PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – A prominent sociocultural group in the Niger Delta has issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigerian Army, demanding the immediate evacuation of a multi-million naira Skills Acquisition Centre in Ogoloma, Okrika Local Government Area.
The Wakirike (Okirika) National Congress (WNC) decried the decade-long military occupation of the facility, asserting that the “continued trespassing” has directly contributed to the skyrocketing rates of youth unemployment and restiveness in the region.
A Decade of “Stifled Potential”
The facility, established during the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, was designed to be a hub for vocational excellence, intended to equip thousands of young men and women with technical skills for entrepreneurship. However, for over ten years, the sounds of industrial machinery have been replaced by the presence of boots and bayonets.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Chairman of Incorporated Trustees, Mr. David Solomon, the WNC argued that the military’s presence has turned a beacon of hope into a symbol of economic stagnation.
“This centre was not a gift; it was the hard-earned result of sustained advocacy and political will,” Solomon stated. “By denying our youths access to vocational training, this takeover exacerbates unemployment, undermines entrepreneurship, and increases vulnerability to crime.”
Economic Siege in a Harsh Climate
The group highlighted the irony of a military occupation occurring during a period of national economic hardship. With inflation and joblessness hitting record highs in 2026, the WNC maintains that the facility is more critical now than ever for local productivity.
The Congress further challenged the authorities, stating that if the Army refuses to vacate the premises, either the Federal Government or the Rivers State Government must immediately construct an equivalent vocational centre for the Wakirike Ijaw people to compensate for a decade of lost opportunities.
The Call for Restoration
Community leaders in Ogoloma have long complained that the presence of the military in a civilian-designated training zone creates a climate of intimidation that discourages local investment. While the Army has previously cited “security imperatives” for its presence in the volatile Niger Delta creeks, the WNC insists that true security is found in economic empowerment, not armed surveillance.
“Enforcement is not about control; it is about protection,” the group noted, echoing broader sentiments in the region regarding the demilitarization of civilian infrastructure.
At the time of publication, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt has yet to issue a formal response regarding the timeline for a possible relocation or the status of the facility.
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