President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s dedication to promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and healing across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic communities on Monday, issuing a poignant statement in remembrance of the Ogoni Martyrs. The message, shared by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, paid tribute to the legacies of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other Ogoni leaders executed on November 10, 1995, during their campaign against environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
In the statement titled “President Tinubu honours Ogoni martyrs,” Tinubu drew attention to the devastating toll of the Ogoni struggle, a historic protest against the impact of oil exploration in the region, which ultimately met with severe repression. “As we remember the Ogoni Martyrs, let us honour 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,” the President said.
He expressed solidarity with the National Youth Council of Ogoni People and all Ogoni citizens, declaring that the sacrifices of those who stood in defence of their homeland would not be forgotten. This year’s commemoration, themed “After Price, Comes Prise,” highlighted, he noted, “our collective commitment to acknowledging the pain and the lessons of the past as we aspire for a brighter future.”
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Ogoni Martyrs, Tinubu emphasised that his administration was devoted to addressing long-standing grievances and working towards a more united, prosperous nation. “We honour their memory by recognising the sacrifices made and pledging to strive for a future characterised by peace, justice, and sustainable development for all communities, particularly those in the Niger Delta,” he added.
Tinubu outlined a vision for Nigeria’s future shaped by “constructive engagement and mutual respect,” signalling that healing and reconciliation remain central pillars in his administration’s approach to building a stable and inclusive Nigeria for generations to come.
