Despite concluding its community engagement across the four local government areas of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, set up by the Federal Government to consult with the people on oil resumption, continues to meet with various stakeholders and interest groups in the region.
The committee stated that these ongoing meetings aim to ensure that the opinions of all groups and stakeholders are adequately captured.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting in Bori on Thursday, 20th March 2025, the Alternate Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (Rtd), expressed satisfaction with the participation of numerous groups presenting their memoranda. He noted that the committee is gradually winding down the engagement process in preparation for the final collation and presentation of the Ogoni position.
“We want to meet with the grassroots to ensure that the opinions of all interest groups in Ogoni are represented. We encourage everyone to contribute as we aim to gather insights from every group. Almost all groups that are supposed to present memoranda have done so. By March 30, the consultation process will conclude,” he said.
Dr. Patience Osarojiji, Coordinator of the Coalition of Ogoni Women for Environment, expressed hope that the requests from Ogoni communities and stakeholders would not be overlooked. She commended the committee for its effective engagement and inclusivity.
“My prayer is that nothing presented by the communities should be left unattended to. I commend them for their dedication to this task. We have all been yearning for the development of Ogoniland, and I appreciate their inclusive approach, especially in involving women. We advocate for women’s participation in every activity and decision-making process,” she stated.
Her Royal Majesty, Queen Georgiania Tenalo, also acknowledged the committee’s efforts but emphasized the importance of addressing the immediate needs of the people as presented during various dialogue sessions.
“Our expectation is that the committee will consider our requests and concerns and take them to the Federal level for resolution. Immediate needs must be addressed to facilitate the acceptance of the resumption process. The world knows that Ogoni has suffered—our people have died, women have been detained and raped, and many have lost their husbands, children, and livelihoods. We expect these concerns to be prioritized before discussing oil resumption,” she asserted.
Among the Ogoni stakeholders and interest groups that presented memoranda at the meeting were Ogoni oil-producing communities, the Ogoni ReligiousLeaders, Ogoni 20 Activists, and various women’s groups, including FOWA, Coalition of Ogoni Women for Environment, Coalition of Gokana Community Women Leaders, Gbo-Kabia Ogoni Women Foundation, Coalition of All Ogoni Women, De Voice of Eleme Women Association, Global Concern Women and Youth Development Initiative, and the Ogoni Council of Communities Women Leaders.