President Bola Tinubu has expressed his administration’s commitment to harnessing the human and natural resources of Ogoniland while ensuring the environmental and economic stability of Nigerian communities.
During a meeting on Wednesday at the State House with the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni, led by King Samuel Nnee, Gbenemene Tai Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai, the President underscored his dedication to the region’s revival.
According to Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, the President was addressing the requests from Ogoni leaders, a discussion that included prominent figures such as former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike; Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris. Among the key requests was the revival of oil and gas production in Ogoniland, covering the Eleme, Khana, Gokana, and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
“We must heal the wounds of the past and prepare for the future of our children. Uplifting the livelihoods of our people in a free Nigeria is essential,” President Tinubu stated. “This is part of the healing process for the Ogoni people. We will pursue the Ogoni clean-up programme diligently and honorably. The number of empowered individuals will increase over time. Emphasizing peace and stability through the resuscitation of businesses in Ogoniland is crucial for the country’s recovery.”
He also stressed the importance of addressing safety precautions, environmental challenges, and other issues to ensure the successful resumption of oil production. “My unwavering dedication to freedom and democratic governance remains strong, focusing on the people who elected me,” he affirmed.
President Tinubu highlighted the significance of appointing his Official Spokesperson and the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) from the area, showcasing his commitment to deepening collaboration with Ogoni leaders for mutual economic benefits.
“I am ready to work with the Ogoni people and collaborate with the Government of Rivers State and all Nigerians to secure a bright future for everyone,” he affirmed.
He also praised the dedication of Mr. Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the FCT, to the welfare of the Ogoni people.
King Nnee, in his remarks, commended President Tinubu for his achievements within a year in office, particularly the ongoing construction on the Onne-Junction/Eleme-Junction axis of the East-West Road. “Your dedication to service and empathy drive your prompt responses to our needs, which past administrations failed to address,” he noted.
The monarch highlighted that previous administrations struggled with the issues surrounding the shutdown of oil production in Ogoniland. He informed the President of the Ogoni people’s readiness to resume oil and gas production with the potential unbundling of OML 11, which could yield an additional 100,000 barrels of oil and 120 million cubic feet of gas per day, contributing $5 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP.
“Ogoni people are gifted, peace-loving, and hospitable, and our children are making an impact across all sectors, as well as the oil industry, from where they are prepared to bring their expertise to bear for the good of our people and the entire country,” King Nnee concluded.
