7.10 Individual Matter: Ken Saro-Wiwa
165
Findings and Discussion
The findings should demonstrate that algal bioremediation is a viable technology for the treatment of wastewater sustainably and economically compared
to other conventional processes of treatment. If it is used, the process could
result in huge chunks of savings that could be reused for meeting the needs
of war-fighters.
7.10 Individual Matter: Ken Saro-Wiwa
Kenule (Ken) Beeson Saro-Wiwa was born on October 10, 1941 (see Fig. 7.2).
He was a Nigerian writer, environmental activist, TV producer, and winner of the
Goldman Environmental Prize. He was also a member of the Ogoni community
whose homeland in the Niger Delta remains a target for crude oil extraction since
the 1950s. The community has also been at the center of extreme environmental
degradation from indiscriminate petroleum waste dumping. As a spokesperson
and later as president for the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People
(MOSOP), Ken organized a non-violent campaign to oppose environmental damage
of the community waters and land brought about by petroleum industry operations,
particularly the Royal Dutch Shell Oil Company. He is also renowned for openly
criticizing the Nigerian government (Pegg 2000).
Ogoniland has been characterized by grave environmental damage because of the
more than 100 oil wells found in the area. The non-violent MOSOP was formed in
1990 and has been met with violent resistance through the imprisonment of many
of its leaders and the assassination of some of them. Notwithstanding, the Ogoni
have been successful in compelling Shell to stop its activities and raising significant
global awareness of the problem bedeviling the region. Led by Ken Saro-Wiwa,
MOSOP was instrumental for the publication of the Ogoni Bill of Rights in 1990
(Pegg 2000). The bill marked the beginning of the non-violent struggle that opposed
the oil companies and the government. He highlighted the lack of basic social
Fig. 7.2 Ken Saro-Wiwa,
Source: Adebambo (2016)
via the Guardian
165
Findings and Discussion
The findings should demonstrate that algal bioremediation is a viable technology for the treatment of wastewater sustainably and economically compared
to other conventional processes of treatment. If it is used, the process could
result in huge chunks of savings that could be reused for meeting the needs
of war-fighters.
7.10 Individual Matter: Ken Saro-Wiwa
Kenule (Ken) Beeson Saro-Wiwa was born on October 10, 1941 (see Fig. 7.2).
He was a Nigerian writer, environmental activist, TV producer, and winner of the
Goldman Environmental Prize. He was also a member of the Ogoni community
whose homeland in the Niger Delta remains a target for crude oil extraction since
the 1950s. The community has also been at the center of extreme environmental
degradation from indiscriminate petroleum waste dumping. As a spokesperson
and later as president for the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People
(MOSOP), Ken organized a non-violent campaign to oppose environmental damage
of the community waters and land brought about by petroleum industry operations,
particularly the Royal Dutch Shell Oil Company. He is also renowned for openly
criticizing the Nigerian government (Pegg 2000).
Ogoniland has been characterized by grave environmental damage because of the
more than 100 oil wells found in the area. The non-violent MOSOP was formed in
1990 and has been met with violent resistance through the imprisonment of many
of its leaders and the assassination of some of them. Notwithstanding, the Ogoni
have been successful in compelling Shell to stop its activities and raising significant
global awareness of the problem bedeviling the region. Led by Ken Saro-Wiwa,
MOSOP was instrumental for the publication of the Ogoni Bill of Rights in 1990
(Pegg 2000). The bill marked the beginning of the non-violent struggle that opposed
the oil companies and the government. He highlighted the lack of basic social
Fig. 7.2 Ken Saro-Wiwa,
Source: Adebambo (2016)
via the Guardian