A non governmental group,Ogoni Liberation Initiative has called on the Federal Government to build a contaminated soil management centre of excellence in Ogoni land in Rivers.
The Federal Government had in February 2017, launched the Integrated Contaminated Soil Management Centre in Khana, Ogoniland.
The launch of the centre was part of the processes for the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP report, and led by the then Minister of Environment,Mrs Amina Mohammed.
However, In a 24 point communique issued at the end of its summit held last weekend in Bori, the group said that the decayed and polluted Ogoni environment should be comprehensively cleaned up, restored and continually managed to stem further degradation.
The Communique stated that“Decades of spills and pollutions caused by oil exploration and exploitation have impacted negatively on our people and there should, therefore, be a health audit in Ogoni land and consequent establishment of medical research institute there.
“Ogoni people are ready to participate in all forms of business with the state and Federal Government as well as international corporations for the development of our land, provided the businesses are anchored on Ogoni development,’’ It added
The summit, tagged: “Ogoni Economic Recovery, Industrial Development and Investments’’ had investors’ representatives from Nigeria, Kuwait, Turkey, Dubai, the United states of America, Canada, Japan in attendance.
Earlier,, Mr Steven Barreru, who spoke on behalf of the team of investors had. said those polluting the environment anywhere were committing crime and should be punished.
Barreru said the team was interested in starting with the provision of potable water in Ogoni land and would immediately sink potable water wells in each community.
He added that the team would also train Ogoni youths in different skills, improve on health and recreational facilities and requested the support of Ogoni people to actualise the projects.
Leader of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers of Ogoni kingdom,King Godwin Giniwa commended the team for their plans and pledged the support of Ogoni people.
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Giniwa who is also the Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom, assured the team of safety and peaceful environment and urged Ogoni youths to support the team for the development of Ogoni land.
An investor representing Kuwait Yousef Ahmod, presented the traditional ruler with a boat gift .
In the same vein, Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer in Bori urged Ogoni youths involved in criminal activities to surrender their arms and join hands with the investors to develop the area
