The Ogoni socio-cultural group, KAGOTE, has called on the Federal Government to use the Ogoni Remembrance Day to focus on the development of Ogoniland in honour of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni who lost their lives in the struggle. This appeal was made by the president of KAGOTE, Chief Lesi Maol, during the commemoration of the yearly Heroes Day, also known as Ogoni Martyrs Day, on November 10. The day marks the execution of Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists by the military government of General Sani Abacha in 1995.
According to Maol, the history of Ogoni oil is written not only in economic figures but also in the sacrifices of Saro-Wiwa and others who stood for the dignity and well-being of Ogoni communities. While KAGOTE appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government and the Rivers State government in addressing the developmental needs of the Ogoni, Maol said more should be done to boost development in the area to improve the lives of the people. The Ogoni people are willing to work constructively with the Federal Government towards a peaceful and responsible resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland.
Maol stressed that the talks on oil resumption deserve seriousness, wisdom, and responsibility, noting that KAGOTE's objective is the transformation of oil into an instrument of reconciliation, environmental recovery, economic empowerment, and generational prosperity. He said November 10 must be more than a day of mourning; it must also be a day of accountability, renewal, and recommitment to the development of Ogoniland. The departed heroes deserve more than annual tributes; they deserve a living legacy reflected in the well-being of the people.
KAGOTE remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, strengthen public institutions, improve social welfare, and create economic opportunities for Ogoniland. Maol respectfully advocated that the agreed confidence-building measures should be substantially implemented, with visible and verifiable outcomes, before the conclusion of any final Memorandum of Understanding. These measures should address the concerns of the Ogoni people, demonstrate good faith, and provide the assurance necessary for meaningful negotiations.
Maol also called for stronger coordination between relevant regulatory institutions, HYPREP, host communities, and prospective operators to ensure environmental restoration, public health protection, and responsible resource development. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration's commitment to dialogue and the pursuit of a lasting resolution to the Ogoni question. The Rivers State Government, the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, and other stakeholders have also contributed towards advancing this important national engagement.
The Ogoni Bill of Rights, adopted 36 years ago, remains a remarkable testament to the foresight, courage, and collective vision of Ogoni founding leaders. Maol said any Memorandum of Understanding signed on behalf of the Ogoni people must be sufficiently comprehensive, credible, and beneficial to command the respect, confidence, and acceptance of the people. The people of Ogoniland recognize the opportunities that responsible resource development can create for their communities, Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.
KAGOTE's position is not one of opposition to government or resistance to development; rather, it reflects their determination to ensure that this historic opportunity produces lasting benefits, addresses the concerns of the Ogoni people, and establishes a relationship founded on mutual trust, fairness, and respect. The group believes that credible, transparent, and inclusive congresses should be convened across the four Ogoni Local Government Areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme.
Key points
- KAGOTE urges FG to focus on Ogoniland development in honour of Ken Saro-Wiwa and others who lost their lives in the struggle.
- The Ogoni people are willing to work constructively with the Federal Government towards a peaceful and responsible resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland.
- KAGOTE remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, strengthen public institutions, improve social welfare, and create economic opportunities for Ogoniland.
