute meaningfully to community development.
“Our vision is clear: To build a united, peaceful, innovative, and prosperous Ogoni where every young person has the opportunity to contribute meaningful to community development.”
The discussions also touched on the long-standing issues affecting the Ogoni people, with the Congress expressing support for renewed dialogue on the Ogoni question.
The youths said constructive engagement remains important in addressing political, economic, environmental and social justice concerns, while encouraging stakeholders to participate with mutual respect and commitment to the common good.
“The Ogoni Youth Congress firmly believes that dialogue remains the most effective pathway to resolving longstanding issues and advancing the collective interests of our people.”
They also raised concerns over threats to the peace and livelihood of young people, including banditry, drug addiction, pipeline vandalism, cultism and other social vices.
The Congress called for collective and community-centred efforts to confront these challenges and create an environment where young people can live, work and pursue their aspirations in peace and dignity.
The inauguration of the new ONYC executives therefore comes against the backdrop of a broader call for young people to move beyond their differences and work towards shared aspirations.
For the Ogoni youths, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” translates into a simple message — different communities and experiences should not divide young people whose aspirations for peace, opportunity, dignity and a sustainable future remain the same.
