From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Students from tertiary institutions in the Niger Delta region have urged federal government agencies, multinational and indigenous companies to overhaul their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) frameworks to prioritise education, youth empowerment, and human capital development.
Speaking under the platform of the Niger Delta Students’ Union Government (NIDSUG) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, June 5, student leaders declared they would no longer tolerate indifference, tokenism, or intimidation from government agencies and companies operating in the region.
National President of NIDSUG, Comrade Scott Ogunseri, reading the union’s address, emphasised that the welfare of students and youth empowerment must be addressed. He criticised the focus on infrastructure projects at the expense of educational and empowerment initiatives.
NIDSUG stated: “We call on the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Niger Delta Basin Authority, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Petroleum Development Fund (PDF), Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and all multinational and indigenous companies operating in the Niger Delta to urgently revisit and reposition their CSR frameworks.
“It is time to invest massively in education-driven programmes and student-focused interventions. The continued neglect in this area is unacceptable, and we, the students of the Niger Delta, are prepared to resist all forms of institutional disregard.”
The students warned: “Let it be clear: the students of the Niger Delta will no longer tolerate indifference, tokenism, or intimidation. We remain united, courageous, and committed to safeguarding the future of our region.”
The union condemned the recent intimidation of some members at the gate of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by unidentified individuals, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the commission to engage in peaceful dialogue. “Failure to embrace this peace process may result in broader student reactions that the leadership of NIDSUG cannot contain,” they cautioned.
The students also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the South-South Development Commission, stating, “This timely move rekindles hope for inclusive growth and balanced development in the South-South region and signals a renewed commitment to addressing the core issues that have plagued our communities for decades.”