The President-General of the Ogoni Youth Federation, Mr. Legborsi Yamaabana, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its role in resolving the dispute that stalled oil exploration and production in Ogoniland for over three decades.
Oil exploration in the area was suspended in the early 1990s after sustained protests led by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) forced Shell out in 1993. The long-standing conflict involved the Federal Government, oil multinationals, and the Ogoni people.
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In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Hycienth Ana, Yamaabana described the peace process as sincere, timely, and commendable.
He noted that the resolutions reached hold great potential for addressing poverty and unemployment in Ogoniland.
The youth leader, a former House of Representatives aspirant for Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, also hailed Tinubu for honouring the “Ogoni Four” and extending recognition to the “Ogoni Thirteen,” which he described as a long-awaited gesture of justice and inclusivity.
He further applauded the President for conferring a national honour on renowned Ogoni rights activist, Mr. Ledum Mitee, calling it a befitting tribute to his contributions to the struggle for justice and equity.
Yamaabana added that the resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland—if carried out with fairness and environmental responsibility—would be a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s socio-economic history.
He also commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ogoni Dialogue Committee led by Prof. Don Baridam for their efforts in facilitating the dialogue.
Yamaabana reaffirmed the Ogoni Youth Federation’s commitment to supporting federal government initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and sustainable development in the area.
