The Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Environment Technology in Ogoni Land, Prof. Don Baridam, has expressed confidence that the institution would commence its first academic session by October 2025.

Prof. Baridon disclosed this on Tuesday during an on-the-spot evaluation of key development facilities, including the institution, as contained in the agreements between the federal government and the Ogoni people.

As part of the confidence-building measures outlined in the agreement, the Federal Government has begun assessing the level of implementation of the agreed-upon projects as a condition for resuming oil production in Ogoniland.

The Federal Government announced plans to resume oil production in the Ogoni oil fields. However, to soothe the tensions and grievances in the area caused by years of neglect and abandonment before re-engaging with the land, the Federal Government established the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) to negotiate with the local people to address their demands.

Town hall meetings were held in communities across the four Ogoni Local Government Areas to gather their various demands. These include the establishment of a Federal University of Environment Technology in Ogoniland, scheduled to begin in October this year; the creation of Ogoni State; completion of the East-West Road; and remediation and restoration of the Ogoni environment, among others.

The inspection, according to the committee, is part of the confidence-building measures agreed upon between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government, aimed at facilitating negotiations for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.

The team was led by officials from the Office of the National Security (ONSA), including the Director of the Energy Security Directorate at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Ojukaye Flag-Amachree; Goodluck Ebelo, Special Assistant to the NSA; and Prince Austin Kabari, Secretary of the Energy Security Working Group. Also on the team were facilitators from the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), its joint venture partners, and representatives from the Rivers State Government.

During the visit, the delegation inspected several key projects, including the ongoing East-West Road construction, Nchia General Hospital, the proposed Industrial Park, Taabaa General Hospital, Terabor General Hospital, K-Dere General Hospital, the Federal University of Environment Technology at Saakpenwa, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), and the Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Tai.

The team lead, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, emphasised that the primary objective was to review the progress in implementing the confidence-building measures outlined in the agreements between the federal government and the Ogoni community.

He further explained that the visit was to facilitate planning for future negotiations, rooted in the extensive consultations conducted by the Ogoni Dialogue Committee.

According to him, the assessment was vital in pinpointing facilities needing urgent attention, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to honour its agreements with the Ogoni people.

He stated, “We have gone round all the various facilities. You are aware that the Federal Government and the people of Ogoni have been engaged in dialogue regarding the resumption of oil exploration in the area. Critical facilities were agreed upon to help build confidence in the federal government’s genuine initiative. We have conducted this assessment to identify what can be addressed swiftly.”

“We are committed to fulfilling our part of the agreement and appreciate the communities’ cooperation. We believe that very soon, oil activities will resume in Ogoni, bringing many benefits to the people.”

Prof. Don Baridam, Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, praised the federal government, especially the National Security Adviser, for its efforts in implementing the confidence-building measures. He acknowledged progress and expressed optimism about the upcoming academic activities at the Federal University of Environment Technology.

He remarked, “When we met with the federal government earlier, we outlined several confidence-building measures, including the completion of the East-West Road, the enactment of the university bill, hospital rehabilitations, and youth employment in NNPCL. I am pleased to report that the East-West Road construction is going on speedily, amongst other initiatives. This progress makes us feel a sense of belonging.”

This visit underscores the federal government’s renewed commitment to fostering development, dialogue, and peace in Ogoni, with ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and a peaceful resumption of oil exploration in the region.