Niger Delta group asks army to leave skills centre in Rivers
A Niger Delta sociocultural group, the Wakirike (Okirika) National Congress of Ogoloma, has urged the Nigerian Army to vacate the Skills Acquisition Centre in Rivers State. The group says the army’s occupation of the facility has worsened youth unemployment and hindered local development. David Solomon, chairman of the group’s Incorporated Trustees, emphasized the centre’s importance for youth empowerment. The group is demanding that the centre be returned to its original purpose or a new one be built if the army does not leave.
What we know
- The Wakirike (Okirika) National Congress of Ogoloma called on the Nigerian Army to vacate the Skills Acquisition Centre for Youth and National Development in Rivers State.
- The group claims the army’s occupation of the centre for over a decade has increased youth unemployment, poverty, and insecurity in the region.
- David Solomon stressed that the centre was established during former Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration to provide skills and entrepreneurship training.
- The group warned that continued military use of the facility denies thousands of youths access to vocational training and economic opportunities.
- If the army does not vacate, the group demands the Federal or Rivers State Government build a new Skills Acquisition Centre for the Wakirike Ijaw people.
