Ogoni Youths Demand Bori State Before Oil Resumption

The Ogoni youths in Rivers State have declared that oil exploration in Ogoniland will not resume unless the Federal Government creates Bori State. In a letter dated September 8, 2026, addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Imeabe Saviour, President of the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative, expressed their demand for the immediate dissolution of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, which is currently negotiating the return of oil exploration.

The youths are not fundamentally opposed to oil exploration but are against clandestine drilling activities while negotiations are ongoing. They emphasized that the creation of Bori State is essential to address the historical injustices and environmental devastation suffered by the Ogoni people.

The letter also criticized the Federal Government's lack of transparency and bad faith in the ongoing discussions, stating that if their request is not met, they will protest against oil resumption in Ogoniland.