As part of the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Environment in Nigeria, Mohammed Abdullahi, has paid a working visit to the Ogoni land and people, which comprises Babbe, Eleme, Godana, Ken-Khana, Nyo-Khana and Tai in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.
Oil was first discovered in the oil-rich Ogoni land in 1957. Since then it has been plagued with exploitation of natural resources, oil spillage and environmental pollution as a result of drilling activities of oil companies.
This has also impacted the livelihood of the people, as their major occupation is fishing, being a predominantly riverine area.
The Minister upon arrival met with the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Environment HydroCarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Nigeria.
He also paid homage to royal fathers such as His Royal Majesty King GNK Gininka (Gbenemene Tua Tai), His Royal Majesty King Babari Begia (Godana), His Highness Monday Noryaa and two other royal fathers before proceeding to Remediation sites.
According to the United Nations, it will take 30 years of effort to clean up the mess.
Amaka E. Nliam
