Nation
Oil Resumption: FG Intensifies Confidence-Building Measures with Ogoni People …As Assessment Team Tours Facilities
As part of the confidence-building measures agreed upon between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government, aimed at facilitating negotiations for resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, a high-level assessment team recently conducted an on-the-spot evaluation of key development facilities in the region.
The team was led by officials from the Office of the National Security (ONSA), comprising of the Director of the Energy Security Directorate at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, Goodluck Ebelo, Special Assistant to the NSA, and Prince Austin Kabari, Secretary of the Energy Security Working Group. Also in the team were Facilitators from the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners, as well as representatives from the Rivers State Government.
During the visit, the delegation inspected several critical projects, including the ongoing East-West Road construction, Nchia General Hospital, the proposed Industrial Park, Taabaa General Hospital, Terabor General Hospital, K-Dere General Hospital, the Federal University of Environment Technology, Saakpenwa, the Center of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), and the Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Tai.
The primary objective was to review the progress in implementing the confidence-building measures outlined in the agreements between the federal government and the Ogoni community. The visit also aimed to facilitate planning for future negotiations, rooted in the extensive consultations conducted by the Ogoni Dialogue Committee.
Addressing journalists during the visit, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree emphasized that the assessment was critical in identifying facilities requiring immediate attention, demonstrating 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.”
On behalf of the federal government, he reaffirmed, “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.”
Prof. Don Baridam, Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, praised the federal government, especially the National Security Adviser, for its efforts in implementing the confidence-building measures. He acknowledged progress and expressed optimism about the upcoming academic activities at the Federal University of Environment Technology.
He remarked, “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.”
Regarding the university’s academic calendar, Prof. Baridam, also the Pro-Chancellor of the university, expressed confidence that the institution would commence its first academic session by October 2025. “We expect to start classes here at Saakpenwa before the end of October. We will return when the Vice-Chancellor is available to assess progress and finalize preparations,” he assured.
This visit underscores the federal government’s renewed commitment to fostering development, dialogue, and peace in Ogoni, with ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and a peaceful resumption of oil exploration in the region.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state
The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths
On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people
The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city
This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn alongside Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent
Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status
He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities
“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”
On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area
“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”
He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths
“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”
“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”
Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity
There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city
He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional
“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”
Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area
Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives
The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area
“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”
On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water
She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community
On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community
CHINEDU WOSU
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