20th Anniversary of Ogoni Nine

Statement by
Dr. Goodluck Diigbo,
President, Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority, OCIA
Ken Saro-Wiwa Peace and Freedom Center, Bor
November 10, 2015
 
Heroes are remembered, admired, and even worshipped often, for many different reasons. Their endurance and the respect paid to them are the marks of their value. This is so for the Ogoni Nine. They are like a good story. Their value is appreciated till eternity.
My fellow compatriots, and guests
I thank my fellow Ogoni people who are here today. Thank you for acknowledging the sacrifice of our heroes and heroines. You are here, because you chose to be here. I offer not money, not material benefit, and not promise of any kind, but, my conviction in the reality of our shared history; our collective quest for freedom, our vision of a better, secure, and peaceful homeland. That’s why we are here today.
We never allowed the memories of our heroes and heroines be commercialized. The sacrifice they made is for our opportunities, not opportunism. November 10 for the Ogoni people is a solemn day, not somber and angry season. They gave their all for us to be self-governing. This means to take responsibility for our own freedom.
We continue to enjoy support from all over of the world. I salute individuals, groups, tribes, NGOs, and all people of goodwill doing whatever they can to support our cause. Some of these volunteers and empathizers are known to us, but, many are not. For me, I read a lot online about what many people are doing for us. Let me thank them once more.
We continue to welcome collaboration and cooperation in our endeavor. Let’s do more in addition to symbolism. This is the 20th Anniversary since the hanging of November 10, 1995. Let’s stand up for the real dreams, including our self-government, for which they gave everything. After two decades, it is time enough for the Ogoni people to receive the prize for which they paid the price.
Among others, we desire that the Ogoni people exercise full political control over Ogoni affairs, control our natural resources, safeguard and protect our environment, preserve our history and languages. So that our boys and girls, men and women, and our children can have a better life and opportunities to develop their human potentialities.
 
My fellow Ogonis, today is a very important occasion to strengthen and intensify our efforts. Let us all recommit ourselves to work together for our collective progress. Let us take advantage of the international machinery available to help us realize all our rights. Most especially, the rights outlined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights and others enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) of September 13, 2007.
 
I thank you all for coming.
 
Long live the memory of our heroes.
Long live the Ogoni people.
More speed to the Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority.
 
Thank you
 
Dr. Goodluck Diigbo
Bori, November 10, 2015

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