Thirty-two years after the Giokoo incident that claimed the lives of several Ogoni leaders, the family of the late Albert Badey has announced plans to establish a leadership development centre in his honour.
A statement signed by Blessing Wikina,
Chairman, Media Sub-Committee of the Organising Committee and made available to The Atlantic Bell stated that the facility, to be known as the Albert Badey Centre for Development (ABCD), will be formally unveiled as part of activities marking the posthumous 90th birthday of the late Ogoni statesman.
Speaking in Port Harcourt at the weekend while briefing the Central Planning Committee for the celebration, his son, Suage Badey, said the family decided to immortalise their father by promoting leadership and development.
According to him, “If my father were alive today, he would have been 90 years old this month. We will not grieve forever; we will not mourn forever. Therefore, we want to build something in society in his memory and honour.”
Suage described the late A.T. Badey, as he was popularly called, as a committed pro-development leader who served Ogoniland and Rivers State with dedication and selflessness.
Badey was among the Ogoni leaders killed during the Giokoo Incident at the height of the Ogoni crisis in 1994.
During his career in the state civil service, he held several key positions, including Permanent Secretary, Head of Service, Secretary to the State Government and Commissioner under different administrations. He also served in various ministries, departments and agencies.
He was widely credited with facilitating development projects in Ogoniland, including influencing the establishment of the first Rivers State Polytechnic at the former Regina Caeli Teachers Training College campus, now known as Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic.
The Central Planning Committee for the anniversary events is chaired by retired Permanent Secretary John Nally, and comprises prominent public officials from across the state who served alongside the late Badey. The committee has already held its inaugural meeting in Port Harcourt.
The unveiling of the leadership centre is expected to form a key highlight of the commemorative activities planned by the family.
