President Bola Tinubu has posthumously conferred national honours on four late Ogoni leaders—Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage, collectively known as the “Ogoni Four.”
The President announced the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving the final report from the Ogoni Consultation Committee.
The gesture is part of broader efforts to promote reconciliation, unity, and justice in Ogoniland, decades after the tragic events that led to the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and others in 1995.
“May their memories continue to inspire unity, courage, and purpose among us. I urge the Ogoni people across classes, communities, and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us, and move forward as a united community with one voice,” President Tinubu stated.
Tinubu Pledges Peace, Environmental Remediation, and Economic Revival in Ogoniland
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting Ogoniland’s peace-building efforts, environmental restoration, and economic development. He also affirmed that the Federal Government would back the resumption of oil production in the region, which had ceased since 1993 due to widespread protests against environmental degradation.
“I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production,” Tinubu said.
“The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity.”
Oil Resumption: NSA to Lead Stakeholder Engagement
President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to commence immediate engagement with key stakeholders—including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), its joint venture partners, and the Ogoni people—to finalise modalities for restarting oil operations.
The President noted that the previous administration had handed over operatorship of the Ogoni oil fields to NNPCL in 2022, a decision his government intends to build on.
“A dead asset is not valuable to the community, the country, or the people. The longer we procrastinate, the worse it is for everyone,” he warned.
He also directed the Minister of Environment to integrate pollution remediation and environmental recovery into the larger dialogue with Ogoni stakeholders.
“Let us together turn pain into purpose, conflict into cooperation, and transform the wealth beneath Ogoni soil into a blessing for the people and for Nigeria.”
Ogoni Consultation Committee Presents Report
The Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, Professor Don Baridam, presented the committee’s report, which he described as a product of broad consultation across Ogoniland, including traditional leaders, local communities, and the diaspora.
“The report reflects the collective will of the Ogoni people,” Baridam stated, emphasizing the need for structured participation in oil production, a renewed commitment to environmental cleanup, and a framework for sustainable development.
The NSA, who facilitated the process, noted that the initiative wasn’t merely about submitting a report but about restoring hope, rebuilding trust, and ending decades of neglect.
According to Ribadu, an inter-agency task force involving the NNPCL, relevant ministries, and the Ogoni Dialogue Committee will be established to implement the report’s recommendations.
Earlier in 2023, President Tinubu granted posthumous presidential pardons to Saro-Wiwa and the others, signaling a shift toward healing and reconciliation.
