Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a powerful call for unity among the Ogoni people, marking the annual commemoration of Ogoni Day. The governor's message comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with renewed dialogue initiatives from the Federal Government aimed at addressing long-standing grievances in the region.
A Celebration of Resilience and a Call for Cohesion
In a statement released on January 4, 2026, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, Governor Fubara extended warm felicitations to the Ogoni nation. He described Ogoni Day as a profound testament to the community's cultural pride, resilience, and enduring quest for justice.
The governor paid tribute to the historic role of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). He emphasized that its pioneering, non-violent advocacy successfully placed the environmental and human rights struggles of Ogoniland on the global stage. This, he noted, fundamentally shaped international discourse on equity and environmental justice across the Niger Delta.
Fubara stressed that the bravery and sacrifices of the Ogoni people form a landmark chapter in Nigeria's social, political, and democratic evolution. He urged Ogoni leaders and stakeholders to set aside internal differences and avoid rifts within MOSOP and the broader community. The governor argued that cohesion and a shared purpose are non-negotiable for effectively protecting and advancing the collective interests of the people.
Federal Dialogue Offers a Path Forward
Governor Fubara highlighted that this call for unity is especially timely. He pointed to the Federal Government's evident commitment, demonstrated through ongoing dialogue initiatives designed to resolve historical injustices and long-standing grievances.
The Rivers State Government reaffirmed its unwavering support for a united MOSOP and a cohesive Ogoni populace. Governor Fubara assured that the state will continue to back all sincere efforts geared towards peace, dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Ogoniland and throughout Rivers State.
MOSOP Echoes Call for Peace and Progress
In a parallel message during the Ogoni Day commemoration in Bori, Rivers State, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke reinforced the imperative of unity. He called on the people to embrace peaceful conflict resolution as a critical tool for achieving sustainable development and lasting progress.
Nsuke stated that unity of purpose remains the only solid foundation for building a better and more prosperous Ogoni society. "Our message to the Ogoni people is for them to be united for infrastructure development. We must understand that we need to remain focused on the best ways to resolve our previous and present conflicts," Nsuke remarked.
He reflected on the decades of marginalization and severe environmental degradation caused by oil exploration, experiences that have left deep scars on both the people and the land. These internal and external challenges, he noted, have significantly slowed development in the area.
However, Nsuke struck a hopeful note, declaring that Ogoniland is at a turning point. He urged his people to move beyond the pains of the past and prepare to seize new opportunities for growth. "This is a new dawn for the Ogoni people. We must move forward, accept change, and prepare ourselves for the greater opportunities that lie ahead," the MOSOP President concluded.
