RESOLVING THE INCREASING TREND OF AGITATIONS IN NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA THROUGH QUALITY EDUCATION

Abstract

Agitation in Nigeria dates back to colonial era. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 by (British government) was by might of the colonial master, a forced unification. There were agitations from the minority groups seeking to be recognized as independent entities. After independence, there was greater feeling of marginalization oppression and exploitation by minority groups including the Niger Delta. The mutual suspicion and insecurity among ethnic components precipitated into civil war. The end of war witnessed more agitations from the Niger Delta. There came a period of increased awareness of the challenges the people are facing, ranging from environmental degradation, economic strangulation and exploitation to political marginalization resulting in object poverty and hunger. Hence the demand for resource control. Consequent upon lack of attention by government in power to the genuine agitations, indifference to the people plight and neglect of the region, is the rise in hopelessness and youth criminality. Youth empowerment through education, to equip them with knowledge, skill and character formation to handle their affairs and manage the environment is a lasting solution to the perennial problem of agitation in the Niger Delta.