By Ahmed Yusuf, Abuja
National News – Youth leaders from the Niger Delta have called for expanded opportunities for oil-producing communities, urging increased access to training, scholarships, and employment in the oil and gas sector.
The call was made during a strategic partnership meeting between the Forum of Niger Delta Youth Leaders (FNDYL) and the management of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) held in Abuja.
The FNDYL delegation was led by its National President, Comrade Nkara Lezor, National Secretary, Self-styled General Lucky Jonah, and Lead Convener, Chief Hon. Mwara Barry Balera.
The meeting followed an earlier pre-engagement in Wuse 2, Abuja, facilitated by Comrade Emieye Kemepade Romeo and Comrade October Lokpobiri, Special Assistant on Safety to the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil).
During the meeting, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of PTDF, Mr. Ahmed Galadima Aminu, was represented by the Chief of Staff and Deputy General Manager, Stakeholder Engagement, Mr. Olowo Mohammed.
Also present at the meeting were the General Manager, Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Nadir Ahmadu Dannupawa, and the Chief Security Officer, Mr. Tajudeen Ganiyu, alongside other members of the PTDF management team.
Speaking during the meeting, Lead Convener of the Forum, Chief Hon. Mwara Barry Balera, emphasized the need for increased youth development initiatives in the Niger Delta, particularly in the areas of training, empowerment, grants, scholarships, and oil and gas field exposure.
He noted that despite being the region that produces the nation’s oil wealth, many young people in the Niger Delta continue to face unemployment and limited opportunities.
Balera urged PTDF to scale up its programmes to better position youths in the region for careers in the oil and gas sector, stressing that improved access to opportunities would help reduce restiveness and enhance sustainable development.
“We are surrounded by wealth in the Niger Delta, yet many of our youths are struggling with poverty and unemployment. Expanding PTDF programmes in the region will help prepare young people for meaningful participation in the oil and gas industry,” he stated.
Responding on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Mr. Olowo Mohammed commended the Forum for the engagement and assured the delegation of PTDF’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
He, however, noted that funding constraints remain one of the major challenges affecting the expansion of PTDF initiatives but assured that the Fund remains committed to carrying all Niger Delta groups along whenever opportunities arise.
Mohammed emphasized that PTDF remains focused on its mandate of developing indigenous manpower and building capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry through scholarships, training, and research programmes.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing commitment to strengthening collaboration and fostering a productive working relationship aimed at expanding opportunities for youths across the Niger Delta region.
