By Kolawole Ojebisi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and healing among all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
He made this known during a special message commemorating the 2024 Ogoni Martyrs Remembrance Day on Monday.
Tinubu stressed that he stands in solidarity with the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and all Ogoni citizens to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the Ogoni nation’s interests.
This year’s commemoration is themed “After Price, Comes Prise.”
“We honour their memory by recognising the sacrifices made and pledging to strive for a future characterised by peace, justice, and sustainable development for all communities, particularly those in the Niger Delta,” said President Tinubu in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
The president noted that historical grievances must be redressed towards building a united and prosperous nation for posterity, adding that his administration is committed to this course of action.
Recall that Oil was first commercially discovered in Oloibiri, Ogoniland, in 1958. The subsequent struggles of Ogoni leaders to protect their environment from harmful oil exploration were met with severe repression, culminating in the tragic execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others by the Abacha-led military junta.
“As we remember the Ogoni Martyrs, let us honour their legacy by committing to a future where such injustices are no longer tolerated and where the voices of all Nigerians are heard and respected”, Tinubu said.
