Sep 12, 2007

Ogoni: Anita Roddick Remembered


Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop and long-time Ogoni activist, especially on the case of Ken Saro-Wiwa, is remembered by Ledum Mitee on behalf of the Ogoni people.

Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop and long-time Ogoni activist, especially on the case of Ken Saro-Wiwa, is remembered by Ledum Mitee on behalf of the Ogoni people.

Below is a statement published by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People:

In memory of  Anita Roddick

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People on behalf of the Ogoni people has expressed its deep shock and regret at the passing of Anita Roddick, the international human rights campaigner who founded The Body Shop.

Our sympathies go to her husband Gordon and the family for the very sad loss to the family and mankind. Whilst we commiserate with the family at this time of grave loss, it is our hope that her family and others whose fate have been touched positively by this heroine of the oppressed will continue to draw inspiration from and be consoled by her life.

 “Anita championed the Ogoni cause in the early 1990s well before issues in the Niger delta became prominent or fashionable. She stood with us during the devastating period in 1995 and has remained an interested supporter of the Ogoni cause and the cause for justice ever since,” said Ledum Mitee in Abuja today

“We hope that her family appreciates that there are thousands of Ogoni people thinking of them at this time. We shall remain indebted to her and her husband, Gordon, as their campaigns have left a mark internationally and in this country,”

“It was her interest in minority groups and environmental rights that brought her into contact with MOSOP and her contribution over the years to improving the responsibility of companies has been invaluable,”

“As a mark of respect to one of the world’s greatest supporter for justice, the Ogonis will soon announce a day of national mourning as well as mount appropriate memorial events in this country whilst we make arrangements to be adequately represented at her funeral,”

Signed

Bari ara Kpalap, Information Officer


Click here for UNPO statement