Ogoni land: Tinubu honors fallen heroes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honored the fallen heroes of Ogoni land, a region in the Niger Delta area of southern Nigeria.

The president through his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, made the honor in a special message to commemorate the 2024 Ogoni Martyrs Remembrance Day.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), President Tinubu showed his support for the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and the entire Ogoni community as he paid tribute to the heroes who gave their lives to protect the Ogoni nation’s interests.

Onanuga stated that “the theme of this year’s commemoration “After Price, Comes Prize,” serves as a powerful reminder of shared commitment to confronting the hardships and valuable lessons of the past.

The statement read “President Tinubu honor the memories of the Ogoni Martyrs by acknowledging their sacrifices and reaffirming his commitment to a future built on peace, justice, and sustainable development for all communities, especially those in the Niger Delta.”

“The vision will become a reality through open and collaborative communication, fostering an environment of understanding and cooperation,” Tinubu stated in the message.

“As we remember the Ogoni Martyrs, let’s reaffirm our commitment to a just and inclusive Nigeria, where all voices are respected and heard,” Mr. Tinubu emphasized.

Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to addressing historical grievances, healing among all national ethnics, and building a united and prosperous Nigeria for future generations.

Know about Ogoni land

Ogoni land is a region in the Niger Delta area of southern Nigeria, covering around 1,050 square kilo meters and inhabited by the Ogoni people.

The region is divided into six kingdoms: Babbe, Gokana, Ken-Khana, Nyo-Khana, Tai, and Eleme. The land  has a rich cultural heritage and speak various languages, including Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme.

Oil was first commercially discovered in Oloibiri, Ogoni land, in 1958.

The Ogoni people’s fight to protect their environment from devastating oil exploration was met with brutal force, ultimately leading to the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other leaders in 1995.

The tragic event was a culmination of the Nigerian government’s crackdown on the Ogoni movement, which sought to hold oil companies accountable for environmental degradation and demand fair compensation for their resources.

The Ogoni people had been peacefully protesting against Shell and other oil companies for years, highlighting the devastating impact of oil spills, pollution, and environmental neglect on their communities.

Despite their efforts, the government and oil companies failed to address their concerns, leading to escalating tensions.

Ken Saro-Wiwa, a renowned writer and activist, was a key figure in the Ogoni movement. His outspoken criticism of Shell and the Nigerian government made him a target for persecution.

In 1995, he and eight other Ogoni leaders were arrested, tried, and executed by the Nigerian military regime, sparking international outrage.

Geography and Location of Ogoni land

Ogoni land is situated in Rivers State, near the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, east of Port Harcourt. The region’s geography is characterized by mangrove forests, rivers, and creeks.

History and Nationalism of Ogoni land

The Ogoni people have a long history, with oral traditions tracing their migration from ancient Ghana to the Niger Delta region.

They have a strong nationalist movement, seeking self-determination and control over their natural resources. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has been at the forefront of this movement since the 1990s.

Environmental Concerns

Ogoni land has faced severe environmental degradation due to oil spills, oil flaring, and waste discharge.

A 2011 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report found that the region’s soil and water were contaminated with hydrocarbons and benzene, posing serious health risks to the population.

Efforts were made to clean up the region, including the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP).

Notable Ogoni People

Some notable Ogoni individuals include Ken Saro-Wiwa, an environmental activist and writer; Joseph Yobo, a former professional footballer, and Magnus Ngei Abe, a former senator representing Rivers south-east senatorial district.

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