Monday 24 June 2013

Bayelsa youths protest alleged NCDMB marginalisation

Bayelsa youths protest alleged NCDMB marginalisation

By Samuel OyadonghaYenagoa —

Hundreds of youths in Bayelsa State, yesterday, protested what they described as marginalisation by Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, in the implementation of local content policy of the Federal Government.

The aggrieved youths, under the aegis of National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Bayelsa State chapter, stormed the headquarters of NCDMB in Yenagoa as early as 6am and barricaded its gate, locking out staff and visitors.NCDMB presently occupies Revenue House, a structure donated to it by the state government as its national headquarters on Lambert Eradiri Road in the state capital.

The protesters were armed with banners, which read National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, Non-Violent Project, The NYCN Bayelsa State Enforcing Transparency in the Implementation of the Nigerian Content Act and Guideline in the Aspect of Training and Capacity Building Plan as Regards the S.S.A.G.G.S Project in Ekeremor Local Government Area, A community service action plan against unemployment, lack of skills, ability, capability and capacity, among others.

No fewer than 12 police patrol vans were at the scene, as the youths chanted solidarity songs.Leader of NYCN in the state, Bright Igrubia said: “The board is not involving the locals in its projects and activities in the state.“We want capacity building and training. We are worried because NCDMB is not carrying youths along particularly in the current Southern Swamp Associated Gas Gathering System, SSAGGS, project in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State contracted by Shell Petroleum Development Company.”

From the vanguard

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