The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, has commended the Federal Government for the commencement of clean up of Ogoni land in Rivers State.
The IYC also restated its earlier call for the extension of the clean-up of oil polluted areas to other parts of the Niger Delta region, a statement by its spokesman, Eric Omare, said on Saturday.
It said the Ogoni clean-up should be used as a starting point to clean-up the entire Niger Delta region.
The group said the formal take-off of the clean-up was a practical demonstration of the political will to implement the United Nations Environmental Programme report on Ogoni by the highest political authority in the country.
The IYC said the group was of the view that irrespective of the fact that funds had not been released for the purpose, the effort was nevertheless commendable.
It, therefore, advised the Federal Government to immediately take concrete actions by awarding the relevant contracts and release funds for the actual clean-up to start without delay.
The group noted, “We express our strong solidarity with the Ogoni nation and salute the courage of fallen and living heroes of the Ogoni struggle such as Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 9, Ledum Mittee and others.
“This commencement clearly shows that their efforts were not in vain and it is also the triumph of non-violence struggle. We recommend the Ogoni example to other Niger Delta people and communities.
“The entire Niger Delta environment is polluted and in need of urgent clean-up for it to serve its purpose of sustenance to the Niger Delta people.”
Source: Punch