The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) worldwide has lauded the Federal Government for the ongoing clean up of the oil-spill in Ogoniland and presented an award to the Minister of Environment, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi for driving the initiative.
Speaking during a brief ceremony at the ministry yesterday in Abuja, the organisation’s president-general, Legborsi Yamaabana commended the minister for his commitment to implementing the United Nations’ Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland.
“Several uncommon milestones are being achieved, from the Ogoni power project to the recently-approved specialist hospital and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. You have proven to all that, indeed, you are the [the right fit] for this responsibility.
“It is in recognition and appreciation of your steadfast, focused and passionate disposition towards the success of this project that informed our visit today,” he said.
He specially thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping his promise to the Ogoni people, as well as his gracious approval of funds for the project.
In his response, Abdullahi restated government’s commitment to sustaining its legacies in the clean-up of the polluted locality.
According to him, government is also at the final stage of the shoreline remediation, to restore the areas where the mongooses have been destroyed.
“Now a corollary to that is the support of the youths of Ogoni land that we have been able to enjoy.
“Your group, particularly, has shown so much solidarity and understanding [of] our position, as well as the urgency needed to deliver on the mandate of the president.
“You have been cooperative and this is one of the reasons for the success of the project.”
Abdullahi touted the group’s restraint and approach to deliberation as the reason for the ministry’s acceptance of the award.
The minister noted that, although the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s mandate would end this year, the government is working with United Nations for offices for project services, UNOPS, to take over the entire process by January next year.
“We hope that, by January 2024, UNOPS will take over the entire process. We must be informed of this transition for the benefit of our people in Ogoniland,” he added.
