The Federal Government has restated its commitment to implementing agreements reached with the Ogoni people in Rivers State as part of confidence building measures towards the planned resumption of oil exploration in the area.
The Ogoni people have listed conditions that must be fulfilled before resumption of oil in their land to conclude dressing the grievances of Ogoni people ensuring transparency and exclusivity in oil resumption talks among others
To this end, a high-level team conducted an on-the-spot assessment of key development facilities across Ogoni land led by officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The team comprises the Director of the Energy Security Directorate at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, Special Assistant to the NSA, Goodluck Ebelo and Secretary of the Energy Security Working Group, Prince Austin Kabari.
Also in the team were facilitators from the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, its joint venture partners and representatives from the Rivers State Government.
During the visit, the delegation inspected several critical projects, including the ongoing East-West Road construction, the Nchia General Hospital in Eleme Local Government Area, Taabaa General Hospital in Khana LGA, Terabor General Hospital, in Gokana LGA, K-Dere General Hospital, the Federal University of Environment Technology, Saakpenwa in Tai LGA.
Other projects visited were the Center of Excellence for Environmental Restoration in Wiyakara, Khana LGA and the Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Tai LGA, all in Ogoni land and the site for the proposed Industrial Park in Taabaa, Khana LGA.
Speaking to newsmen after the visit, Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree emphasized that the assessment was critical in identifying facilities requiring immediate attention, which he said underscores the federal government’s commitment to honouring its agreements with the Ogoni people.
He stated, “We have gone round all the various facilities. You are aware that the Federal Government and the people of Ogoni have been engaging in dialogue regarding the resumption of oil exploration here.
“Critical facilities were agreed upon to help build confidence in the federal government’s genuine initiative. We have conducted this assessment to identify what can be addressed swiftly.
“We are committed to fulfilling our part of the agreement and appreciate the communities’ cooperation. We believe that very soon, oil activities will resume in Ogoni, bringing many benefits to the people”.
On his part, the Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, Prof. Don Baridam, praised the federal government, especially the National Security Adviser, on their efforts in implementing the confidence-building measures.
Prof. Baridam acknowledged the progress made so far in the confidence building process and expressed optimism on the take-off of academic activities at the Federal University of Environment Technology in Ogoni land.
He stated, “When we met with the federal government earlier, we outlined several confidence-building measures, including the completion of the East-West Road, the enactment of the University Bill, Hospital rehabilitations, and youth employment in NNPCL.
“I am pleased to report that the East-West Road construction is going on speedily, amongst other initiatives. This progress makes us feel a sense of belonging”.
On the academic calendar of the university, Prof. Baridam, who was recently appointed Pro-Chancellor of the institution by President Bola Tinubu said the Federal University of Environment Technology is expected to begin its first academic session by October 2025.
“We expect to start classes here at Saakpenwa (Tai LGA) before the end of October. We will return when the Vice-Chancellor is available to assess progress and finalize preparations,” he assured.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).