By Peter Ogege
The President of the Youth Wing of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) Worldwide, Comrade Joel Emeni, has called for renewed unity among leaders at all levels of the Isoko ethnic nationality to ensure the full implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (Local Content Law), 2010, in the overall interest of the Isoko people.
Comrade Emeni made the call on Saturday at the 2025 Conference of the Isoko Development Union, held at the Isoko Unity House, Oleh, where he addressed leaders and stakeholders of the Union.
Drawing the attention of the gathering to what he described as the poor implementation of the Local Content Law in Isoko land, the youth leader lamented that most International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating within Isoko communities have failed to comply with the provisions and guidelines of the Act.
“The Nigerian Local Content Law was enacted to protect host communities and empower indigenous youths and businesses, but regrettably, its implementation in Isoko land has been largely ignored,” Emeni said. “Our people are being denied opportunities that are clearly provided for by law.”
He explained that his intervention became necessary in view of recent developments where, according to him, some community leaders have betrayed the trust reposed in them, compromised collective interests, and accepted inadequate settlements, thereby shortchanging the Isoko people.
Comrade Emeni identified lack of unity among leaders as a major impediment to the socio-economic progress of the Isoko nation, noting that disunity has made it difficult for the people to effectively demand their rights and privileges as provided under the Local Content Law and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
“Disunity remains our greatest weakness. When we fail to speak with one voice, we lose the strength needed to engage the IOCs and relevant authorities meaningfully,” he stated.
While stressing that the Local Content Law offers enormous opportunities for host communities, indigenous contractors, and youths, Emeni maintained that such benefits can only be harnessed through collective action and purposeful leadership.
He therefore called on the political class and all tiers of government to put an end to what he described as the persistent marginalization of Isoko communities in the oil-producing landscape.
In a telephone interview following the conference, Comrade Emeni cited instances of some IOCs operating in Isoko communities who, according to him, have failed to honour invitations from community representatives despite several written notices.
He also appealed to the leadership of the IDU to resolve the existing dichotomy between the IDU Youth Wing, the umbrella body for Isoko youths worldwide, and the Isoko Youth Assembly of Nigeria (IYAN).
He emphasized the need for both youth bodies to be harmonized into a single, unified structure capable of speaking with one voice and a shared purpose.
“Our strength lies in unity. A harmonized youth structure will enhance coordination, eliminate internal rivalries, and position Isoko youths to better defend their collective interests,” he added.
Responding, the IDU President General, Professor Chris Akpotu commended the wisdom and maturity of the Youth wing President, Comrade Joel Emeni saying the union will make due consultations and swing into action towards ameliorating the situation.
The well-attended conference attracted notable personalities, including the Member representing Isoko South II Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Dr.) Ferguson Onwo, the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, the Grand Patron of the IDU, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, as well as President-Generals of various clans in Isoko land, representatives of the Youth Wing, Women Wing, IPC, and other stakeholders.
