Federal Gov’t Begins Confidence-Building Measures In Ogoniland

The federal government has begun implementing confidence-building measures proposed by Ogoni leaders to facilitate dialogue and the smooth resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

Work has commenced on rehabilitating four key health facilities in Ogoniland—General  Hospital Nchia in Eleme LGA; General Hospital Taabaa, Khana LGA; General Hospital Terabor; and Health Centre K-Dere in Gokana LGA.

Among the Ogoni leaders’ key demands are the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa/Koroma and commencement of operations at the institution; completion of the reconstruction of the Eleme section of the East-West Road; and consideration of qualified Ogonis for employment at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The leaders also called for interventions on critical infrastructures in Ogoniland, including health facilities and others.

Speaking with journalists, acting chairman of the Nyo-Khana Area Council of Chiefs and Elders in Khana LGA, Mene Sunday Kabari-Nule, who confirmed that project was ongoing at Taabaa General Hospital, said the people were hopeful that the project would help reduce the area’s mortality rate as facilities are revived.

“This project is for the Nyor Khana people, and they are very happy.

For Taabaa as a community, it’s what they have been praying for—to revive that hospital—and now we have a brand-new one. You can feel the happiness everywhere in the community,” Kabari-Nule said.

The monarch commended the federal government for the initiative, praying for its speedy completion.

He said: “Right now we are happy with President Tinubu and the Federal Government for bringing this to us, and we are praying that God should grant them the grace to complete the project on time so that we can start using it.”

The chairman, Taabaa Community Development Committee (CDC), Elder Prince Neekpoabie, expressed hope that the contract, when completed, will significantly improve health and general well-being.

Neekpoabie described the project as a moribund one revived after many years and said it will elevate the health status of the people. He also noted that work on the facility has engaged many community youths, contributing to a reduction in local crime.

“The youths who previously had no jobs are now working here, which has helped reduce crime in the area,” he said.

Also speaking with journalists, youth president of Taabaa Community, Comrade Nwikeh Torue, said community youths are happy with the government and pledged maximum security for the site, assuring contractors of a safe working environment.

Tories said: “I am here to assure the contractors and workers of maximum security at the site; no one will interfere with their work.”

Project manager at the site, Mr. Azubuike Lucky, told journalists that the community has been cooperative since work began, noting that most of the workers are indigenes.

“You can see our progress—the people are working with us cordially. We have had no issues since arrival,” he said.