#Ken Saro-Wiwa

[gregor-samsung]

" Penso di aver già visto prima quel tipo da qualche parte. Sono proprio sicuro di aver già incontrato da qualche parte quel soldato. Oh Dio, e dove mai l’ho incontrato prima, quel soldato? Quel tipo alto con la bocca piena di denti. E dove l’ho già visto? Chiesi a Pallottola se lui lo avesse mai visto prima. Mi rispose che non l’aveva mai incontrato, dai tempi di Adamo a tutt’oggi. Così gli chiesi perché mai era venuto da noi. E perché poi ci ha portato da bere? Ed è forse proprio vero che quel tipo è quello che chiamano il nemico? «Oh, sì. Quel tipo lì è il nemico», replicò Pallottola. «Senti bene, Sozaboy, noi siamo sul fronte di guerra, okay. E sul fronte di guerra ci trovi tutti i tipi di persone. Ubriaconi, ladri, idioti, saggi e pazzi. C’è soltanto una cosa che li unisce tutti. La morte. E ogni giorno in più che riescono a vivere, si stanno prendendo gioco della morte. Quell’uomo è venuto qui per festeggiare questo fatto.» «Pallottola», dissi, «ti prego, non usare tutti questi paroloni con me. Ti prego. Cerca di dirmi una cosa che posso capire. E non perder le staffe perché ti chiedo questa piccolezza.» «No, non perdo mica le staffe», replicò Pallottola dopo un po’. «Non mi arrabbio per niente. Quello che sto dicendo è che tutti noi possiamo morire da un momento all’altro. In qualsiasi momento. Così, finché siamo vivi dobbiamo farci una bevuta. Perché, come già sai, l’uomo deve vivere.» Questo Pallottola è proprio uno sveglio. L’uomo deve vivere. Mi piace ’sta storia. L’uomo deve vivere. "

Ken Saro-Wiwa, Sozaboy. Il bambino soldato, traduzione di Roberto Piangatelli, a cura di Itala Vivan, Baldini Castoldi Dalai editore, 2009²; pp. 142-143.

[Edizione originale: Sozaboy: A Novel in Rotten English, Saros International Publishers, 1985]

[whenmemorydies]

Nneka - Soul Is Heavy

Loved this song so much when it came out. Nneka speaking to truth to power about Nigeria’s history, ongoing extraction of the country’s resources and destruction of its environment by multinationals like Shell.

[thehistoryclass]

Ken Saro-Wiwa: The Ogoni Activist Who Was Hanged for Standing Up to Oil Giants 🇳🇬

Ken Saro-Wiwa: The Ogoni Activist Who Was Hanged for Standing Up to Oil Giants 🇳🇬

This is the story of the Ogoni people, the insatiable greed of big oil, and the man who dared to defy the forces that threatened his homeland’s very existence. This is the Ken Saro-Wiwa story—an enduring saga of resilience in the face of corporate juggernauts and government betrayal. Chapter 1: Oil and the Ogoni Lands Of all the casualties of the unholy post-war alliance between the Nigerian…

[intotheclash]

Non è il tetto che sgocciola Né le zanzare che ronzano Né la cella sordida, umida Non è la serratura che scatta Quando il secondino ti rinchiude Non è la razione miserabile Indegna di bestia o uomo Nemmeno il vuoto del giorno Che affonda nel nulla della notte Non è Non è Non è. È la bugia martellataci Nelle orecchie da generazioni È la furia omicida della gente Che esegue duri ordini disastrosi In cambio di un pasto schifoso al giorno Il magistrato che registra agli atti Una condanna che sa immeritata La rovina morale L’insipienza mentale La carne dei dittatori Codardia vestita da obbedienza In agguato nelle nostre anime denigrate È la paura che inzuppa i calzoni Che non osiamo lavare È questo È questo È questo Caro amico, che trasforma il nostro mondo Libero In una squallida prigione. Ken Saro Wiwa - La vera prigione

[afrotumble]

These letters and poems are invaluable fragments of a living conversation that portrays the indomitable power in humans to stay alive in the face of certain death – to stay alive even in death.

Reading through the treasure trove of the letters and poems compiled here as The Last Writings of Ken Saro-Wiwa evokes intense memories of his resolute struggles against an oil behemoth and a deaf autocratic government. His crusade frames one of the most tumultuous periods of Nigeria’s history; his tragic story evokes anger and demands action to resolve the crises that first led the Ogoni people to demand that Shell clean up Ogoni lands or clear out of the territory.

