President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on the late Ogoni leaders collectively known as the “Ogoni Four,” decades after their tragic deaths that deepened divisions in the Niger Delta.
The honourees — Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage — were each awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The President announced the awards on Wednesday while receiving the report of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee at the State House, Abuja.
The committee was led by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In his remarks, President Tinubu said the gesture was intended to promote reconciliation, unity, and healing in Ogoniland.
“May their memories continue to inspire unity, courage and purpose among us. I urge the Ogoni people across classes, communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us and move forward as a united community with one voice,” he declared.
The President further pledged his administration’s commitment to peacebuilding, environmental remediation, and economic revival in Ogoniland.
He confirmed plans to resume oil production in the area, which has been dormant for over 30 years due to persistent crises.
“I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production. The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity,” Tinubu said.
He recalled that in 2022, the Federal Government handed the operatorship of the Ogoni oil field to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partners, noting that his administration would build on that foundation.
Earlier this year, Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to begin engagements between Ogoni communities, NNPCL, and other stakeholders to finalise modalities for restarting operations.
He also instructed the Minister of Environment to ensure that pollution remediation efforts are fully integrated into ongoing dialogue with the people of Ogoni.
The President expressed optimism that the reconciliation process and renewed government attention would not only honour the legacy of the Ogoni Four but also unlock new opportunities for peace, development, and prosperity in the Niger Delta region.