President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, on the late Ogoni four; Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage. He recently bestowed the honours on the four leaders, while receiving the report of the Ogoni Consultations Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, he can only urge the people of Ogoniland to embrace reconciliation and unity after many decades of division.
“May their memories continue to inspire unity, courage and purpose among us. I urge the Ogoni people across classes, communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us and move forward as a united community with one voice,” he said.
President Tinubu further reiterated his administration’s support for peace, environmental remediation, and economic revival in Ogoniland, confirming plans to facilitate the resumption of oil production in the area.
He concluded by directing the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to start engagements between Ogoni communities, NNPCL, and other stakeholders to finalise modalities for restarting operations.
The Minister of Environment was also charged with integrating pollution remediation into ongoing dialogue with the people.
“I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production. The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity,” he added.
