News

Clean-Up: Ogoni Youths Differ Over FG, HYPREP’s Actions …Issue Seven Days Ultimatum

Published

3 years ago

September 26, 2022

Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) has called on all sons and daughters of the communities to rally support for the Minister of Environment, Barrister Abdullahi Mohammed, and the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Dr. Ferdinand Giadom, to deliver the Ogoni clean-up project in record time.
This is even as another set of youths of Ogoni have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sack the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi for his role in the alleged delay in the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), report on oil impacted sites in Ogoniland.
The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) is an umbrella body of all Ogoni youths and organisations operating in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
A statement signed by the President-General, Ogoni Youth Federation, Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana, made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, commended the duo for their outstanding performance recorded so far in the project.
Yamaabana pointed out that the decision to applaud the duo was due to the ongoing linking of Ogoniland to the national grid, and building of a specialist hospital.
He further explained that, other areas of commendation include unparalleled commitment and resolve to the success of the Ogoni clean-up project and overhaul of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to meet timelines set for delivery of the project.
OYF leader called on the general public to discountenance insinuations from rumour mongers and jobbers, who are hell-bent of tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the minister of environment by accusing him of contract hijack, among other things, and claiming that Ogoni youths are planning to carry out a protest at HYPREP office and other strategic locations in Ogoniland.
“This is a pathological lie that should be jettisoned in its entirety and let it be known that as at today, Ogoni Youths are happy with the way, manner and direction in which the minister of environment and the project coordinator of HYPREP are steering the ship of the clean-up project.
“Whilst we are not holding brief for HYPREP or Ministry of Environment, for the records we wish to state that credible information available to us reveals that certain individuals, disparaging the Minister of State for Environment and disgusting as though they are fighting for the interest of Ogoni, are not fighting the Ogoni cause but are those who collected money from unsuspecting firms, and promised to use the name of Ogoni to secure them HYPREP contracts in return.
The president general also warned rumour mongers, blackmailers and jobbers to desist from any form of unholy act or risk their names being mentioned to the general public.
“However, when the firms they took money from started requesting for refund, and when the perpetrators noticed that the minister for environment is a man of due process who cannot be bullied and who is not ready to cut corners nor award contracts to portfolio carrying firms, they became rattled and purportedly passed a vote of no confidence on him as a strategy to blackmail the minister and get what they want.
“This is laughable and Ogoni youths are forced to question the nativity of these individuals, because this is not the attitude of the Ogonis.
“We advice these characters to go and refund monies collected from films, apologise to the minister of environment and desist from negative acts that tends to portray Ogonination in bad light.
“May we also use this medium to warn them to desist from this unholy act or risk their names being mentioned.
“We call on all sons and daughters of Ogoni to rally round and support the Ministry of Environment and HYPREP to deliver the Ogoni clean-up project in record time,”Yamaabana stated.
However, rising from a press conference in Port Harcourt, youths of Ogoni in Rivers State have asked President MuhammaduBuhari to immediately sack the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi for his role in the alleged delay in the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on oil impacted sites in Ogoniland.
The youths and stakeholders also demanded the full implementation of the Local Content Act in the award of contracts in HYPREP, and livelihood programmes for people of the area.
Failure to do so within seven days, the youths said, would attract a mass protest at the Federal Ministry of Environment and shutdown of HYPREP activities.
Briefing newsmen after a meeting of Ogoni youth leaders and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, President of South-South Youth Initiative, Comrade Saviour Oscar Imeabe, said the mismanagement of the HYPREP clean-up programme, which was supposed to remediate the Ogoni environment and create succour to the people, and the fact that the project has completely derailed from its motives, has left them with no option than to inform the world about their disappointment and next line of action in a bid to return the project back on track.
He recalled that in 2017 when the clean-up programme took off, Ogonis were very upbeat about their expectations but, “sadly, five years after, two project coordinators have come and gone, and now, we are operating with the third and the story is the same or even worse”.
He lamented that, “today, all the contracts in HYPREP are being awarded to faceless contractors without recourse to the established Local Content Act which guarantees the local contractors a fair share of the allocation in the contract spread. Five years down the line, not even a single aspect of the project has been conclusively done, yet, millions of dollars and billions of naira have been frittered away.
“The livelihood programme, which was also a key aspect of this project that was supposed to give a sense of belonging to the youths of the land, has been so politicised and whittledown to a level that has turned Ogoni youths to beggars on a project they should claim ownership of.
“This and many other ills in HYPREP, today, have made a mess and mockery of the good intentions of the President MuhammaduBuhari who came through as a white knight to the Ogoni people when we needed him most. The project, which was supposed to be a field project, has been converted to a paper work which exists only in Abuja while the degraded environment which was supposed to be remediated is left in further degradation.
“The current project coordinator literally lives in Abuja and wakes up daily to the whims of the minister who has demonstrated complete lack of commitment to the project. Contractors who have no business in environmental works are those holding sway in HYPREP today as long as they have Abuja connection.”
The youths further demanded the full implementation of Local Content Act in the award of contracts in HYPREP based of 60/40percent ratio in favour of the Ogoni people, immediate suspension of every attempt to withdraw $300,000,000, from the Ogoni Trust Fund by the HYPREP management as alleged and the removal of the minister of environment who ‘has become a clog in the wheel ofprogress to the implementation of the project, due to his constant bureaucratic bottlenecks that has delayed the project beyond expectations, amongst others.
They warned that, ‘failure to show commitment and accede to our requests in seven days after the receipts of our complaints, we shall have no other choice than to shut down completely the activities of HYPREP’.
Also speaking, President, National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), Comrade Kingsley Menele, said the body has no confidence in any leadership of HYPREP as they have failed in the implementation of the UNEP report.
He called on the Federal Government to quickly intervene, and call them to order or the youths shall protest at the expiration of the ultimatum.
On his part, Rivers State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade NwisabariBani, said they were in solidarity with Ogoni youths in calling for the implementation of livelihoods programmes for them.
A member of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa family, Mr YiraWiwa, who also spoke at the briefing, said they have led several delegations to HYPREP but all their demands have never been adhered to.
“We have led several delegations to meet the management of HYPREP but our demands have fallen on deaf ears. The area is still very much polluted, there is no clean-up going on anywhere.
“Since the present PC came on board in March, nothing has happened there except meetings upon meetings without any effect. The water project which has been bided for and people expecting it to happen is stagnant including the livelihoods programmes,” he said.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

