Power Changes Hands in KAGOTE as Lesi Maol Emerges New President

January 22, 2026 John Mgbeton

The apex Ogoni socio-cultural organization, KAGOTE (a coinage of initials from Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme) has a new leadership team led by Lesi Maol, who has been elected as its President-General.

The election, which took place at the weekend in Gwara, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, brings to an end the administration of Emmanuel Deeyah.

Maol is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Giolee Global Resources Limited, while his predecessor is currently the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme (HYPREP).

**Chief Executive Officer, Giolee Global Resources Limited**, **Lewis Maol**

Other officials elected alongside Maol include Baride Gwezia (Tai), 1st Vice President; Rear Admiral Nicolas Bakpo (Khana), 2nd Vice President; and Osaroepie Nana (Eleme), 3rd Vice President.

Others are Oboba Obaa, Secretary; Eric Nwibani, Treasurer; His Royal Highness, Kadilo Kabari, Welfare Officer; Jacobson Nbina, Financial Secretary; Menele Nzidee, Publicity Secretary; and Aaron Mimi, Legal Adviser.

Under the new leadership the socio-cultural organization has reiterated commitment to reposition the education sector in Ogoniland, thereby ensuring quality education.

The new President General disclosed that the group has set up a committee to immediately create a standard by taking inventory of all the primary schools in Ogoniland and the population of students for proper documentation and accountability.