The United States of America chapter of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP-USA has appealed to the Rivers State Government to invest more in the education of the Ogoni people.
An activist and motivational speaker, Ikpobari Dumletam made the appeal while handing over 2,700 books donated by two groups: MOSOP USA and the Council of Ogoni Professionals (COP), USA to a public library in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Dumletam, who is a former President of MOSOP-USA said the motive behind the donation was to help develop the minds of Ogoni students, saying, “I was sent here by two groups that are resident in the United States of America. MOSOP USA, Chicago Chapter and Council of Ogoni Professionals (COP), USA.
“We believe that with the development of the mind comes the overalls development of the body, the individual and the people in general. Another reason is that we found out that libraries unlike what was obtainable in the United States were stationed in one point in the whole of Rivers State. This donation will help create wider access.
“When knowledge is translated into something concrete it brings about improvement of self and the society. Today we have 2, 700 books and some magazines here. There are more than six thousand books and more than 15 computers that are awaiting shipments from the United States. This is a pilot programme because they want this structure to be a workable library,” he said. Dumletam, said of the total number of books donated, over 500 are for University readership, 500 are for secondary school readership, another 500 or more are for primary school readership, while the rest are for general readership.
He said the groups decided on this collaboration two years ago after they heard reports about the structure, saying, “They never wanted the library to be wasted because they believe there are students that are going to use this place.”
Dumletam further disclosed that MOSOP USA was partnering other organizations in that country to provide medical materials to cater for some health needs of Ogoni people, especially those in remote communities, even as he revealed plans by MOSOP USA and COP, USA to give a facelift to the burial site of late Ogoni hero and environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa in Bane, his home town near Bori.
In his remark after receiving the books, the Librarian, Khana Local Government Public Library, Neeka Nwite said the library was built in 2009 by a former lawmaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Befii Charles Nwile who represented Khana Constituency 1, as a constituency project.
Nwite described books as aupaction materials, saying, “There is no education without the library. Education is all about developing the mind.
He added, “Today, MOSOP USA have surprised me because I have made several pleas and consulted educationist. Even lawyers and others of Ogoni origin for assistance and donation of their materials to this library, but none have responded, except one Rev. Paul Legbara who once donated some books.
The Librarian thanked MOSOP USA and COP for the gesture, saying, the library has been increased by over two thousand books, and promised that the book would be processed accordingly and displayed on the shelf for public use.

Dennis Naku