The Ogoni people, under the aegis of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), have renewed their commitment to peace, unity, and development in a bid to resolve over three decades of conflicts stemming from oil production and underdevelopment.
At a congress held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, MOSOP leaders and stakeholders articulated a forward-looking approach to address the longstanding challenges faced by the Ogoni community. The event featured speeches, interactive sessions, and resolutions aimed at fostering sustainable development and achieving justice for the Ogoni people.
Ogoni Elders in Reflection
“Ogoni elders deliberate on the path to peace and sustainable development at the historic MOSOP Congress, November 30, 2024.”
Calls for Unity and Development
Addressing the gathering, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke emphasized the need for a permanent resolution to the Ogoni crisis. Reflecting on the struggle launched in 1990, Nsuke lamented that despite 34 years of protests, underdevelopment remains a persistent issue in Ogoni.
“For thirty-four years, we have been unable to address the problem of underdevelopment that we protested against. We must now stand united to overcome both internal and external repression,” Nsuke stated.
He attributed the rise of splinter groups within Ogoni to the commercialization of the struggle and urged the people to refocus on the movement’s original goals. Nsuke also highlighted the opportunity presented by President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a “listening president” who could aid in resolving the Ogoni crisis.
Stakeholder Support for Nsuke’s Leadership
Prominent voices at the congress expressed confidence in Nsuke’s leadership and his development initiatives:
- Chief Dr. Fortune Okwa Chujor, a former deputy president of MOSOP, described Nsuke as a non-commercial and non-political leader, urging Ogoni people to support his vision.
- Chief Emmanuel Nkala, a former president of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), echoed similar sentiments and called for unity among Ogonis.
- Lady Immaculate Kpopie, spokesperson for the Federation of Ogoni Women’s Association (FOWA), pledged the support of Ogoni women for Nsuke’s development agenda.
Congress Resolutions
After extensive deliberations, the congress adopted several key resolutions:
- Vote of Confidence: Congress passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of MOSOP under Fegalo Nsuke and affirmed its support for his initiatives.
- Negotiation of Resource Benefits: MOSOP was mandated to negotiate a 20% interest in natural resource extraction for the Ogoni people.
- Compensation for Losses: Congress demanded compensation for decades of livelihood losses caused by oil pollution.
- Unity Committee: A resolution committee will be established to bring together all voices, including dissenting groups, to foster unity.
- Conflict Resolution: MOSOP will set up a conflict resolution committee to address inter- and intra-communal conflicts within Ogoni.
Ogoni Youths United for Change
“Ogoni youths rally behind MOSOP’s call for unity, advocating for a fair share of resources and a brighter future for their communities.”
Way Forward
Ogoni Youth President Theophilus Mbagha Esq. called on Nigerian authorities to engage in dialogue with the Ogoni people and endorsed Nsuke’s initiatives as representing the aspirations of Ogoni youths.
The congress concluded with a mandate for MOSOP leadership to pursue these resolutions to secure a fair share of Ogoni resources and drive development for the community.
Signed:
Alex Akori
Secretary-General, MOSOP
November 30, 2024