NATIONAL UNION OF OGONI STUDENTS, USA

(NUOS INTL., USA)

3116 W.DEVON AVE, SUITE #204

CHIGACO, ILLINOIS 60659

Ph. 773.250.7004 ~ Fax. 773.572.4544

www.nuos-international.org, email: nuos.intl@gmail.com

December 24, 2007

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

GOODWILL MESSAGE

FELLOW ACTIVISTS,

As the year 2007 rush to an end, the Office of the President of this organization is glad to send to all human rights/environmental activists, Ogonis, students/student organizations around the world a message of goodwill and abundant prosperity in the New Year 2008.

The year 2007 was full of blessings and we were able to refocus the Ogoni struggle and people to what the struggle was meant to achieve – Justice, Peace and Equity. We are not at the point of hurray but we give God the glory for His protection and mercy.

On this journey, we’ve encountered those that share the same belief and aspiration with us. We equally encountered the biblical Thomases and detractors. As we thank those who found themselves in the first bracket, we equally extend a hand of fellowship to those in the second bracket. We should realize, Ogonis in any parts of the world are ambassadors. We are like fishers of men for Ogoni. At the end of the day, we shall be accountable for our deeds.  Remember, Ken Saro Wiwa and others died to get us where we are today.  

As we count ourselves lucky to be a part of the living, we should make Ogoni a part of our New Year 2008 resolution. Think of what we could do collectively to change the poverty and misery that have been hipped on Ogoni people for decades. Shell Oil Company and the Nigerian government are part of our woes.  Could hatred and hateful attitudes, bickering, seat tight attitudes change Ogoni destiny, the answer is: NO.  Her destiny could only be changed if we collectively embrace Love, work like our fathers and demand justice and equity for Ogoni.

If you’ve been touched and feel you want to leave a blue print on the tide of history, you still have an opportunity. First step, sign the petition on the Students’ website: (www.nuos-international.org). Second, volunteer to work with any credible organization at the forefront of the agitation for rights and justice for the Ogoni people. You never could tell what significance you could make.  

We’ve been driving for signature for Ogoni State for three months today. Some see it as only an “internet thing” and others insinuate as otherwise. We want all doubters to dispel their doubts and embrace the movement. We urge you to share with your colleagues and friends and send it to your villages. All these would form Ogoni archive. You would have nobody to blame if your non challant attitude let this slip you by. We believe your attitude(s) towards the petition would change from today.

Also, we would like for us to mark our calendars for August 2008. A conference orchestrated by the National Union of Ogoni Students, USA would be holding in Nigeria. Visit us on the web for details. For questions, we would be glad to meet with you one- on–one. We want volunteers for the planning.

This message would not be complete without sending our heart felt condolences to all families who lost loved ones amongst us in 2007. We pray, the Lord would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss and recuperate to face the year ahead. We should be encouraged to always act as a community.

Again, we wish all Ogonis, supporters of our struggle and students, Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2008. Ogoni cannot survive without you. Remember Ogoni! Get involved in the peoples’ struggle for the survival of Ogoni today!

God be with you and “Let the Struggle Continue” until justice for Ogoni is attained.

KORNEBARI NWIKE

PRESIDENT