The Bodo Mediation Initiative (BMI) sensitized the Bodo community members on the second phase of the oil spill clean-up and remediation project which mobilization process commenced on the 22^nd of July 2019.

BMI through the Bodo Contact Committee (BCC) organized a sensitization exercise from the 22^nd to 28^th July 2019 to herald the commencement of phase two of the Bodo creek clean-up project and solicit community-level support for the execution of the project. The Paramount Ruler of Bodo, HRH King John B. Berebon, Deputy Paramount Ruler (Labon), Chief Monday Koottee and members of the Bodo Council of Chiefs were present at the grand finale of the week-long event held at the community town square on 28 July 2019. Other notable personalities from the community including Prof Ben Naanen, the Executive Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area Hon. Paul Vidag Kobani were also present at the event. The BMI Chairman Inemo Samiama, Project Directorate led by Erich Gundlach (Project Director) and SPDC representatives, also witnessed the event.

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The BMI Chairman, Mr. Inemo Samiama, in his speech highlighted some of the benefits of the Bodo clean-up project to the Bodo community which include but not limited to; “clean-up and remediation of the Bodo creek to international standard, training and deployment of 800 youths from Bodo community for the Bodo cleanup project, $7million goodwill fund for developmental projects in the community”. He also stated that one of the four contractors for the second phase of the cleanup is from the Bodo community and will be working with international technical partners on the project. The Chairman further informed the community members that sub-contracts were also set aside for indigenous contractors from the Bodo community.

The Paramount Ruler H.R.H King John B. Berebon, in his remark advised the community youths to endeavor to work hard during this phase as it would come with a lot of benefits to both individuals and the community at large. He also emphasized the need for all to work for the maintenance of peace and security in the community.

The second phase of the Bodo Cleanup project is targeted to last for a period of eighteen months, during which time, the oil impacted areas would have been cleaned up to support the rejuvenation of the eco-system.  Mangrove re-vegetation will commence about three months after the start of remediation which will start from areas earmarked for early replanting due to near-zero contamination profile.

From R-L: The Paramount Ruler H.R.H King John B. Berebon, and Labon Bodo Chief Monday Koottee 

Cross section of BMI directorate and SPDC representatives during the community sensitization

The Paramount Ruler H.R.H King John V. Berebon addressing community members

Bodo Cummunity members actively listening during the community sensitization 

About BMI

In 2013 the former Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Bert Ronhaar, took a personal interest in the Bodo case and he sought to assist in bringing about the clean-up, remediation, and restoration of oil impacted sites in Bodo. His consultation with the Nigerian government, SPDC, and the Bodo community led to the establishment of the Bodo Mediation Initiative (BMI) which was set up to oversee and mediate throughout the clean-up project.

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For more information on the phase 2 Bodo Clean-up/Mediation Initiative. Please contact:

Email: bmicommunications2@gmail.com  | Twitter: @BMI_BodoCleanup |  Facebook: BMI Bodo Cleanup