By Dipo Olowookere
A non-governmental organisation known as the Ogoni Liberation Initiative has called for the support of national and international donors as it prepares to raise N1 billion in funding for the development of Ogoniland.
Rev. Douglas Fabeke, who is the Convener of the movement, which focuses on the development of Ogoni environment and its people, noted that the fund is critical to the restoration of the region from its current state of disrepair.
He said to achieve restoration, there is a need for equitable partnership, corporate collaboration and critical support of investors and stakeholders in and outside Ogoniland for the movement’s course.
Mr Fabeke stated further that the N1 billion would be used to actualise business and economic resurgence in the region.
“We are poised for business and economic change, the advancement of education, global peace support and community development. We already have our plans mapped out and they are in line with the late Ken Saro Wiwa’s fellowship programme for peace ambassadors and leaders,” he stated.
“Ogoni is one of the Nigerian regions that has been marginalized, neglected economically, politically and environmentally in the past. Government and oil companies operating in the area has subjected the land to penury through their neglects,” he added.
The convener said the fund is aimed at empowering Ogoni youth through the launch of N1 billion, the first phase of the development and empowerment project in the region.
“To facilitate the smooth transformation of the Ogoni youth to an embodiment of socio-economic and crime-free persons, we call on concerned entities globally and nationally to support the dream of the Ogoni Liberation Initiative,” he said.