Rivers

Ogoni Leaders Move To Revive MOSOP …Dissolve All Factions

Published

5 years ago

November 17, 2021

In a bid to restore peace within the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) and make the body truly united and more result-oriented, some Ogoni leaders have taken practical steps to revive the organistiaon.
To this end, the leaders, in conjunction with the MOSOP Peace Committee, last Saturday convened a congress at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, where far-reaching decisions were taken to actually reposition the body.
The congress, which attracted a wide spectrum of Ogoni people from far and near, including some clergymen, traditional rulers, women and the youths was coordinated by an erudite lawyer and former President of MOSOP, Mr Ledum Mitee.
The congress unanimously dissolved all factions within the body and ordered for the setting up of a reconciliation committee, which would restore peace within its fold by reconciling all aggrieved parties and members with a view to conducting an election that would produce new leaders to pilot the affairs of the body.
Moving a motion to this effect, the President of Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), Mr. Legborsi Yamaabana noted that the dissolution of all factions within the body had become imperative, as it would ultimately pave the way for peace to return to the body, as the existence of the various factions was hampering the growth and development of Ogoniland.
He also stressed the need for a committee to be constituted to conduct election for the emergence of new leaders to pilot the affairs of the body.
The motion was unanimously ratified and adopted by the congress, with a proviso that all members of the body should go back to their respective communities and revalidate their membership, after which a reconciliation committee would be constituted that would also conduct election for the emergence of new leaders of the body.
Speakers after speakers at the congress lamented the sorry state which MOSOP has degenerated today, and stressed the need for it to be retrieved from the throes of destruction and extinction.
Mitee set the tone when he highlighted the essence of the congress, and urged the Ogonis to close ranks to build a more formidable MOSOP.
Quoting profusely from comments credited to an erudite political scientist and thinker, Late Prof. Claude Ake, Mitee enjoined the people not to allow MOSOP to die.
On his part, former Secretary to Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani challenged the Ogoni people to rise and take back the body instead of allowing those he described as riff-raffs to hijack it and run it aground.
According to him, MOSOP is not for sale.
Also, a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Ben Naanen said MOSOP has been an international body, contending that “We are all committed to the belief that MOSOP will never die. MOSOP shall rise again. MOSOP is a moving train. You cannot stand before a moving train”.
The Queen of Ogoniland, Queen Georgiana Teenalo urged the Ogoni people to take a firm decision anchored on righteous anger and courage to ensure that MOSOP does not remain the same as it is today.
Former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barrister Joy Nunieh described MOSOP as the only mouthpiece of Ogoni people recognised internationally and congratulated all and sundry for coming together to revive it, stressing that the Ogoni struggle is never a joke.
Those who also graced the event included Gbenemene Bua Bangha, Mene Suanu Baridam; brother of Late Ken Saro-Wiwa, Dr Owen Wiwa; Prelate of Christ Army Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Abel S. Vurasi: elder brother of former President of MOSOP, Mr Fergelo Mitee; and former Coordinator of MOSOP in the United Kingdom, Mr Lazarus Tamana; among others. The event venue was full to capacity, even as Ogoni women sang and danced at the event.

By: Donatus Ebi

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor