By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
DIRECTIVE FOR the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to open immediate engagement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Ogoni people, and other key stakeholders has been issued by President Bola Tinubu to finalise modalities for restarting oil production in Ogoniland.
The President gave the directive on Wednesday after receiving the report of the Presidential Committee on the Ogoni Consultations at the State House in Abuja.
The committee, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, was inaugurated to develop a framework for reconciliation and dialogue that would clear the path for renewed operations in the area.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State led the Ogoni delegation to the ceremony.
During the presentation, President Tinubu honoured four late Ogoni leaders—Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Bade, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage – by conferring on them the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.
The posthumous awards followed his earlier recognition in June of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists killed under the Abacha regime.
The President commended the Baridam committee for its dedication and stressed that government recognises the decades of pain endured by the Ogoni people.
He urged all communities to close ranks and embrace dialogue, assuring them of his administration’s resolve to safeguard the environment while ensuring equitable prosperity.
“We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland.
The Federal Government truly acknowledges the long suffering of the Ogoni people, and today, we declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us,” President Tinubu said.
He directed the Minister of Environment and the National Security Adviser to integrate broader programmes into the dialogue and implementation process, noting that all parties must begin with the disposal of non-valuable assets that neither serve the community nor the nation.
The President further assured that the Federal Government will mobilise resources to address lingering concerns and pledged to support equitable participation by the Ogoni people.
“I urge Ogoni people across the communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us, and move forward as a united community.
“This reconciliation is not an erasure of history but the commitment to write the next chapter together,” he said.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara welcomed the directive, stating that the confidence-building steps taken by the President had already yielded progress, particularly on the East-West Road and in the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology.
He described the measures as encouraging signs that foster hope for reconciliation and development.
National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu confirmed that President Tinubu approved early trust-building actions that eased tensions and paved the way for consultations.
These included constituting the University of Environment and Technology governing council and advancing work on the East-West Road.
Ribadu explained that the committee ensured that dialogue prevailed over confrontation throughout the consultations, resulting in an inclusive report.
“All through the process, tensions and divisions were carefully mediated, and a spirit of dialogue prevailed over confrontation, leading to a constructive and all-inclusive consultation process.
“This report, being formally presented to Your Excellency today, is the outcome of that intensive, methodical, and transparent engagement,” Ribadu said.
He noted that stakeholders had agreed on the responsible resumption of oil production under principles of fairness, equity, environmental responsibility, and direct community benefit.
He added that there was consensus on repositioning the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project to align with the new dialogue framework.
Ribadu also emphasised the need for structured Ogoni participation through equity funds, employment opportunities, and institutional roles.
Committee Chairman Professor Don Baridam thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the Ogoni cause, describing the decision to create the committee under the NSA’s leadership as timely and appropriate.
He credited Ribadu’s diplomacy and insistence on dialogue for restoring trust and opening the way for reconciliation.
Baridam further expressed appreciation for the national honours conferred on Ken Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues last June, calling it a meaningful acknowledgement of the sacrifices made in the fight for environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
President Tinubu concluded by urging all stakeholders to sustain unity and collaboration as the Federal Government begins implementing the agreed modalities.
He reaffirmed that the administration is committed to supporting the Ogoni people with the necessary resources and mechanisms to achieve lasting peace and shared prosperity.
For Adverts/Event Coverage/Media Conference Invites/Press Releases/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Contact Us, Via:
- WhatsApp; +2348039560647
- Email: jkmediapress@gmail.com; info@jknewsmedia.com
STAY CONNECTED WITH US @JKNEWSMEDIA!
On Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089628205279
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joke-kujenya-0785ab79/
X/Twitter: @JKNMedia
