Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has felicitated with the Ogoni people on the occasion of the celebration of the 20th Ogoni Day anniversary, declaring his commitment to addressing the development challenges of the area.
A statement by the Special Assistant (Electronic Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, said Wike noted with satisfaction the contribution of the Ogoni people to the development of democratic and social institutions in Rivers State and Nigeria.
He particularly noted that his administration appreciates the sacrifices and contributions of prominent Ogoni sons and daughters to nation-building.
He stated that the state polytechnic in Bori was renamed as Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic to immortalise and honour the late internationally recognised environmentalist.
Governor Wike said he holds the Ogoni people in high esteem, hence Ogoni sons and daughters have been appointed into strategic positions to actualise the development goals of his administration.
He assured that his administration will continue to work with all stakeholders to address the environmental challenges facing Ogoni land.
The governor urged the Ogoni people to always support his administration, pointing out that he will always work to advance the interest of the people.
Meanwhile, vigils are being held in Nigeria to mark the 20th anniversary of the execution of the human rights activist and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa – along with eight others.
The men protested against the pollution caused by oil production in the Niger Delta.
The writer led a peaceful uprising of hundreds of thousands against Shell’s widespread pollution in Ogoniiland.
His execution sparked international condemnation, led to Nigeria’s suspension from the British Commonwealth and highlighted issues in the Niger Delta that remain unresolved.
An Amnesty International report last week accused Shell of failing to clean up oil spills in the region – an accusation the company denied.
Within the Niger delta Mr Saro-Wiwa is seen as hero – a rallying figure for those in the region who feel they’ve paid a huge environmental price while failing to reap the benefits from oil.
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But others in Nigeria believe the activist stirred divisions within the country by putting his region and his people before the nation as a whole.
