Ogoni stakeholder Ledu Metee has revealed that the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in the Ogoni region was one of the key demands presented to President Bola Tinubu during a recent meeting.
Metee, a former president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), was part of the Ogoni delegation that met with President Tinubu in Abuja. He was also present when the president signed the bill establishing the university.
In an interview with our reporter, Metee explained that Ogoni stakeholders insisted on the university’s creation as a prerequisite for any further discussions on the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland. He noted that years of unfulfilled promises had eroded trust, and certain measures needed to be implemented to restore confidence—one of which was the establishment of the university.
“With this, people will know that we are serious. A few weeks ago, an Ogoni delegation met with the president. While that consultation process is ongoing, we requested that, as a confidence-building measure, some tangible steps should be taken,” he stated.
Metee also highlighted other demands presented to the president, including the speedy completion of the East-West Road, infrastructure development, and a comprehensive resolution of the Ogoni crisis.
Meanwhile, some Rivers State residents have shared their views on President Tinubu’s approval of the university.
Sunday Barile, an indigine of Bori community in an interview with our reporter, described the move as a step in the right direction, emphasizing that if the federal government aims to enlighten, educate, and empower its citizens, then this initiative is a welcome development. He pointed out that the Ogoni people had long been advocating for intervention to address the environmental degradation that has affected their land for years.
Similarly, Mr. Bright Kpako, an indigene of Gokana community, stated that Ogoniland is one of the regions most affected by environmental degradation, primarily due to oil pollution. He explained that the people of Ogoni have extensively studied the long-term effects of pollution on their land, making the establishment of the university a much-needed and timely development.
