President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the administration’s dedication to fostering unity, dialogue, and reconciliation among the diverse ethnic groups as the nation commemorates the 2024 Ogoni Martyrs Remembrance Day.
This year’s observance with the theme “After price, comes prise,” seeks to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the Ogoni cause while calling for a brighter, more unified future for all Nigerians.
In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasised his administration’s solidarity with the Ogoni people, particularly with the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), and expressed deep respect for the sacrifices made by Ogoni leaders who fought for the preservation of their land and resources.
He underscored the importance of honoring the legacy of these individuals, highlighting that their commitment to the protection of the Ogoni environment and advocacy for their community’s rights came at a significant personal cost.
President acknowledged the longstanding struggles faced by the Ogoni people, particularly in the aftermath of Nigeria’s first commercial oil discovery in Oloibiri in 1958.
The exploitation of Ogoniland’s oil reserves led to environmental degradation, and the region’s leaders, most notably Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists, were met with severe repression.
Their tragic execution in 1995 became a defining moment in Nigeria’s environmental and human rights movement.
“We honour their memory by recognising the sacrifices made and pledging to strive for a future characterised by peace, justice, and sustainable development for all communities, particularly those in the Niger Delta,” said Tinubu.
The President pledged to work towards healing these historical grievances through sustained and respectful engagement with Niger Delta communities.
He reiterated his administration’s vision of a united Nigeria built on principles of peace, justice, and sustainable development for all citizens, particularly those in historically marginalized regions.
His administration, he assured, remains committed to creating an inclusive society where the voices of all Nigerians are heard and respected.
“As we remember the Ogoni Martyrs, let us honour their legacy by committing to a future where such injustices are no longer tolerated and where the voices of all Nigerians are heard and respected,” the President Tinubu stated.
