Ogoniland RegionThe oil and gas riches of the Niger Delta have turned Nigeria into West Africa’s greatest economic power. Occupying 70,000 km^2 of Nigeria’s total landmass, the region holds over 90% of the country’s oil and gas reserves which account for 95% of Nigeria’s exports and over 80% of the Federal government’s total revenue. Despite the Niger Delta’s rich resources and its importance in the Nigerian economy, it remains one of the poorest regions in the country. The majority of its inhabitants lack the basic infrastructure, health and education services, and economic opportunities to maintain an adequate standard of living. Their livelihoods have been destroyed by irresponsible oil extraction perpetrated by multinational companies sanctioned by the federal government. Among those most vulnerable are the Ogoni people who suffer from the worst effects of environmental exploitation, as well as political and economic marginalization.
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Ogoniland and its people
Ogoniland itself is located in the Rivers State in the southeastern corner of the Niger Delta. The Ogoni people organize themselves into six monarchic kingdoms: the Babbe, Eleme, Gokana, Ken-Khana, Nyo-Khana, and Tai. Historically independent, they were first subjugated by British colonizers in the 19th century. This historical marginalization has led to the disenfranchisement of the Ogoni in Nigeria's ethnic politics.
There are five main languages spoken in Ogoniland: Khana, Tee, Gokana, and Eleme. The most common of which is Khana. While related, speakers of different languages cannot communicate with one another. The Ogoni are a religious people of which ninety-six percent of the population identifies as Christian. Like many African indigenous groups they subscribe to animist beliefs such as the divinity the environment. The destruction of rivers and agricultural fields has not only harmed their incomes, but has fundamentally destroyed their way of life.
The Ogoni live in densely populated, close-knit, and male dominated rural communities. They survive on little assistance from the government, suffering from collapsing schools, non-existent health facilities, and limited economic opportunity despite the extravagant oil reserves around them. Their livelihoods depend (and have historically depended) on small scale agricultural production and fishing, both of which have been destroyed by oil spills and gas flares. Oil pollution has destroyed farmland, fishing populations, and crop yields sinking the Ogoni deeper and deeper into poverty. Before Shell and Chevron came to Ogoniland, communities yielded crop surpluses and were given the opportunity to sell excess product to their neighbors. Now, they are barely able to feed themselves.
There are five main languages spoken in Ogoniland: Khana, Tee, Gokana, and Eleme. The most common of which is Khana. While related, speakers of different languages cannot communicate with one another. The Ogoni are a religious people of which ninety-six percent of the population identifies as Christian. Like many African indigenous groups they subscribe to animist beliefs such as the divinity the environment. The destruction of rivers and agricultural fields has not only harmed their incomes, but has fundamentally destroyed their way of life.
The Ogoni live in densely populated, close-knit, and male dominated rural communities. They survive on little assistance from the government, suffering from collapsing schools, non-existent health facilities, and limited economic opportunity despite the extravagant oil reserves around them. Their livelihoods depend (and have historically depended) on small scale agricultural production and fishing, both of which have been destroyed by oil spills and gas flares. Oil pollution has destroyed farmland, fishing populations, and crop yields sinking the Ogoni deeper and deeper into poverty. Before Shell and Chevron came to Ogoniland, communities yielded crop surpluses and were given the opportunity to sell excess product to their neighbors. Now, they are barely able to feed themselves.