The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) an umbrella body of all Ogoni Youths and youths organisations operating in Ogoniland has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of the consultancy service for the establishment and design of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) and the Integrated Contaminated Soil Management Centre (ICSMC) in Ogoniland.
The President-General of OYF, Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana also congratulated the Honourable Minister for Environment, Barr. Abdullahi Hassan Mohammed for his outstanding accomplishments within a short stay in office.
He described him as a true Nigerian patriot, and a friend of Ogoni with a heart of gold, whilst noting that Barr. Abdullahi has achieved in less than 4-months what his predecessors could not achieved in 6-years.
You will recall that the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, had hinted in April, during a town hall meeting with Ogoni stakeholders, including monarchs, local government chairmen and youths that the Federal Government will connect the entire Ogoniland in to the national grid, in order to supply power to all the water infrastructure built by HYPREP as well as for economic growth and sustainability in the area.
The president-general of Ogoni Youths noted that the appointment of competent Ogonis into the governing structures that saw Dr. Ferdinand Giadom and Dr. Mike Nwialaghi HYPREP Project Coordinator and Chairman Board of Trustees respectively, is a welcome development, and goes to show that the Federal Government is committed to the success of the clean-up project. We have no doubt in our minds that these our sons will implement the UNEP report in accordance with its recommendations.
He said urged Ogoni people to downplay differences, rally round and give full support to HYPREP to deliver the Ogoni cleanup project in record time. Legborsi stressed that history will hold all Ogonis in contempt if we fail to take advantage of this great opportunity secured for our people by the sacrifices of the Ogoni martyrs.
The Ogoni Youth leader however urged HYPREP to observe the principal of local content in contracts awards, in order to transform Ogoni into a more economical, prosperous and Peaceful community against the capital flight that is currently been seen.
Signed:
Barr. Lene Kingsley Lekue
Publicity Secretary, Ogoni Youth Federation
6th July, 2022