Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on the federal government to urgently address the underdevelopment of Ogoni, saying they have resolved to end the internal differences and forge ahead in unity and strength of the region.

The association also stated that since the exit of Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited in 1993, the Ogoni oil fields within OML 11 with a production capacity of 500,000 barrels per day have remained redundant, stranded and undeveloped.

Speaking jointly during the 33rd Ogoni Day Celebration, Nuyete Prince Biira, MOSOP President, Prince Fegalo Nsuke, and Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu said: “We all gathered here to protest the frustrating and dehumanising conditions in which the Ogoni people found themselves.”

They explained that the resultant persecution, brutality and deaths that followed Nigeria’s response to the demands of the Ogoni people for justice are very awful memories, which should constantly motivate them towards addressing underdevelopment in Ogoni.

They said: “Today, we are pleased to present our development blueprint and expectations of the Ogoni people in this.”

The association will be committed to Ogoni development through the immediate establishment of an Ogoni Foundation or Trust. Details of the operationalisation to ensure transparency and effectiveness will be made within the context of extant laws of the federation.

They further urged the Federal Government to fast-track the Presidential Assent to the bill for an Act establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Saakpenwa, in Tai Local Council of Rivers State.

On the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), MOSOP urged them to address its goals, noting that it has, in most instances, deviated from its core mandate of restoration of clean environment which includes surface and underground crude oil, remediation, clean water provision and compensation for livelihood losses.

“We are aware that currently, HYPREP can address this underground water pollution, and we call for immediate action to recover the trapped oil and restore our underground water to a safer state. We have recorded some significant gains,” the group said.