Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria — Ogoni leaders, environmental activists, and human rights advocates have renewed calls on the United Nations to declare October 10 as Ken Saro-Wiwa Day, in honour of the late writer, environmentalist, and rights defender executed in 1995.
The appeal was made in a statement obtained by Africa Health Report, (AHR) on Sunday after an event marking Saro-Wiwa’s 84th posthumous birthday held on Friday in Bane, his hometown in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“We renew our appeal for the UN to recognise October 10 as Ken Saro-Wiwa Day to immortalise a man whose vision and sacrifice transcend borders,” the Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation Director-General, Barry Wugale stated.
Wugale recalled that a similar call was made during the 10th anniversary of Saro-Wiwa’s execution in 2005, stressing that global recognition is long overdue.
“Saro-Wiwa believed no Ogoni child should be left behind. His struggle was for truth, peace, and self-determination,” he added.
The call comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu posthumously pardoned the Ogoni Nine, including Saro-Wiwa, and honoured four other victims of the 1995 execution.
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