Ogoniland Set to Benefit from New University as Diaspora Coalition Applauds Nigerian President
The Ogoni Diaspora Coalition of North America has expressed its enthusiastic support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent initiative to establish the University of Environmental Technology in Ogoniland, Rivers State. In a statement, the coalition praised the president for his visionary leadership and commitment to positively impacting the Ogoni community.
The coalition, representing Ogonis living in the United States, also welcomed President Tinubu’s proposal to resume oil drilling and exploration in Ogoniland—a process that has been on pause for nearly three decades due to environmental concerns stemming from past neglect by Shell. The organization sees this development as a potential win-win situation, contingent on sincere intentions and successful execution.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the coalition urged for comprehensive consultations that involve all aspects of the Ogoni populace. They emphasized the need for transparency in the deliberations and expressed their willingness to contribute valuable insights from their collective experiences.
“Ogoni is at a crossroads, and the success of this negotiation is crucial for President Tinubu’s vision of revitalizing oil exploration in our region,” the coalition stated. They reiterated their commitment to supporting equitable and peaceful engagements that promise substantial advancements for Ogoniland and Nigeria as a whole.
The coalition looks forward to participating actively in discussions and urges the Dialogue Committee to consider their input as they navigate this critical juncture.