By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
A LONG history of environmental degradation, economic neglect, and unresolved grievances continues to weigh heavily on Ogoniland, a region rich in natural resources yet marked by decades of tension and underdevelopment in Nigeria.
Addressing these challenges, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area.
During a meeting at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu called for unity and reconciliation, urging Ogoni leaders to move past historical grievances.
The President also encouraged them to embrace dialogue and mutual understanding, paving the way for economic recovery and environmental restoration.
“We cannot heal the wounds if we remain angry,” the President said. “While we cannot rewrite history, we can work together to correct past injustices and build a better future.”
President Tinubu further tasked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, with coordinating negotiations involving Ogoni representatives, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Rivers State Government.
He also urged these stakeholders to approach consultations with inclusiveness and trust, stressing the need for collaboration to resolve long-standing issues.
Ministers, NNPCL officials, and Rivers State leaders were instructed to work closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to fulfil the mandate of ensuring peace and development in Ogoniland.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was part of the Ogoni delegation, described the meeting as a follow-up to an earlier directive from the President. He acknowledged the importance of restoring oil production in the region, emphasising its economic significance while committing to continued consultations.
“This is about securing a brighter future for our people and ensuring that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain,” Governor Fubara stated.
The President expressed a deep connection to Ogoniland, recalling past alliances during the struggle against military dictatorship.
“Many of your sons were my friends and co-travellers during those challenging times,” Tinubu said, pledging to honour the sacrifices of fallen Ogoni heroes.
Representing the Ogoni leadership, King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, affirmed the community’s readiness to engage in constructive dialogue.
He highlighted the significance of the meeting as a step toward lasting solutions for the region’s challenges.
The National Security Adviser, Ribadu, also commended the delegation’s trust in President Tinubu and commitment to dialogue.
He noted that the diverse composition of the 50-member delegation reflected the unity of purpose needed to address Ogoni’s pressing issues.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement issued, highlighted the inclusive nature of the dialogue, which involved various constituencies within Ogoni society.
“This meeting signals a turning point,” Onanuga said. “It demonstrates the collective determination to achieve peace, justice, and sustainable development for Ogoniland.”