News

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

1 day ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

News

Rivers Boundary Commission Steps In to Resolve Okoloma–Ban-Ogoi Land Dispute

Published

1 day ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

As part of deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent communal conflict, the Rivers State Boundary Commission has intervened in the long-standing boundary dispute between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area of the state.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commission at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, January 16, 2026. The meeting was aimed at setting up a technical committee that will work towards an amicable and lasting resolution of the land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stressed the importance of peace, dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving boundary-related disagreements. She urged all parties to approach the process with sincerity and restraint, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through constructive engagement.

Prof. Odu advised the communities to emulate the peaceful disposition and leadership style of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by presenting their grievances and petitions without bitterness or rancour, assuring them of the Commission’s commitment to fairness and justice.

She also expressed satisfaction with the presence of the Chairmen of Tai and Oyigbo Local Government Areas at the meeting, describing it as a clear demonstration of their resolve to maintain peace and harmony between the affected communities.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Dr. Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, and his Tai Local Government Area counterpart, Hon. Mbakpone Okpe, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence among their people. They emphasized that peace is critical to attracting development and investment to the area.

Both council chairmen commended the Rivers State Boundary Commission for its proactive intervention, expressing optimism that the establishment of a technical committee would pave the way for a fair and enduring resolution of the dispute.

News

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

1 day ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.