[gerbie7]

Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer - Ogoniland

De Nederlandse schrijver woont al een tijdje in Genua, maar politiek is zijn interesse nog steeds groot. Niet alleen over Nederland of Italië, soms gaat het ook wat verder. Kent u Ken Saro Wiwa (Wikipedia)nog? Themaweek 149: Week van de poëzie

[infostylerave]

Special Ritual of November 10 In Honor of Ken Saro-Wiwa

On November 10, 1995, Ken Saro Wiwa was killed by hanging by the Nigerian government Since then, on the eve of his death, a candlelight

[teck-zilla]

Gangster! Fela Anikolapo kuti is gangster Gangster! Ken Saro wiwa is gangster Gangster! Dele Giwa is gangster What kind of man you kill with a letter bomb if Not a gangster

‘Enter The Double Dragon II’ by rapper Psalmurai and producer/dj Teck-Zilla is a 7 track project that fuses profound songwriting and deft lyrical display over hard-hitting soulful beats. It's a beautiful blend of martial arts flicks, comics, pop culture and hip-hop.

Out on All DSPs here: https://lnk.to/ETDD2

[lboogie1906]

Kenule Beeson “Ken” Saro-Wiwa (October 10, 1941 – November 10, 1995) was a Nigerian writer, television producer, environmental activist, and winner of the Right Livelihood Award for “exemplary courage in striving non-violently for civil, economic, and environmental rights” and the Goldman Environmental Prize. He was a member of the Ogoni people, an ethnic minority in Nigeria whose homeland, Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta, has been targeted for crude oil extraction since the 1950s and which has suffered extreme environmental damage from decades of indiscriminate petroleum waste dumping. Initially as spokesperson, and then as president, of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People led a nonviolent campaign against environmental degradation of the land and waters of Ogoniland by the operations of the multinational petroleum industry, especially the Royal Dutch Shell company. He was an outspoken critic of the Nigerian government, which he viewed as reluctant to enforce environmental regulations on the foreign petroleum companies operating in the area.

At the peak of his non-violent campaign, he was tried by a special military tribunal for allegedly masterminding the gruesome murder of Ogoni chiefs at a pro-government meeting, and hanged by the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha. His execution provoked international outrage and resulted in Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations for over three years. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[azspot]

The powerful and the rich make war on the prophet. They slander and insult the prophet. They question the prophet’s sanity and motives. They make it hard for the prophet to survive removing the prophet’s meager source of income. They punish and marginalize those who stand with the prophet. They silence the prophet’s voice, through censorship, imprisonment and often murder. The list of martyred prophets is long. Socrates. Joan of Arc. Isaac Babel. Federico García Lorca. Miklós Radnóti. Irène Némirovsky. Malcolm X. Martin Luther King Jr. Victor Jara. Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Chris Hedges

[t4t4t]

Do yall know the name Ken Saro-Wiwa

i feel like the boeing whistleblower case should radicalize more people. a major airline company is producing planes with less and less regard for safety and it's starting to get noticeable. man takes them to court, which would reduce profit at the cost of public safety. he fucking dies the night that boeings legal team asks him to stay an extra day. if nothing happens about this, i hope it gets through to people that america would literally kill you for a few extra cents

[investorocean0007]

कैसे एक कंपनी ने पूरा देश बर्बाद कर दिया - How One Company Destroyed an Entire Country

Shell and Environmental Destruction in Nigeria: A Crisis of Corporate Responsibility

The activities of Shell, one of the largest multinational oil companies, have had a profound impact on Nigeria, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. While Shell's operations have contributed to Nigeria's economic growth, they have also resulted in significant environmental degradation, human rights violations, and socio-economic challenges. This essay examines how Shell's activities have affected Nigeria, the controversies surrounding its operations, and the ongoing efforts for accountability and remediation.

The Role of Shell in Nigeria

Shell began operating in Nigeria in 1937, and by the 1950s, it had discovered large oil reserves in the Niger Delta. Over the years, Shell has become a major player in Nigeria's oil industry, accounting for a significant portion of the country's crude oil production. Nigeria, in turn, became one of the world's largest oil exporters, with petroleum contributing over 90% of its export earnings.

While oil revenues have boosted Nigeria's economy, the Niger Delta communities, where much of the extraction occurs, have borne the brunt of the environmental and social costs.

Environmental Degradation

Oil Spills Shell’s operations have led to countless oil spills, resulting in widespread contamination of water, soil, and vegetation. The Niger Delta, once known for its rich biodiversity, has seen rivers polluted and farmlands rendered barren. These spills, often caused by pipeline corrosion, equipment failure, or sabotage, have devastated local ecosystems and livelihoods.

Gas Flaring Another major environmental concern is gas flaring, the burning of natural gas associated with oil extraction. Shell and other oil companies have flared gas in the Niger Delta for decades, releasing toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. This has led to respiratory problems, acid rain, and significant contributions to global warming.

Loss of Biodiversity The destruction of mangroves, wetlands, and other natural habitats has severely impacted wildlife and aquatic species in the Niger Delta. The ecological balance of the region has been disrupted, with long-term consequences for both the environment and the local communities.

