Youth groups in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have asked oil and gas companies operating in their region to redirect funding from fossil fuel exploration that causes crises to renewable energy and agroecology.
They expressed this on Tuesday, during a “Die-In” protest at the Ibeno LGA headquarters, organized by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the Clement Isong Foundation to mark the 2025 Global Week of Climate Action.
Ibeno, a major oil-producing community, has been battling severe environmental degradation from extractive activities.
The protesters lamented the direct impact of gas flaring on their health and livelihoods, insisting that local communities must be central to any energy transition plans.
Kofi Asuquo, President of the Ibeno Youth Advocacy Network (IYAN), addressed the protesters.
He said:“We are telling them instead of funding crisis, they should fund the future. Their funding should be tailored towards renewable energy, agroecology, and the inculcation of youths into their policy making.”
Asuquo emphasized the need for inclusive decision-making, adding, “Whatever they do, they should carry the mindset of our people. That’s what we are agitating for in a peaceful way.”
Speaking on behalf of ActionAid Nigeria, Friday Ogezi explained that the protest aimed to advocate for better policies, financing, and livelihood alternatives as the world shifts from fossil fuels. He revealed that ActionAid has established a community hub to train youths in green skills.
“We call it just transition. Now that we are transitioning, let’s not create more problems for the people. Let it be fair, let it be inclusive, let the people be involved,” Ogezi said.
Also speaking, Dr. Caroline Gordian, Project Lead for Clement Isong Foundation, sought urgent need for accountability, referencing cases where oil companies divest without decommissioning sites, leaving lasting environmental damage.
She added:“There is that need for government and relevant stakeholders to take action. They should be able to fund just transition. Young people should be trained, women who are into fishing and farming should be trained so that they can transit.”
