Today you joined the Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, HE Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa on a visit to the Ogoni Clean-up area in Bodo City. What did you see?
I saw serious work in progress and it was my pleasure to accompany the Ambassador to the sites
So you were impressed?
I was very impressed to see an indigenous company and her foreign counterpart, GIOLEE/LAMOR, carry out such a gigantic clean-up project and with the expertise and equipment we saw.
Why did the Ambassador choose to visit the area?
He choose to visit the area because he is an Ogoni and also because he is the Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, the home country of Shell. He should have a message from here to them.
Would you then say that the clean-up has formally commenced?
This particular clean-up in Bodo is different from the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) recommendation. This is part of the out-of-court settlement between Bodo community and Shell. I have to commend Comrade Inemo Semiama for his efforts and role in making sure we got to this point.
What was the Ambassador's opinion? Was he impressed?
The Ambassador was impressed with what he saw especially the fact that Shell is showing serious commitment and for the fact that GIOLEE, an indigenous company is leading.
But it's all part of the impacted areas in Ogoni.
Yes, Bodo is one of the most impacted sites in Ogoni
What's the duration of this particular Clean-up in Bodo?
The first phase is 9 months
What's the difference between Bodo Clean-up and the UNEP Ogoni Clean-up?
Bodo clean-up is restricted to Bodo community while UNEP report Clean-up will start from Ogoni but covering the entire Niger Delta.
