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Itsekiri, Ilaje and Ijaw youths today shut down operations at Chevron in Warri, Delta State over alleged failure of the company to provide employment for graduates in the communities.
The protesting youths claimed that the company has refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the host communities which among others stipulate that youths of the communities are given employment.
They pointed out that contrary to popular belief that Niger Delta youths are adverse to formal education, they have acquired degrees with commendable grades and are only asking to be employed in their own land.
The youths carried placards, canopies and cooking pots to bear their grievances. The youths occupied the entrance to Chevron gate in Warri stating emphatically that they would remain there unless their demands were met.
The youths said despite writing Chevron exams yearly, graduates from other states are given employment over them.
Efforts to get reaction from representatives of the company yielded no results.