By Mercy Aikoye, Abuja
A call has gone out to young lawyers from Ogoni land to deploy their professional expertise in tackling social challenges and driving sustainable development in their communities.
The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when he hosted members of the 2025 Ogoni Bar Aspirants who paid him a courtesy visit.
Dekor charged the newly inducted lawyers to see their profession as a tool for community transformation, urging them to actively participate in legal advocacy, mentorship and public service.
While congratulating the young legal practitioners on their achievement, the lawmaker described them as evidence of the intellectual capacity and resilience of the Ogoni people.
“I am a very proud Ogoni man. Nobody can marginalise the Ogoni people anymore because we have some of the best brains in this country,” he said.
He noted that despite years of neglect and the environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by Ogoni communities, the people had continued to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly through the region’s oil resources.
According to him, increased government attention in recent times had provided an opportunity for renewed development, but urged indigenes to complement government efforts by taking active roles in rebuilding their communities.
The lawmaker also raised concerns over the rising cases of cultism and drug abuse among young people, describing the trend as a threat to the future of Ogoni land.
He tasked the young lawyers to champion campaigns against social vices and promote values that would encourage responsible leadership, warning that individuals involved in criminal activities should not be allowed to occupy positions of public trust.
On the economic situation in the country, Dekor acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians but appealed for patience, expressing optimism that ongoing economic reforms would bring about improved conditions.
He also advised young Nigerians against abandoning the country in search of opportunities abroad, stressing that citizens had a collective responsibility to contribute to national development.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the 2025 Ogoni Bar Aspirants, Dr. Gawuga Thompson Baala, praised Dekor for his commitment to youth development and his efforts towards improving opportunities for people of Ogoni.
Baala said the delegation was at the lawmaker’s office to appreciate his support and seek deeper collaboration in promoting education, employment and infrastructure development in Ogoni communities.
He called for sustained investment by government and stakeholders in projects and programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of the people.