Social and Economic Impact

Impact on Livelihoods The environmental damage caused by Shell’s operations has devastated agriculture and fishing, the primary sources of livelihood for Niger Delta communities. Contaminated water bodies and degraded land have made it nearly impossible for residents to sustain themselves.

Health Problems Exposure to toxic substances from oil spills, gas flaring, and contaminated drinking water has led to a rise in health issues, including cancer, respiratory diseases, and birth defects.

Human Rights Violations Shell has been accused of complicity in human rights abuses in Nigeria, particularly during the 1990s. The company allegedly collaborated with the Nigerian military to suppress opposition from local activists, most notably in the case of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995 after protesting against Shell’s environmental practices.

Controversies and Legal Battles

Shell's operations in Nigeria have sparked widespread criticism and legal action:

Local Protests Communities in the Niger Delta have protested Shell’s activities for decades, demanding environmental cleanup, compensation for damages, and an end to exploitation. These protests have often been met with violent crackdowns, leading to further unrest.

Lawsuits Shell has faced numerous lawsuits both in Nigeria and internationally. In 2021, a Dutch court ordered Shell to pay compensation to Nigerian farmers for oil spills, setting a precedent for holding multinational corporations accountable for their actions abroad.

Corporate Accountability Despite public commitments to sustainability, Shell has been criticized for its lack of meaningful action to address the environmental and social harm caused by its operations.

Efforts for Remediation

Cleanup Initiatives Efforts like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland have highlighted the need for large-scale environmental remediation. While Shell has pledged to support cleanup efforts, progress has been slow and inadequate.

Community Empowerment Civil society organizations and grassroots movements continue to advocate for justice, empowering communities to demand fair treatment and sustainable development.

Transition to Renewables As the world moves towards renewable energy, there is growing pressure on Shell and other oil companies to transition away from fossil fuels and invest in cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.

The Path Forward

To address the crisis in Nigeria, several steps are essential:

Enforcing Regulations: The Nigerian government must enforce stricter environmental and operational standards for oil companies.

Corporate Responsibility: Shell must take full responsibility for its environmental and social impact, ensuring proper cleanup, fair compensation, and investment in sustainable development.

Empowering Local Communities: Empowering Niger Delta communities through education, job creation, and infrastructure development can help mitigate the socio-economic impact of oil extraction.

Global Advocacy: International pressure on corporations and governments can play a crucial role in holding them accountable for environmental and human rights abuses.

Conclusion

Shell’s operations in Nigeria highlight the dark side of resource extraction, where profits come at the expense of the environment and local communities. While the economic benefits of oil are undeniable, they cannot justify the widespread destruction and suffering caused by decades of negligence and exploitation. Moving forward, Shell must embrace greater accountability and sustainability, working alongside the Nigerian government and local communities to rebuild what has been lost. Only through collective action can the Niger Delta hope to heal from the scars of environmental destruction and corporate irresponsibility.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 11.10 (after 1950)

1951 – With the rollout of the North American Numbering Plan, direct-dial coast-to-coast telephone service begins in the United States. 1954 – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicates the USMC War Memorial (Iwo Jima memorial) in Arlington Ridge Park in Arlington County, Virginia. 1958 – The Hope Diamond is donated to the Smithsonian Institution by New York diamond merchant Harry Winston. 1969 – National Educational Television (the predecessor to the Public Broadcasting Service) in the United States debuts Sesame Street. 1970 – Vietnam War: Vietnamization: For the first time in five years, an entire week ends with no reports of American combat fatalities in Southeast Asia. 1970 – Luna 17: uncrewed space mission launched by the Soviet Union. 1971 – In Cambodia, Khmer Rouge forces attack the city of Phnom Penh and its airport, killing 44, wounding at least 30 and damaging nine aircraft. 1971 – A Merpati Nusantara Airlines Vickers Viscount crashes into the Indian Ocean near Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, killing all 69 people on board. 1972 – Southern Airways Flight 49 from Birmingham, Alabama is hijacked and, at one point, is threatened with crashing into the nuclear installation at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After two days, the plane lands in Havana, Cuba, where the hijackers are jailed by Fidel Castro. 1975 – The 729-foot-long freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sinks during a storm on Lake Superior, killing all 29 crew on board. 1975 – Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the United Nations General Assembly passes Resolution 3379, determining that Zionism is a form of racism. 1979 – A 106-car Canadian Pacific freight train carrying explosive and poisonous chemicals from Windsor, Ontario, Canada derails in Mississauga, Ontario. 1983 – Bill Gates introduces Windows 1.0. 1985 – A Dassault Falcon 50 and a Piper PA-28 Cherokee collide in mid-air over Fairview, New Jersey, killing six people and injuring eight. 1989 – Longtime Bulgarian leader Todor Zhivkov is removed from office and replaced by Petar Mladenov. 1989 – Germans begin to tear down the Berlin Wall. 1995 – In Nigeria, playwright and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, along with eight others from the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (Mosop), are hanged by government forces. 1997 – WorldCom and MCI Communications announce a $37 billion merger (the largest merger in US history at the time). 1999 – World Anti-Doping Agency is formed in Lausanne. 2002 – Veteran's Day Weekend Tornado Outbreak: A tornado outbreak stretching from Northern Ohio to the Gulf Coast, one of the largest outbreaks recorded in November. 2006 – Sri Lankan Tamil politician Nadarajah Raviraj is assassinated in Colombo. 2006 – The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia is opened and dedicated by U.S. President George W. Bush, who announces that Marine Corporal Jason Dunham will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. 2008 – Over five months after landing on Mars, NASA declares the Phoenix mission concluded after communications with the lander were lost. 2009 – Ships of the South and North Korean navies skirmish off Daecheong Island in the Yellow Sea. 2019 – President of Bolivia Evo Morales and several of his government resign after 19 days of civil protests and a recommendation from the military. 2020 – Armenia and Azerbaijan sign a ceasefire agreement, ending the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, and prompting protests in Armenia.

