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. Concurrently, 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.
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 NNPC Limited. They also called for interventions on critical infrastructures in Ogoniland.
To ensure implementation of the proposed measures, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in August, dispatched a monitoring team from the Office of the National Security Adviser. The delegation was led by Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, Director of Energy Security; Goodluck Ebelo, Special Assistant to the NSA; and Prince Austin Kabari, Secretary of the Energy Security Working Group.
The monitoring team visited key locations, including the East-West Road, the Federal University of Environment and Technology campus, health facilities, and the proposed site for an industrial park, among others, under the presidency’s mandate.
Speaking with journalists, Mene Sunday Kabari-Nule, Acting Chairman of the Nyo-Khana Area Council of Chiefs and Elders, confirmed that progress is ongoing. He said the people are hopeful that the project will help reduce the area’s mortality rates 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,” the monarch said.
He commended the Federal Government for the initiative, praying for its speedy completion.
“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,” he added.
Community Development Committee Chairman of Taabaa, Elder Prince Neekpoabie, expressed hope that the contract, when completed, will significantly improve health and general well-being. He 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.
Youth President of Taabaa, 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.
“I am here to assure the contractors and workers of maximum security at the site; no one will interfere with their work,” he stated.
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.
