The Ogonis Dialogue Committee (ODC) has applauded President Bola Tinubu, for his visionary initiative in engaging in dialogue with the Ogoni people, ahead of planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland in Rivers State.
ODC co-chairman, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey stated this at Saakpenwa, headquarters of Tai local government area of the state, during a town-hall meeting with the 23 communities in the LGA.
Kattey, who said Tinubu’s step marks a crucial turning point in the people of Ogonis’ quest for understanding, reconciliation, and progress, described the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology as a significant achievement of Ogoni ethnic nationality.
He said, “I would like to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary initiative in engaging in dialogue with the Ogoni people.
This step marks a crucial turning point in our quest for understanding, reconciliation, and progress.
“I also extend my sincere appreciation to the National Security Adviser for his diligent facilitation of this dialogue process. Your commitment has been instrumental in fostering an environment where our voices can be heard and our concerns addressed.
“Today, we gather not only to discuss our aspirations but also to celebrate a significant achievement for Ogoni — the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology right here in Tai LGA. This institution, one of the key confidence-building measures requested by our Ogoni delegation, has the potential to unlock vast economic opportunities for our people.
“It stands as a beacon of hope and progress, and I congratulate each and every one of you for your support and peaceful disposition during this dialogue process. Your patience and commitment to a constructive dialogue have made this milestone possible.”
The ODC co-chairman thanked Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for handing over a campus of the State University to the federal government for the take-off of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni.
Kattey said: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Governor, Sir (Dr) Siminalayi Fubara, once again for the recent handover of the Kira campus of the Rivers State University to the Federal Government for the kick-off of the Federal University of Environment and Technology.
“This act is a clear demonstration of His Excellency’s love for the Ogoni people and his unwavering commitment to the ongoing dialogue process. It is through such actions that we see tangible support for our aspirations, and we are deeply appreciative of this gesture.”
In his remarks, the senator representing Rivers South-East senatorial district, Senator Barry Mpigi, said the newly approved University will operate from two campuses in the Kira-Tai and Koroma-Tai communities.
Position papers on the 23 communities in Tai LGA was presented to the dialogue committee by the chairman, Koroma-Tai Community Development Committee, Comrade Young Kigbara.