[afrotumble]

Ken Saro-Wiwa. Writer. Activist. TV Personality. Freedom Fighter. Nigeria.

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade Former Local Government Chairman sent to Prison custody over alleged murder A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has remanded a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Sunny Bekanwa, on alleged sponsorship of cultists that led to the murder of two prominent sons of Ogoni in the area. According to the remand warrant sighted, the accused was alleged to have sponsored cultists that led to the murder of Lucky Keena and Deeyaa Dunsara in Khana Local Government Area, an offence which some individuals are already standing trial at the state High Court. When the matter came up for plea, Prosecution Counsel, Godday Amadi, informed the court of a Remand Proceeding against Sunny Bekanwa, who is also a lecturer at Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic, which he said is arising from the charge of murder, cultism and sponsorship of cult activities. Amadi, however, asked the court to remand the suspect to Port Harcourt Correctional Facility sighting Section 302 of Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Rivers State to enable him amend his charges at the state High Court to include other defendants standing trial for the same offence. The Chief Magistrate, Nnenda Obiageri-Onugbum, after listening to the prosecution and defence counsel, Emmanuel George, who requested for bail of his client, ordered that the accused be remanded in Port Harcourt Correctional Centre and adjourned till December 1, 2023, for proper arraignment and possible bail consideration. Counsel for Nigeria Police, Godday Amadi, in an interview with newsmen, explained more about what is contained in the charges and his reasons for refusing bail application of the accused. On his part, Emmanuel George, who is counsel for the accused, explained his reason for applying for bail of his client, but expressed displeasure that bail was not granted for alleged sponsorship of cultist. It was gathered that the court also directed that another accused person, Henry Bariku-Dele, who is also facing counts of cultism, possession of illegal firearms and murder of Lucky Keena and Deeyaa Dunsara should be remanded in Port Harcourt Correctional Facility, following remand warrant presented by prosecution counsel and also adjourned till December 1, 2023.

[dstrachan]

'VIEWS FROM THE EDGE' - w/c 6th November 2023

Sensitize Splore ‘Guy Fawkes’ Night’

The Boy With The Lion Head ‘There Will Be Fireworks’

The Ukrainians ‘Zavtra’

Jesse Rae & Strange Parcels ‘Jacob’s Pillow’ 

Karine Polwart ‘I Burn But I Am Not Consumed’

Beneath The Embers ‘Breaking Down The Walls’

Topwav ‘Ghost Of Ken Saro Wiwa’

Ingrid Chavez ‘Justify My Love (Transubstantiation Mix)’

The Empty Page ‘Dry Ice’

Britney Spears & Madonna ‘Me Against The Music’

Tom O’Driscoll ‘Tenacity’

Vanilla Fudge ‘Ramble On’

Red Velvet Line ‘Distances’

Billie Holiday ‘There Is No Greater Love’

Billie Holiday ‘A Pigfoot & A Bottle Of Beer’

Billie Holiday ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do’

Billie Holiday ‘Good Morning Heartache’

Billie Holiday ‘God Bless The Child’

UB40 ‘Strange Fruit’

Mtume ‘Juicy Fruit’

Juicy Lucy ‘Just One Time’

Splintered Halo ‘The Last Queen Of Scotland’

Splintered Halo ‘Queen Of The Nile’

Milton Nascimento & Lo Borges ‘Um Girassol da Cor de Seu Cabelo’

Stevie Wonder ‘Black Orchid’

Hook ‘Autumn Eyes’

Hook ‘Northerly Westerly’

Sacred Wind ‘Sacred Wind’