A University lecturer, Prof. Anthony Okoye, from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, says the quest to develop the Nigerian economy from crude oil proceeds has not achieved the desired results due to several challenges plaguing the oil sector.

 

Prof. Okoye disclosed this at the inauguration of the executive members of the Niger Delta Youth Association, Anambra state chapter held in Awka.

 

According to Prof. Okoye who is a Professor of environmental management and pollution control, since the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria, the country is still hindered by financial and economic challenges due to the mismanagement of crude oil proceeds accruing to the country.

The University don maintained that the wheel of development of any society lies on the shoulder of how productive and creative the youthful populations are, and made it clear that when youths organize themselves properly, they can insist on periodic environmental auditing to ensure that investors have serious commitment to ecologically sound and sustainable development of the host communities.

 

The National Vice President, Niger Delta Youth Association of Nigeria Worldwide, Comrade Ibiso Harry said that Anambra state was included in the association because of the oil producing status granted to the state by the federal government and commended Governor Willie Obiano for achieving the feat.

Earlier, the Anambra state chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Samuel Egwuatu urged the youths to always engage in civil and intellectual discussions in the pursuit of their rights, rather than war.

 

The Anambra state chairman, Niger Delta Youth Association, Comrade Alex Ossaka assured that they will ensure that the interests of the oil producing Communities in the State are protected at all times.