In a stirring call for transformative leadership rooted in merit, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has urged the people of Ogoniland—and Nigeria at large—to reject mediocrity and embrace a culture where hard work, integrity, and excellence determine success, not privilege or connections.
The former Senator, who represented Rivers South-East in Nigeria’s 7th National Assembly, made the charge during a weekend visit to his Abuja residence by a delegation from the Abuja chapter of Ogoni Beyond Oil and Politics (OBOP), led by traditional ruler and academic administrator, His Royal Highness Mene Kadilo Kabari.
Senator Abe declared that building a progressive and equitable Ogoni society requires investing in human capital through a framework that rewards merit over mediocrity.
“Let us build an Ogoni where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” Abe said, in what many described as the defining quote of the day.
He added: “We need a society where advancement is based on hard work, dedication, and proven excellence—not on family ties or privileged connections.”
According to him, the chronic underdevelopment of Ogoniland can only be reversed by breaking the cycle of favoritism and investing in capacity-building efforts that prioritise character and competence. Abe drew inspiration from Nigeria’s post-independence leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, noting that both men laid down enduring legacies by prioritising education and human development.
“The South-West owes much of its socio-economic edge today to Awolowo’s commitment to education and development. In the same vein, Azikiwe’s passion for excellence gave the South-East the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which continues to produce global intellectuals,” he stated.
He also paid tribute to late Ogoni icons—Chief Edward Kobani, A.T. Badey, and Ken Saro-Wiwa—urging today’s leaders to walk in their footsteps by promoting values that transcend tribe, politics, and personal ambition.
Throughout his remarks, Abe made clear that his passion for empowering others has never been driven by political gain but by a personal conviction and spiritual accountability.
“We must invest in our people, not for applause, but because God rewards every good work,” he said.
The OBOP delegation praised Abe for living out the very ideals he preached. HRH Mene Kabari described him as “a beacon of meritocracy and selfless leadership,” noting that many in the delegation had benefitted directly from Abe’s interventions over the years.
“Senator Abe stands out for promoting merit over mediocrity, capacity over sycophancy, and selflessness over bigotry. Many of us seated here today are direct beneficiaries of his interventions,” Kabari said.
He cited the rise of Engr. Ziganu Laka, now a senior staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), as one among many young professionals whose careers were launched through Abe’s mentorship and support.
Others, including Mr. Ayiabari Kigbara (Nigeria Communications Commission), Dr. Rogers Kanee (Clinton Health Access Initiative), and Mr. Ndume Green (CEO, Capital/Ogoni TV), shared personal testimonies of how Abe’s advocacy and mentoring had shaped their professional journeys.
Dr. Kanee noted, “His (Abe’s) legacy is visible in the lives of so many young people. Abe gave us hope, and more importantly, opportunity.”
Also present were Mr. Monday Ubulom (NNPC), Engr. Ziganu Laka, and Mr. Precious Monmon, former president of the National Union of Rivers State Students—all of whom echoed the need for leadership that prioritises excellence and youth empowerment.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment by OBOP to intensify its campaign for a values-based society—where merit is celebrated, and human capital development remains central to policy and leadership decisions in Ogoniland and beyond.
