ABCD commends Yobo, charges OGONI youths
Albert Badey Centre for Development (ABCD) yesterday at Abuja congratulated Joseph Yobo as he rounded off with his footballing career with a testimonial match at the Adokiye Amesiemaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
ABCD described him as a worthy ambassador of Ogoni and Nigeria. ABCD however charged Ogoni youths to emulate the outstanding qualities of this great son of Ogoni whose testimonial match attracted world renowned stars and administrators like Eto's, Moyes, Okocha and Kano.
ABCD said that his innate qualities of humility, hardwork and excellent relations combined with his footballing skills were responsible for his outstanding successes. This statement was made yesterday by ABCD's Secretary General Mr Suage Badey who charged Ogoni and Rivers youths in general to emulate Yobo and eschew all forms of violence.
Violence, he said can not take our youths to such lofty heights but rather diminishes one's God-given potential at the expense of life. He also commended the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People ( MOSOP) for recognising the 'Ogoni four' as true heroes 'who paid the supreme sacrifice that we may live'.
ABCD called for MOSOP to use its privileged position to turn around the rhetoric of some who claim to speak for the Ogonis for improved relations amongst the people of Ogoni.
Badey described the situation in Ogoni as horrible and a devastating set back. Ogoni, he said is richly endowed with human and natural resources which if properly harnessed in an atmosphere of peace would improve its socio-economic/political space.
He maintained that the four Ogoni leaders of blessed memory, Mr Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage and Chief Theophilus Orage were murdered while suing for peace and restoration of order at a time when Ogoni slid into anarchy.
It is therefore of utmost importance that MOSOP flies the Ogoni flag on the altar of truth and honesty having recognised their meritorious service after 22years. Misrepresenting the facts concerning their death and the consequences that led to it in whatever guise, is dishonouring, insulting and denigrating to the service rendered by the 'Ogoni four'.
While we heal our wounds, let us please be mindful of the need not to make unguarded utterances. ABCD seeks to make peace in Ogoni and the state in general. Peace has eluded the Ogonis for more than two decades now. We must restore our core values love, respect and hospitality.
Signed:
Ola olabisi
Publicity Secretary
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