President Bola Tinubu has honoured four late Ogoni leaders with national awards and pledged support for renewed oil exploration in Ogoniland after decades of suspension.
The President, on Wednesday, conferred the posthumous title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage, popularly remembered as the “Ogoni Four.” According to Mediaplusng.com, Tinubu made the announcement while receiving the report of the Ogoni Consultation Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President urged Ogoni communities to embrace peace, reconciliation, and unity, stressing that the sacrifices of the late leaders should inspire courage and collective progress. He assured that his government will continue to support the region’s journey towards environmental recovery, peacebuilding, and economic revival.
Tinubu also noted that oil production would soon return to Ogoniland, adding that his administration would work with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and partners to implement the 2022 transfer of the Ogoni oil field. As reported by Mediaplusng.com, he directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to begin talks with local communities, oil operators, and stakeholders to agree on the final framework.
Oil exploration in Ogoniland was halted in 1993 after protests over environmental degradation, which later led to the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others in 1995. Tinubu said keeping the oil fields idle does not serve the people or the nation, calling for cooperation to transform Ogoni’s natural wealth into prosperity.
Chairman of the Dialogue Committee, Prof. Don Baridam explained that the report captured the collective demands of the Ogoni people, including participation in oil production, environmental cleanup, and sustainable development. Ribadu also confirmed that the consultation engaged local communities, traditional rulers, and diaspora groups, with the recommendations expected to serve as a roadmap for action.
