Ogoni Clean-up Begins June 2 – Minister Declares

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28 (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari will on June 2 this year launch the clean-up of Ogoni land, recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

This was disclosed on Thursday by the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Muhammed, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, as she visited the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Represented by the Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, Jubril added that the team was in Rivers to seek collaboration and cooperation with the state government and Ogoni stakeholders in the implementation of the UNEP report.

The Minister revealed that the clean-up would be driven by all stakeholders in the region and would ensure that the people benefit from it and lauded the Rivers government for the warm reception accorded the team, stressing that it was an indication that the Federal Government could partner with Rivers in many areas.

Wike, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, expressed happiness with the commitment of the Federal Government in the implementation of the UNEP report and revealed its preparedness to collaborate with the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.

“As a state, we strongly reiterate our support towards the holistic implementation of the UNEP report on Ogoni land. We are excited to see the drive of the Minister for Environment in ensuring that the Ogoni clean-up exercise becomes a reality,” Banigo said.

The governor noted that his administration was determined to do all within its powers to provide people-oriented governance, disclosing that efforts were on to restore the garden city status of Port Harcourt.

Story by David Oputah