A group of Ogoni Women, the Monagboka Community Builders Initiative (MCBI), has demanded meaningful participation of women in ongoing discussions on the possible resumption of oil and gas production in Ogoniland.
The call was made during a press briefing by the women-led grassroots organisation at the Ogoni Traditional Headquarters in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the briefing, the President of the group, Annas Dumnamene, said women must have a voice in decisions concerning the future of Ogoni.
Dumnamene said the conversation should not focus only on whether oil production will resume but also on the kind of Ogoni the industry will return to, particularly about livelihoods, environmental protection and community development.
MCBI called for the establishment of an Ogoni Women and Community Development Forum, which would provide a platform for women from Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme to participate in the dialogue and monitor its implementation.
The organisation also demanded meaningful representation of women in dialogue structures, technical committees, environmental monitoring bodies, employment and procurement processes.
It further called for at least 35 per cent female representation in Ogoni youth organisations, including at leadership levels.
The group said environmental restoration must remain non-negotiable, stressing that the remediation of polluted areas must continue and should not be compromised by any future resumption of petroleum operations.
MCBI also called for economic opportunities for women-owned businesses in areas including agriculture, food processing, catering, transportation, logistics, environmental services, ICT and other sectors.
Dumnamene urged stakeholders to ensure that the ongoing dialogue produces measurable outcomes for ordinary people in Ogoni.
“The young Ogoni woman must be seen. She must be heard. She must participate. And she must lead,” she said.
The organisation also called for greater transparency in the dialogue process, saying stakeholders should have clarity on agreements reached, outstanding issues, employment opportunities and how contracts and other benefits will be allocated and monitored.
MCBI maintained that no single group owns the Ogoni voice and called for an inclusive process involving the various stakeholders in the region.
The organisation said any framework for oil resumption must guarantee women’s participation, environmental protection, economic opportunities, community development and accountability.
Dumnamene said the group would continue to advocate for the interests of women and communities as discussions on the future of Ogoni progress continue.
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