Ogoni Day: MOSOP Unites, Demand Justice,  Development After 32 Years

People of Ogoni Ethnic nationality gathered to celebrate the 32nd Ogoni Day, marking 32 years since they first protested against the dehumanizing conditions and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in their region. 

The event was marked by a call to action, as the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) presented a development blueprint, outlining their expectations for a new relationship with the government and oil companies to address legacy issues and bring development to the Ogoni region.

Samuel Nnee, the Gbenemene of Tai kingdom, who was the Royal Father of the occasion, read out the position of MOSOP,  reiterating their commitment to a permanent resolution of all issues affecting their communities and seeking to usher in a new era of peace, unity, and development in the area.

The blueprint, signed by the three factional presidents of MOSOP – Chief Nuyete Prince Biira, Prince Fegalo Nsuke, and Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu – demands fair participation in the operations of Ogoni oil fields, with a greater proportion of profits committed to Ogoni development. 

MOSOP the establishment of an Ogoni Foundation or Trust to oversee the development of their region.This development blueprint demands that an indigenous special purpose vehicle (SPV) be granted an opportunity of fair participation in the operations of their fields.

According to the statement, the Ogoni people were demanding the unbundling of Ogoni fields from the existing Financial and Technical Services Agreement (FTSA) between Sahara and WAGL for the OML 11 concession. 

They also demanded the Ogoni block assigned to an indigenous operator acceptable to all parties, willing to commit a fair proportion of earnings to Ogoni development.

MOSOP also called for a judicial review to clear the name of Kenule Beesom Saro-Wiwa and eight other martyrs executed by the Nigerian State in 1995. They also demand posthumous national honors for the Ogoni 13.

Furthermore, the group urged the fast-tracking of presidential assent to establish the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. 

They also demanded the evacuation, resettlement, and rehabilitation of Ogoni refugees in Benin Republic and other countries who fled Nigeria in the 1990s.

MOSOP assured that Ogoni is ready for development and willing to contribute to national economic stability through the resumption of oil production. 

“MOSOP plans to announce a model to drive development in Ogoni, anchored on committing a fair proportion of Ogoni resources to Ogoni development, as outlined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights.

“We urge the Nigerian government to take immediate action to address our demands.We are committed to a permanent resolution of all issues affecting our communities, and we believe that our demands are reasonable and just.

“We appreciate the support of our friends and allies, and we urge them to continue to stand with us as we work towards a better future for Ogoni,” the MOSOP statement concluded.

The Ogoni people have expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other supporters for their contributions to the Ogoni struggle. They urge patience, confidence, and cooperation as they work towards a better future for Ogoni.

In a related development, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its dedication to the environmental restoration and sustainable development of Ogoniland. 

The commitment was made clear by Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, during the 32nd Ogoni Day Celebration convened by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP).

In his address, Professor Zabbey emphasized the importance of unity among the Ogoni people, stating that “unity is not merely a concept, but a driving force behind progress.” He urged all Ogoni sons and daughters to come together to support and protect HYPREP’s projects and activities.

He noted  that HYPREP and MOSOP share a common vision for Ogoniland’s environmental sustainability, socio-economic development, and prosperity, saying the  partnership reflects a unified determination to bring hope and progress to every corner of Ogoni.

According to Zabbey, HYPREP is accelerating the Ogoni Cleanup in accordance with Priority 3 Deliverable 3 of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

Zabbey concluded by calling on MOSOP to continue reinforcing advocacy for peace, reconciliation, integration, and economic rebirth. 

He urged the Ogoni people to remain steadfast in their support for HYPREP’s initiatives and to champion the ideals of unity, peace, and prosperity in Ogoni Land.

Ogoni Day: MOSOP Unites, Demand Justice,  Development After 32 Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper