Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Ogoniland wetlands have received international recognition with the formal presentation of a Ramsar Certificate designating the area as a Wetland of International Importance.
The certificate was presented to the President of the Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme (KAGOTE), Chief Lesi Maol, by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, during activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) at the Amphitheatre of the newly constructed Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration in Wiiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The designation, which recognises the ecological significance of Ogoniland’s wetlands and coastal ecosystems, was described as a major milestone in the area’s environmental history and a boost to ongoing conservation, remediation and restoration efforts.
After receiving the certificate, Maol handed it over to the chairmen of the four Ogoni local government areas: Dr Mbakpone Friday Okpe of Tai; Dr Thomas Bariere of Khana; Dr Obarilormate Ollor of Eleme; and Hon. Confidence Deko of Gokana, who was represented by his vice chairman.
