Relief International Africa applauds the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for assenting to the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment Technology, Ogoni, Rivers State. This landmark decision marks a significant step towards addressing environmental and technological challenges while fostering academic excellence in a region historically impacted by environmental degradation.
The establishment of this specialized institution is a commendable development, as it underscores the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, research, and capacity building.
This university is expected to serve as a center for innovation, equipping students and researchers with the necessary skills to address Nigeria’s pressing environmental concerns, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
While Relief International Africa acknowledges this important milestone, we emphasize that the restoration of the Ogoni ecosystem, soil, and environment remains a crucial and urgent matter. The struggle for environmental justice in Ogoniland has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts by activists and indigenous communities for decades. The pollution and degradation caused by years of oil exploration and exploitation have severely affected the health, livelihoods, and well-being of the Ogoni people.
As such, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritize the full and expedited implementation of the Ogoni clean-up process as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Sustainable remediation of contaminated land, provision of clean drinking water, healthcare interventions, and economic empowerment initiatives must be pursued with the same vigor as the establishment of this institution.
The rights and lives of the Ogoni people must come first. A university dedicated to environmental technology in the heart of Ogoniland is a step forward, but it must be accompanied by concrete actions that ensure a future where the people of Ogoni can thrive in a clean and safe environment.
Relief International Africa remains committed to supporting efforts that promote environmental justice, sustainable development, and the protection of vulnerable communities. We urge all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil society, to work collaboratively in ensuring that the establishment of the Federal University of Environment Technology is complemented by comprehensive environmental restoration efforts in Ogoniland.
Signed
Amb. Green Isaac
Relief International Africa
February 3rd,2025.