Oil Exploration: Tinubu Receives Ogoni Report, Honours Slain Leaders!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) posthumously on four late Ogoni leaders, while receiving the final report of the Ogoni Consultations Committee. The honours signal renewed focus on oil exploration in Ogoniland, environmental remediation, and reconciliation. [1]

Who Were Honoured & Why

The four chiefs honoured are Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage, often referred to as the “Ogoni Four.” [1] Their deaths, reportedly in 1994, remain contentious, having played a part in the events that led to the trial and execution of the Ogoni Nine by the Abacha regime. [2]

Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu honored their sacrifices, saying their memory should inspire unity, courage, and purpose across the Ogoni community. [1]

Ogoni Report & Policy Direction

While presenting the report from the Ogoni Consultations Committee (chaired by Prof. Don Baridam), Tinubu emphasized that his administration is committed to restarting oil production in Ogoniland in a manner that respects local interests, environmental cleanup, and inclusive governance. [1]

He directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately begin engagements with the NNPCL (Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited), local Ogoni communities, and other stakeholders to negotiate modalities for resumption of exploration and production. [1]

Tinubu also underscored that environmental remediation in Ogoniland must become integral to the resumption plan, and tasked the Minister of Environment to incorporate cleanup efforts into the framework of dialogue and development. [1]

Reconciliation & Unity

The President called on the Ogoni people—across generational, community, and class divides—to “close ranks,” move past historical wounds, and work together toward a future of shared prosperity. [1]

Tinubu’s remarks emphasized that the honours are symbolic steps, but not ends in themselves, urging that they be followed by tangible progress and meaningful inclusion. [2]

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/tinubu-honours-ogoni-4-moves-to-restart-oil-production-in-ogoniland/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Sahara Reporters: saharareporters.com/2025/09/24/tinubu-confers-posthumous-national-honours-ogoni-four?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.