By Tina Amanda
Environmental and climate justice organization, Lekeh Foundation, has expressed concerns that pollution in Ogoni communities has worsened 29 years after Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists were executed for advocating environmental justice.
Speaking in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, during a rally orgañised in memorial for the Ogoni Nine, Lekeh Foundation Coordinator, Friday Nbani, emphasized that the fight for environmental justice, which Saro-Wiwa led, remains unfulfilled.
According to Nbani, the Ogon’is must uphold the vision Ken Saro-Wiwa championed—the right to demand environmental justice, climate finance, reparations, and the Ogoni people’s right to manage their own resources.
“Lekeh Foundation organized the memorial to raise awareness of Saro-Wiwa’s legacy and achievements in the Ogoni struggle. To encourage Ogoni youth to harness their energy towards transparency on climate and environmental issues.
“twenty-nine (29) years ago we were recording raining season and dry season. During dry season we were also observing harmattan period, when we talk about the environment what we enjoy as at that time from the environment is no longer there.
“Today, we experience sea level rise, flooding disasters, gas flaring, and persistent oil spills. The environmental conditions Ken Saro-Wiwa protested are still present, despite initiatives like the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), which offered a glimmer of hope.
“Only those who endure this pollution understand its impact.”
Nbani also urged unity within Ogoni to strengthen their advocacy. Ogoni people must remember that we stand united, and divided we fall.
“Using the foundation that Ken Saro Wiwa laid to call for love, peace, and unity within the Ogoni, because it is only when we are in unity, speaking in one voice that we can come together and get our needs to be done. I want Ogoni people to know that united we stand divided we fall and a people united can never be defeated.”
He further calls for support from local organizations and government agencies in their push to phase out fossil fuels, secure climate finance, and promote sustainable agriculture.
“Our culture of farming is fading due to pollution from companies like Shell and the NNPC and other multi-national companies. We call for a transition to renewable energy and demand that Ogoni oil remains in the ground to protect our communities.”
He explained that the foundation focuses on sustainable energy and agriculture, aimed to secure a better future for Ogoni communities while preserving their cultural heritage.
“We also call for the adoption of renewable energy it is good for the environment and people, but the hazard in it is not that much. It is something doable other countries have started it and we want renewable energy products across the Ogoni region.”
