At the aforementioned landmark Congress of the Ogoni People attended by over 10,000 individuals from every corner of Ogoni land, resolutions were adopted to guide the community’s future dialogue with the Federal Government on resuming oil exploration and addressing longstanding developmental issues. The event, held in Bori—the traditional headquarters of Ogoni land on Saturday, 8th February – followed a briefing by the Ogoni delegation who had recently met with His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, just before the congress.
In a series of impassioned speeches, the Congress expressed deep appreciation for the recent high-level engagement. Delegates noted, for example: “We commend and express our deep appreciation to His Excellency, the President, for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue. This meeting marks a significant step in addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people and fostering sustainable peace and development in our land.”
The Congress acknowledged the government’s prompt response to confidence-building requests put forward by the Ogoni delegation. Among the highlighted achievements were Educational Advancement; the signing into law of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni was hailed as a landmark step toward educational and environmental advancement in the region, Infrastructure Improvement: the fast-tracking of the critical road project from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction was recognized as a key initiative to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic development, Inclusive Employment; the implementation of affirmative action measures in key federal institutions to ensure the employment of Ogoni sons and daughters was lauded for promoting greater inclusion and representation and Developmental Interventions; the inclusion of important Ogoni projects in the national budget and targeted interventions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) were seen as tangible demonstrations of the government’s commitment to meeting the developmental needs of Ogoni land, amongst others.
Matter of fact, one delegate stated emphatically, “We acknowledge with gratitude the prompt actions taken by the government in response to the confidence-building measures. These initiatives are not only symbols of commitment but also practical steps toward improving the livelihoods of our people.”
The Congress unequivocally affirmed its support for the ongoing dialogue between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government, which began with comprehensive Ogoni-wide consultations. Speeches emphasized that continued engagement was key to finding lasting solutions: “The Congress of Ogoni People fully supports the ongoing dialogue process with the Federal Government. We believe that continued engagement and constructive discussions will lead to lasting solutions that will benefit our people and future generations.”
The delegates also expressed strong confidence in the facilitators appointed to steer the consultation process, stressing that their role would ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency. In a unifying call, the Congress urged all Ogoni sons and daughters—irrespective of political, ethnic, or ideological differences—to stand together in support of the dialogue: “We call on all Ogoni people to unite in support of this dialogue process. This is a defining moment for our land, and our collective effort is necessary to achieve meaningful progress.”
Rounding off the speeches, the Congress reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with all stakeholders. The resolution underscored the aspiration for justice, development, and economic empowerment in Ogoni land, “We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders. Our goal is to ensure that the Ogoni people’s aspirations for development, environmental justice, and economic empowerment are realized.”
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The resolution also extended gratitude to key government figures, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Governor of Rivers State, whose support was credited with helping to make the process smooth and effective.
These resolutions passed at the Congress of Ogoni People mark a significant and hopeful step toward a more inclusive and collaborative future for Ogoni land. By expressing deep appreciation for the government’s recent actions and calling for unity among its people, the Congress has set a clear mandate: to pursue sustained dialogue that not only addresses historical grievances but also builds a foundation for lasting peace and development. As the dialogue process moves forward, all Ogoni stakeholders are urged to embrace unity and cooperation for the greater good of their land—a message that resonates strongly across Ogoni land as the community looks to the future with cautious optimism.
