A coalition of Ogoni youth organisations has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, insisting that the creation of Bori State must be given priority in efforts to address the longstanding demands of the Ogoni people.
The coalition, operating under the Coalition of Ogoni Youth Groups (COYOG), made the demand in a statement jointly signed by 17 youth leaders on Saturday.
The signatories include Chief Kpakol Kpakol of the Ogoni National Youth Congress and Gen. Ikeh Albert Jnr of the Khana Youth Assembly.
The group warned politicians and other influential individuals against attempting to hijack the dialogue process for personal interests or political advantage.
According to the coalition, the Ogoni dialogue represents a collective struggle for justice, environmental rehabilitation, political inclusion, resource control and sustainable development.
It maintained that the outcome of the process must reflect the collective aspirations of the Ogoni people rather than serve the interests of a privileged few.
COYOG urged the Federal Government to release an interim Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) clearly outlining institutional responsibilities, implementation timelines, funding arrangements, monitoring mechanisms and public accountability measures.
It also called for the establishment of a representative Presidential Implementation Committee with a clear mandate, measurable targets and sufficient authority to coordinate the execution of the dialogue recommendations.
The coalition particularly emphasised the demand for Bori State, describing its creation as a fundamental issue relating to political inclusion, equitable representation and administrative accessibility for the Ogoni people.
“We want Tinubu to establish a representative Presidential Implementation Committee with a clearly defined mandate, measurable milestones, and sufficient authority to coordinate the implementation of the recommendations.
“The demands contained in the Ogoni Dialogue Committee report should not be reduced to political promises or ceremonial declarations,” the statement said.
The youth organisations further maintained that any meaningful effort to resolve the Ogoni question must openly address the demand for a separate state.
On reports concerning a proposed $300m fund, the coalition demanded comprehensive and verifiable details about its source, intended purpose and management structure.
It stressed that transparency and accountability must remain central to the entire process, warning against any arrangement that could undermine public confidence.
The group also clarified the leadership structure of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, insisting that Professor Don Baridam remains its substantive leader.
It cautioned individuals against assuming leadership authority outside the recognised structure of the committee.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful advocacy, the coalition declared that the dialogue process must remain inclusive and accountable to the people whose interests it is designed to protect.
“The Ogoni dialogue belongs to the Ogoni people. Its outcomes must serve the Ogoni people. Its implementation must be transparent, inclusive and measurable,” the statement added.
The coalition urged President Tinubu and relevant government authorities to translate the dialogue’s recommendations into concrete actions, insisting that the expectations of the Ogoni people must not be sacrificed to political considerations.
