The newly elected leadership of KAGOTE, the apex socio-cultural body of the Ogoni people in Rivers State, has pledged to prioritise education reforms aimed at improving learning standards across Ogoniland.
Chief Lesi Maol, who emerged as President-General of the organisation after a closely contested election in Gwara community, Khana Local Government Area, said the new administration would focus on strengthening public schools and addressing key challenges in the sector.
KAGOTE represents the four local government areas that make up Ogoniland — Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.
Speaking shortly after the election, Maol said one of the first steps would be to conduct a full assessment of public primary and secondary schools in the area. According to him, the exercise will include collecting data on school facilities and student population to improve planning, accountability and resource allocation.
He also expressed concern over the shortage of qualified teachers in many schools, saying urgent measures would be taken to explore ways of recruiting more educators.
Maol said it was unacceptable for some schools to operate with only two teachers managing the entire institution.
He explained that the organisation would engage government agencies and the public sector to seek support and funding that could help raise educational standards in the area.
In addition to the education drive, the new KAGOTE leader announced the formation of a committee to review the organisation’s constitution.
Maol also spoke about the need for stronger and unified representation of the Ogoni people, saying several smaller groups had recently tried to speak on behalf of the community.
He said the goal of the new leadership is to provide clear direction so that when KAGOTE makes a statement, it will be recognised as the collective voice of the Ogoni people.
The election followed the completion of the tenure of the outgoing executive led by Emmah Deeyah, who now serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project.
Other officials elected into the new executive include Baride Gwezia as First Vice President, Rear Admiral Nicolas Bakpo as Second Vice President, and Osaroepie Nana as Third Vice President.
Several political and community leaders attended the congress, including Senator Barry Mpigi, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial District, and Hon. Dum Dekor, member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency.
The new leadership’s early focus on education is likely to be closely watched by residents, many of whom have long called for improved schools and better opportunities for children in Ogoniland.
