By Hamilton Nwosa (Head, The New Diplomat’s Business and Poll Tracking Desk)
The people of Ogoni ethnic nationality of Rivers State have expressed willingness to partner with the Rivers State Government in order to improve economic, security and Infrastructural development of the State and the larger Niger Delta region.
This was made known by the KOGOTE president, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah, a former Member of the House of Representatives , when he led his EXCO members on a courtesy visit on the Rivers State governor. Chief Nyesom Wike.
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Hon. Deeyah in his address said it was necessary for KOGOTE to work with the Rivers State government in order to improve the Socio-economic lots of the people of Ogoni nation. He said: “We would like to commend you for the numerous projects sited in our area and all around the state. We implore you to do more.” 
“We have also come to offer support to your administration to better the lots of our people. We wish to join you in a fruitful partnership in your efforts to bring to our people and indeed all Rivers men and women of goodwill, good governance, improved security, infrastructural as well as human capacity development.”
The former Federal legislator and members of his team who were pleased with some projects currently on-going in Ogoni land as well as appointment of persons of Ogoni extraction into positions of authority, canvassed for more appreciation of Ogoni nation by the State government.
He added: ” We have also come to offer support to our administration to better the lots of our people. We wish to oin you in a fruitful partnership in your efforts to bring to our people and ineed all Rivers men and women of goodwill, good governance, improved security, infrastructural as well as human capital development.”
In his response, Governor Wike pledged to work with KOGOTE, as well as complete all on going projects in Ogoni land. While commending the organization, the governor noted that before the end of his administration, on going projects in Ogoni land would be completed.
Recall that consequent upon the coming into effect of the Sir Arthur Richards Constitution in 1946, Ogoni was created as a separate Administrative Division our of Opobo where it originally belonged. KAGOTE was founded by Hon Paul T. N. Birabi and Chief F.M. A. Saronwiyo, both of blessed memory, and supported by HRM King Walter Gbute Ngegwe Oneh-Eh-Eleme the 8th, also of blessed memory. They gave the organization its first name, OGONI STATE REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY.
Significantly, in 1970, immediately after the Civil War, great men such as HRM Chief Ngei Oluka Ngei Oneh-Eh-Eleme the 9th, Dr. G. B Leton, Chief E. N Kobani, Dr. N A. Ndegwe, Engr. E A Apenu and others too numerous to mention met in Port Harcourt and changed the name to KAGOTE, an acronym for Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, the constituent units of Ogoni Ethnic Nationality. The organization has existed ever since then with that appellation with a successful and continuous chain of succession in its Leadership. It has remained the unofficial link between Ogoni people and any government of the day.
