Tinubu honours Saro-Wiwa, other Ogoni martyrs, pledges commitment to reconciliation
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders executed in 1995, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and justice for all ethnic groups in Nigeria.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and healing among all ethnic nationalities across Nigeria.
In a special message commemorating the 2024 Ogoni Martyrs Remembrance Day, the President expressed solidarity with the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and all Ogoni citizens in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Ogoni nation’s interests.
This year’s commemoration, themed “After Price, Comes Prise,” reflects a shared commitment to acknowledging past pains and lessons while aspiring toward a brighter future.
“We honor their memory by recognizing the sacrifices made and pledging to strive for a future characterized by peace, justice, and sustainable development for all communities, particularly those in the Niger Delta,” President Tinubu said.
The President reiterated that his administration would address historical grievances and work toward a united, prosperous nation for future generations. This vision, he noted, will be realized through constructive engagement and mutual respect.
Oil was first commercially discovered in Ogoniland’s Oloibiri area in 1958. Since then, Ogoni leaders have struggled to protect their environment from harmful oil exploration, efforts that were met with severe repression, culminating in the tragic executions of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other leaders in 1995.
“As we remember the Ogoni Martyrs, let us honor their legacy by committing to a future where such injustices are no longer tolerated and where the voices of all Nigerians are heard and respected,” President Tinubu concluded.
