Ogoni Youths Pledge Unity for Peace, Development as ONYC Inaugurates New Exco
Ogoni youths have renewed their commitment to peace and development as the newly inaugurated executives of the Ogoni National Youth Congress, ONYC, were sworn in on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Port Harcourt.
The event was part of activities marking International Youth Day 2026, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” ONYC adopted the local theme “One Ogoni, One Future: Uniting for Peace, Leadership and Sustainable Development.”
In his address, ONYC National President, Aleema Kpakol, said the new leadership will provide a united platform for Ogoni youths to contribute to the growth of Ogoniland.
“Our strength lies in our diversity, but our future depends on our unity,” Kpakol stated. He added that the Congress will not compete with existing youth groups but will collaborate with them to advance youth welfare.
The Congress also expressed support for ongoing dialogue on the resumption of oil production in Ogoni. Kpakol commended the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for reopening engagement with stakeholders. ONYC also backed the Don Baridam-led Ogoni Dialogue Committee for its consultations across communities.
Kpakol urged his executives to lead with discipline, integrity, accountability and inclusiveness.
“History will judge our generation not by the speeches we make today but by the institutions we build, the peace we preserve, and the legacy we leave behind,” he said.
Groups present included Pa-Gokana Supreme Youth Council, Ogoni Youth Coalition Movement, Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youth Association, and Ogoni Youth Connect Foundation.
