President Bola Tinubu has posthumously conferred national honours on the late Ogoni four — Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage.
The leaders were awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) during the presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Committee report at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 24.
In his remarks, Tinubu called on Ogoni people to put decades of division behind them and work together in unity.
He said, “May their memories continue to inspire unity, courage and purpose among us. I urge the Ogoni people across classes, communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us and move forward as a united community with one voice.”
The President pledged support for reconciliation, environmental cleanup, and economic development in Ogoniland.
He also confirmed government plans to restart oil production in the area.
“I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production.
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“The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity,” he said.
Tinubu directed National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to lead engagements with Ogoni communities, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and other stakeholders.
The Minister of Environment was also tasked with integrating pollution remediation into discussions.
Earlier, Ribadu said consultations covered all four Ogoni zones and the diaspora, capturing demands for cleanup, development, and structured participation in oil production.
Committee chairman, Prof. Don Baridam, added that the report reflected the collective will of the Ogoni people.
Ribadu assured that Tinubu’s directives would be fully implemented. “Peace is being restored already, and Nigerians will soon see the benefits, not just in Ogoniland, but across the Niger Delta and beyond,” he said.
Oil exploration in Ogoniland has remained suspended since 1993 after protests that culminated in the 1995 execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others.