The Federal Government has kicked off a fresh wave of confidence-building projects in Ogoniland as part of the agreements reached with Ogoni leaders to pave the way for the long-awaited resumption of oil exploration in the area.
Investigations revealed that four major health facilities are already undergoing rehabilitation. They include the General Hospitals in Eleme, Khana and Terabor, as well as the health centre in K-Dere, Gokana—facilities that have suffered years of neglect but remain critical to community health and emergency response.
The development follows a series of demands tabled by Ogoni stakeholders, including the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Saakpenwa/Koroma, the reconstruction of the failing Eleme axis of the East–West Road, the consideration of qualified Ogoni youths for employment at NNPC Ltd., and broader interventions across critical infrastructure in the region.
Sources said while most of these demands have already been met or are at advanced stages, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently dispatched a high-level monitoring team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to ensure full implementation.
The team was led by Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, Director of Energy Security; Goodluck Ebelo, Special Assistant to the NSA; and Prince Austin Kabari, Secretary of the Energy Security Working Group. The officials were said to have inspected strategic locations, including sections of the East–West Road, the new university campus, health projects, and the proposed industrial park.
Speaking over the weekend, the Acting Chairman of the Nyo-Khana Area Council of Chiefs and Elders, Mene Sunday Kabari-Nule, confirmed visible progress and described the ongoing hospital works as a long-desired relief for the communities.
“This project is for the Nyor Khana people, and they are very happy. For Taabaa as a community, it’s what they have been praying for—to revive that hospital, and now we have a brand-new one. You can feel the happiness everywhere in the community,” he said.
Kabari-Nule, who commended President Tinubu and the Federal Government, prayed for the speedy completion of the facilities.
“We are happy with President Tinubu and the Federal Government for bringing this to us, and we pray that God grants them the grace to complete the project on time so that we can start using it,” he added.
The Chairman of the Taabaa Community Development Committee, Elder Prince Neekpoabie, also expressed optimism, noting that the resuscitated projects were already changing lives.
According to him, the revival of the long-abandoned health facility has not only promised better healthcare for residents but has also created employment for local youths—curbing restiveness and reducing crime.
“The youths who previously had no jobs are now working here, which has helped reduce crime in the area,” he said.
Supporting this view, the Youth President of Taabaa, Nwikeh Torue, pledged unwavering support for the contractors, assuring them of maximum security.
“I am here to assure the contractors and workers of maximum security at the site; no one will interfere with their work,” he said.
The Project Manager, Mr. Azubuike Lucky, confirmed that the cooperation from the host community has been exceptional.
“You can see our progress. The people are working with us cordially. We have had no issues since arrival,” he stated.
The ongoing projects, community leaders said, represent the strongest signal yet that the Federal Government is committed to rebuilding trust in Ogoni communities, decades after conflicts over environmental degradation halted oil exploration.
