My father, Ken Saro-Wiwa, died fighting for a clean Nigeria. Thirty years on it’s time to stop sucking on the dirty teat of the oil cash cow

The Guardian
The Guardian
22h ago 3 views
Noo Saro-Wiwa calls for a shift from oil dependency to renewable energy in Nigeria, honoring her father's legacy. This change is crucial for environmental and economic health.
My father, Ken Saro-Wiwa, died fighting for a clean Nigeria. Thirty years on it’s time to stop sucking on the dirty teat of the oil cash cow
A What happened
Noo Saro-Wiwa urges Nigeria to transition from oil dependency to renewable energy, honoring her father, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who fought against environmental degradation. The Ogoni Nine, including her father, were wrongfully executed in 1995 for protesting against Shell Oil's pollution. While they were recently pardoned, Noo emphasizes the need for official exoneration. She highlights the ongoing environmental damage in Ogoniland and the mixed results of cleanup efforts. Noo advocates for sustainable practices, showcasing successful renewable energy projects and conservation efforts. She believes that education and leveraging natural assets can create a prosperous future for the region, moving away from the destructive oil industry.

Key insights

  • 1

    Pardon for Ogoni Nine

    The Nigerian government pardoned the Ogoni Nine, but official exoneration is still needed.

  • 2

    Environmental Damage Continues

    Ogoniland still suffers from high pollution levels and environmental degradation.

  • 3

    Renewable Energy Projects

    Successful renewable energy initiatives are being implemented in Ogoniland.

  • 4

    Education is Key

    Education about conservation and sustainable practices is crucial for the region's future.

Takeaways

Noo Saro-Wiwa's call for a shift to renewable energy reflects a broader need for sustainable practices in Nigeria. Honoring her father's legacy involves addressing environmental issues and fostering economic growth through education and conservation.

Topics

Society Energy