The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has vowed to increase women’s participation in its workforce, aiming for 45 per cent manpower engagement across various sites in Ogoniland.
Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator, made the pledge during a visit by the Ogoni Mothers Union to the HYPREP Office in Port Harcourt.
Zabbey revealed that HYPREP has already created approximately 7,000 direct jobs. To further empower Ogoni youths and women, Zabbey said the project is developing a comprehensive training program in high-demand skills, including commercial diving, underwater welding, tech skills, and full-stack development.
He said: ”We have series of livelihood training that are Oil and Gas related, we are mindful of the fact that Oil Production is moving from Onshore to Offshore and there will be a need for demand-driven skills. We are training One hundred Ogoni Youths and women in Charkin Maritime on Seafaring and We are also training another one hundred Ogoni Youths in Creative Arts in the University of Port Harcourt.”
Zabbey stated that HYPREP will continue to work with women and mothers of Ogoniland to positively change the socioeconomic landscape of Ogoni people.
He explained that a Socioeconomic study Ogoniland is currently being done and the findings of that study will be converted into a blueprint which would drive a policy direction for the cleanup project
”To deepen our collaboration with Ogoni Mothers and other mothers of Ogoniland who are not part of this body, I have asked the Desk Officer on Women and Youths Development to start consultative meeting with Ogoni women. That meeting is strictly for Women, We want to hear from you, what you think we should do and what you think we should improve on,” he said.
Zabbey, who x-rayed the gains of HYPREP, appreciated the women for the timing of their visit which he said will spur him and his team to continue on the positive path they are currently on.
Earlier in her address, the Leader of the delegation and President of Ogoni Mothers Union Chief Precilia Vikue said the visit was to express appreciation for the Project Coordinator’s exceptional leadership which has led to visible progress especially in the equitable siting and completion of projects that have direct bearing in the lives of Ogoni people.
”We proudly acknowledge kry mile stones achieved so far which includes, the Centre for Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the Ogoni Integrated Power Project through International Engagement, Remediation of impacted communities, Mangrove Restoration, Youth skills training and Empowerment. These are just a few i just mentioned.”
Chief Vikue stated that Zabbey’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu is a testament of his capability and integrity, She said Ogoni Mothers are proud of him and urge him to stand firm to ensure that the project come to its full realisation.
The Ogoni Mothers Union President called on Youths who are expressing dissenting opinions to cease such action and stand in unity with the Project. She said for Ogoni to progress all hand must be deck in unity with Hyprep to enable them continue in their developmental projects.
The Ogoni Mothers Union passed a Vote of Confidence on Zabbey and his team and also presented him with gift items in appreciation of his service to Ogoni people.
