Rivers Community Demands Army to Vacate Skills Acquisition Centre

Incorporated Trustees of Wakirike (Okirika) National Congress in Rivers State, have urged the Nigerian Army to vacate Ogoloma-Okirika community skill acquisition centre built during the administration of former Governor , Rotimi Amaechi.

Chairman of the trustees, David Solomon, in a statement released to newsmen in Warri, Thursday, claimed that the Nigerian Army have for over a decade taken occupation of the centre.

According to Solomon, the centre located in Ogoloma, Okirika, was painstakingly secured through the political will, persistence, and relentless advocacy of well‑meaning Wakirike sons and daughters.

He disclosed in the statement that the center was not a gift but was the outcome of sustained engagement with the then Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi-led administration, driven by the clear understanding that skills development is the backbone of economic empowerment for our people”, he said.

Solomon noted that it was envisioned and designed to be a factory for future job creators, not job seekers adding that it ought to be a place where young men and women would acquire transferable skills needed to build businesses, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Solomon lamented that instead of being put to use, for over ten years, the facility was diverted from its purpose and regrettably, being occupied by the Nigerian Army.

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He noted, “our young men and women have been denied access to opportunities that could have transformed their lives, strengthened our families, and contributed meaningfully to the economy of Rivers State and Nigeria”.

Solomon maintained that continued occupation and conversion of the Ogoloma Skills Acquisition Centre into military barracks stands in direct contradiction to federal government policy to promote youth entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.

“This is not merely a Wakirike problem, it is a national economic setback. Nigeria cannot afford to overlook any opportunity to empower its young population and by so doing deny them their God-given and constitutional right to exist and thrive. The Wakirike Ijaw people certainly cannot stay sidelined!

“By denying thousands of our youths access to vocational training, the takeover of the centre, exacerbates youth unemployment, which is one of the most pressing challenges in the country driving poverty and insecurity.

“It also undermines entrepreneurship development, which government policies are actively trying to encourage and promote as well as increases vulnerability and susceptibility to crime, as desperate and indigent youths are left without viable alternatives, causing them to engage in activities that sabotage national economy.

“We therefore respectfully but firmly request the following: That the Nigerian Army vacate the Skills Acquisition Centre at Ogoloma, allowing it to serve the purpose for which it was built.

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“That the Federal Government, or Government of Rivers State immediately commence the construction of a new Skills Acquisition Centre for the Wakirike Ijaw people.

“It would be irresponsible on our part not to make this demand. The economic, social, and developmental importance of such a centre cannot be overstated. A functional skills acquisition centre is not merely a community and national asset – it is a strategic investment in human capital development, peace, and long‑term prosperity.

“The Wakirike Ijaw people have always been constructive partners in the development of Rivers State and Nigeria. We appeal and sincerely hope that both the Federal and Rivers State Governments would consider our legitimate request”, the statement added.