Tinubu honours Ogoni 4, moves to restart oil production

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on four late Ogoni leaders—Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage and Samuel Orage—popularly known as the “Ogoni Four.” Announcing the honours at the Presidential Villa while receiving the report of the Ogoni Consultative Committee, Tinubu called for unity and […]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on four late Ogoni leaders—Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage and Samuel Orage—popularly known as the “Ogoni Four.”

Announcing the honours at the Presidential Villa while receiving the report of the Ogoni Consultative Committee, Tinubu called for unity and reconciliation in Ogoniland after decades of unrest.

Oil exploration in Ogoniland has remained suspended since 1993 after protests over environmental degradation, which eventually led to the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists in 1995.

“I urge the Ogoni people to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us, and move forward as one,” he said.

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The president pledged his administration’s support for peace, environmental restoration, and economic revival in the region.

He also announced plans to resume oil production in Ogoniland, following what he described as “overwhelming consensus” among the communities.

He recalled that the last administration had transferred operatorship of the Ogoni oil field to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partners, assuring that his government would build on that step.

Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to initiate talks between Ogoni communities, NNPCL, and stakeholders to finalise the modalities for restarting operations.

Presenting the committee’s report, Prof. Don Baridam, Chairman of the Ogoni Consultative Committee, said the recommendations reflected the collective will of the people and should serve as a blueprint for implementation.

Speaking afterwards, Ribadu reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to peace and inclusive development in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.

“Peace is being restored already, and Nigerians will soon see the benefits not just in Ogoniland, but across the Niger Delta and beyond,” he said.