Ogonis Demand Immediate Action on 20 Recommendations, Insist on Bori State Creation

The Coalition of Ogoni Youth Groups (COYOG) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to begin immediate implementation of 20 recommendations arising from the Ogoni dialogue process, insisting that the creation of Bori State must be a central part of the roadmap.

In a statement jointly signed by 17 youth leaders, the coalition warned against attempts by politicians and influential individuals to hijack the dialogue process for personal, political or economic interests.

COYOG said the dialogue represents a collective demand for justice, environmental restoration, political inclusion, resource control and sustainable development, arguing that its outcomes must reflect the aspirations of the Ogoni people.

The coalition urged the Federal Government to provide a clear, documented commitment to implementation through an interim memorandum of understanding. It said the agreement should specify institutional responsibilities, timelines, funding arrangements, monitoring mechanisms and public reporting obligations.

It also called for a representative presidential implementation committee with a defined mandate, measurable milestones and sufficient authority to coordinate the execution of the recommendations.

On state creation, the group insisted that the demand for Bori State must receive explicit attention in the implementation roadmap, describing it as fundamental to political inclusion, equitable representation and administrative accessibility for the Ogoni people.

COYOG urged the government and relevant constitutional institutions to identify the appropriate process for considering the proposed state in accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional requirements. It warned that the demand should not be ignored, indefinitely delayed or used as a political bargaining tool.

The coalition’s position comes amid wider debate over the leadership and transparency of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC). It disputed reports identifying Senator Olaka Wogu as the committee’s leader, maintaining that Professor Don Baridam heads the central committee and that Wogu serves on its Harmonisation Subcommittee.

The group called on stakeholders to respect the committee’s established structure and urged its leadership to provide regular updates on the harmonisation of recommendations, outstanding issues and the implementation roadmap.

It also demanded clarification regarding a reported $300 million fund, including its source, status, intended purpose and accountability arrangements.

COYOG said transparency was essential to maintaining public confidence and warned that the dialogue should be assessed by concrete results rather than meetings or public declarations.

The coalition urged traditional rulers, political leaders, civil society groups, women’s organisations and youth formations to remain united in protecting Ogoni interests. It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy and democratic engagement.

The Ogoni Dialogue Committee has previously said its report, reflecting community concerns and aspirations, was submitted to the Federal Government. The committee has also acknowledged the demand for Bori State, noting that its creation would require constitutional procedures.

For COYOG, the next stage must produce measurable commitments, environmental remediation, political progress and tangible improvements in the lives of Ogoni residents.