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Monarch Lauds Exclusion Of Compensation In Ogoni Clean-Up
The Chairman, Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, Mene Godwin Gininwa, has commended the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for excluding payment of compensation in its report on Ogoni clean-up, saying it could have ignited a crisis with people killing themselves in the area.
The Gbenemene Tai stated this when he played host to the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP), led by the Head, Project Coordination, Dr. Marvin Dekil, during a visit to some communities in Eleme, Tai, Gokana and Khana local government areas to acquaint them of the activities of the body in the clean-up process.
Gininwa said: “One thing I enjoy is that there is no compensation. If there were, we would have killed ourselves. They tied it around projects; give our youth jobs because they will not come for any compensation.”
He urged HYPREP to ensure that it engaged youth, women and men of Ogoni to make up for the non-payment of compensation for destruction in the respective communities to avoid crisis in the execution of its projects.
According to him, “they should put in place machinery to fast track the work. Any bottleneck that is causing the delay should be untied. The Federal Government should make sure that Ogoni people benefit from the project. We will also support HYPREP to ensure that the project succeeds. HYREP should not disappoint Ogoni. I appeal that the Centre of Excellence is built in Tai local government area.”
The visit by the team to communities to sensitise the elders, chiefs, youth groups and women ahead the commencement of remediation of impacted sites has not been without drama, as the different communities lobbied for the siting of the Integrated Contaminated Soil Management Centre (ICSMC) and Centre of Excellence, the two important infrastructures for the clean-up process in their particular areas.
Speaking at the different sensitization venues in Bodo, K-Dere, B-Dere, Ogale, Ebubu, Korokoro and Ueken during the sanitization, Dekil told Ogoni communities that the ICSMC and Centre of Excellence would be built at Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni.
Dekil said the decision was to avoid conflict and war in Ogoni, stating that several communities had written to the Federal Ministry of Environment requesting that the ICSMC be built in their areas.
He stated: “The Integrated Contaminated Soil Management Centre is in Bori to avoid conflict. The past Minister of Environment received different applications on the location of the centre, so she decided to site it in Bori.”
It is the decision of the government.”
Dekil noted that HYPREP would conduct health impact assessment in Ogoni, promising that pipe borne water would also be given priority attention as recommended in the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report.
“We want to find out whether the sickness in Ogoni came as a result of the different oil spillages that the people have been exposed to.
“Provision of water is top-most in our agenda now. Another aspect concerns health impact assessment, the health impact study will be done by the best hands in the medical field. We will bring international, national bodies and others to do this,” Dekil said.
He said: “We are here to let you know that we are about to start. We are on the scientific stage. You will soon begin to see big equipment in preparation. The soil testing is important because soil will be treated there.”
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Ogale in Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Godwin Bebe Okpabe, had told Dekil: “We have given the Federal Ministry of Environment land for the ICSMC, they did not use it. They told us that HYPREP will correct this, but you have not done it. The community is not pleased that the land we brought out for the ICSMC was abandoned.
“Engage our people in this project, you know what the oil giants do to us you know how they divide and rule us. They will come in and set fire so that the community will not benefit in their projects. You are our son; let’s not exhibit the attitude that will make us lose out from the benefits of the cleanup,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of K-Dere Town Governing Council, Elder Chief Emmanuel Nsah, cautioned: “We do not want disappointment in this project. If we see any disappointment, we will react. When it comes to oil exploration, K-Dere will be remembered, in pollution, we are number one, but when it comes to appointments, we will not be remembered.
“In this community, we experience annual flooding and no electricity yet, we have 54 oil wells. We are not seeking to be number one in the scheme of things, but we need recognition. We want employment to be considered in this community from the apex to the least. If there is any compensation, we should be considered first or second,” he added.
Similarly, Ebubu community demanded training of its youth, men and women for active participation in the clean-up exercise.
The community ruler and Secretary, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chief Godwin Chiwi, said: “We are sensitive and emotional to issues of Shell because we have been deeply affected. We are happy about your coming because the implementation is underway.”
He asserted: “If you are coming for testing, for the sake of security, always meet the community rulers. We will not take anything from you, but to save you from hoodlums. We are four communities closely knitted. When you are coming with goodies, do not branch anywhere else, come to us directly.
“When you want to recruit for training, get in touch with our traditional rulers. Make us have a sense of belonging. When you do your water project, we have old facility that has refused to work, check if it is useful. Please, you people should come to our aid, our people are already dying. Some, we do not even know what is causing it,” he stated.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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JUNE 12: Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Strongest Path To Unity, Progress, Says Fubara ….Extols Abiola, Wife
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, given the country’s rich diversity of ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara said June 12 represents far more than a historic date; as it embodies the enduring struggle, sacrifice, and collective aspiration of Nigerians for freedom, justice, and representative governance.
The Governor extended warm felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle, particularly Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others whose courage and sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, “June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today. The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and many other patriots who laid the foundation for the democratic journey we continue to enjoy today. Their commitment to the principle that power must ultimately reside with the people remains a source of inspiration for every generation of Nigerians.”
Governor Fubara noted that thirty-three years after the historic June 12, 1993 election, Nigeria’s democratic experiment has continued to evolve despite challenges and setbacks.
“Our democratic journey has not been without difficulties, but the resilience of our institutions and the determination of our people have kept the nation moving forward. The ability to express differing opinions, engage in constructive debate, and peacefully choose leaders through the ballot remains one of the greatest achievements of our nation,” he said.
Governor Fubara stressed that democracy provides the best framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity and transforming it into a source of national strength.
“Nigeria’s diversity should never be seen as a weakness. Properly harnessed, it is our greatest asset. Democracy offers us the opportunity to build consensus, promote inclusion, strengthen national unity, and create the conditions for sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts aimed at economic revitalization, strengthening security, and deepening democratic institutions across the country.
He reiterated the readiness of Rivers State to continue partnering with the Federal Government in advancing policies and programmes that improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure development, job creation, enhanced security, quality education, healthcare delivery, and good governance.
The Governor further called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or religious belief, to use the occasion of Democracy Day to renew their commitment to the Nigerian project and the ideals that underpin democratic governance.
“Democracy must not be viewed merely as a periodic electoral exercise. It must be reflected in our daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, respect for the rule of law, and responsible leadership. As citizens and leaders, we all share a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to remain united, hopeful, and committed to the values of peace, dialogue, and national development.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” he said.
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marked its 59th anniversary, last Wednesday.
In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.
The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.
He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.
Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.
He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.
Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.
Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by General Yakubu Gowon.
