Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to developing Ogoniland, highlighting the administration’s efforts to improve the lives of the people. According to Momoh, President Tinubu has demonstrated a genuine interest in the region’s well-being, meeting with Ogoni leaders twice in the past year to promote peace and pave the way for oil exploration.
The minister praised the President’s approach, citing his directive to the National Security Adviser to facilitate dialogue among previously divided groups. This renewed commitment to peace has created an environment conducive to oil exploration. Furthermore, President Tinubu recently signed into law the establishment of a Federal University of Environment in Ogoniland, dedicated to addressing environmental issues.
Since assuming office, the Tinubu administration has initiated various projects in Ogoniland, including previously abandoned ones. The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has also seen a resurgence of activity, with several projects underway to remediate the region’s environmental damage.
Ogoniland, home to approximately one million people, has faced significant environmental challenges due to years of oil and gas exploration. The region’s history is marked by protests led by activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, resulting in Shell’s cessation of production in 1993. While some have expressed concerns about resuming oil exploration, others, including local youths, have voiced support for the proposal.
