The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency of Rivers State in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, has cautioned newly qualified lawyers of Ogoni extraction against emigrating in search of better opportunities.

 

He urged them instead to deploy their legal knowledge and professional skills to drive the development of their communities.

 

Dekor gave the charge while receiving members of the 2025 Ogoni Bar Aspirants on a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly, Abuja.

 

Congratulating the new lawyers on their call to the Nigerian Bar, the lawmaker described their achievement as a testament to the resilience, determination and intellectual capacity of the Ogoni people, adding that their admission into the legal profession presents an opportunity to deepen the community’s contribution to national development.

 

“I am a very proud Ogoni man. Nobody can marginalise the Ogoni people anymore because we have some of the best brains in this country,” he said.

 

He noted that although the Ogoni people had endured years of neglect despite their significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, recent government interventions had rekindled hope for greater inclusion and development.

 

Dekor urged the young lawyers to become agents of positive change by promoting the rule of law, advocating justice, mentoring younger people and participating actively in community development.

 

He expressed concern over the rising cases of cultism and drug abuse among youths in Ogoni, describing the twin challenges as serious threats to the region’s future.

 

He encouraged the new legal practitioners to use their professional influence to educate young people on the dangers of criminality and support efforts aimed at eliminating cult-related violence.

 

According to him, individuals associated with cult activities should not be entrusted with positions of public responsibility, stressing that leadership must be founded on integrity and respect for the rule of law.

 

On the nation’s economic situation, Dekor acknowledged the hardship currently facing many Nigerians but appealed for patience, expressing confidence that the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms would yield long-term benefits.

 

He discouraged the growing trend of “japa” among young professionals, insisting that Nigeria’s future depends largely on the commitment, innovation and patriotism of its young citizens.

 

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the 2025 Ogoni Bar Aspirants, Dr. Gawuga Thompson Baala, commended Dekor for his commitment to the advancement of Ogoni land and the welfare of its people.

 

Baala said the delegation visited to appreciate the lawmaker’s support for Ogoni youths while seeking stronger collaboration in expanding opportunities for education, employment and human capital development.

 

He called for sustained investment in critical infrastructure, job creation and development programmes capable of improving socio-economic conditions across Ogoni communities.