32nd Ogoni Day: MOSOP presents blueprint, demands development

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) on Saturday presented a development blueprint, outlining their expectations for a new relationship with the government and oil companies to address legacy issues and bring development to the Ogoni region.

The presentation was made during the 32nd Ogoni Day celebration, marking 32 years since the Ogoni people first protested against the dehumanising conditions and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in their region.

The blueprint, jointly signed by the three factional presidents of MOSOP, Nuyete Prince Biira, Prince Fegalo Nsuke, and Prof. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, and read by Samuel Nnee, the Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom, who was the Royal Father of the occasion, demanded fair participation in the operations of Ogoni oil fields, with a greater proportion of profits committed to Ogoni development.

According to the statement, MOSOP is advocating for the establishment of an Ogoni Foundation or Trust to oversee the development of their region.

The group also demanded the unbundling of Ogoni fields from the existing Financial and Technical Services Agreement (FTSA) between Sahara and WAGL for the OML 11 concession.

Other demands include a judicial review to clear the name of Kenule Beesom Saro-Wiwa and eight other martyrs executed by the Nigerian state in 1995, posthumous national honours for the Ogoni 13, and the fast-tracking of presidential assent to establish the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“MOSOP plans to announce a model to drive development in Ogoni, anchored on committing a fair proportion of Ogoni resources to Ogoni development, as outlined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights,” the MOSOP statement read.

“We urge the Nigerian government to take immediate action to address our demands. We are committed to a permanent resolution of all issues affecting our communities, and we believe that our demands are reasonable and just.”

In a related development, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its dedication to the environmental restoration and sustainable development of Ogoniland.

The commitment was made clear by the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, during the 32nd Ogoni Day Celebration convened by MOSOP.

In his address, Zabbey stressed the importance of unity among the Ogoni people, stating that “unity is not merely a concept, but a driving force behind progress.”

He urged all Ogoni sons and daughters to come together to support and protect HYPREP’s projects and activities.

He noted that HYPREP and MOSOP share a common vision for Ogoniland’s environmental sustainability, socio-economic development, and prosperity, saying the partnership reflects a unified determination to bring hope and progress to every corner of Ogoni.

According to Zabbey, HYPREP is accelerating the Ogoni Cleanup in accordance with Priority 3 Deliverable 3 of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Zabbey concluded by calling on MOSOP to continue reinforcing advocacy for peace, reconciliation, integration, and economic rebirth.

He urged the Ogoni people to remain steadfast in their support for HYPREP’s initiatives and to champion the ideals of unity, peace, and prosperity in Ogoniland.