Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has affirmed that women will form 45 per cent of the workforce in the next round of projects in Ogoni.
The move, according to a statement by HYPREP, is aimed at further bridging the gap for women and the underserved communities, including Ogoni persons living with disabilities in the Project..
Zabbey, while receiving Dr Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development- Centre-LSD and some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Project Coordination Office in Port Harcourt, said HYPREP has increased women’s participation from five per cent to 45 per cent.
He added that persons living with disabilities now have more stake in the project as members will be undergoing training in five vocational skill sets including Fish farming, Basic computer, Photography, Fashion and Design and Shoe making.
He noted that this followed a Needs Assessment earlier conducted with its members.
The project coordinator informed the visitors that the project prioritises transparency, accountability and robust community and stakeholders engagement and welcomes useful feedback that will enhance the project, noting that the visit would boost the vigour of HYPREP’s remediation effort and livelihood restoration in Ogoni.
He reiterated the project’s commitment to implementing all the recommendations of the UN Environment Programme tagged in post Report on Ogoni.
Hespecifically noted the provision of potable water, disclosing that the project has completed another five water projects in Eteo, Taabaa, Uegwere-Boue, Bodo, and Bane, which will be commissioned this August..
He, however, appealed to civil society groups to support the Project by developing programmes around it in advocacy and sensitisation.
He pointed out that the project is partnering with local and international universities, institutions, communities and regulators to ensure it delivers a sustainable cleanup programme in Ogoni.
Earlier in his address, Dr Otive said the advocacy visit was a call for a renewed commitment, collective responsibility, and accountable action to accelerate and transparently clean up Ogoni, the Niger Delta, and revitalise the ecosystem..
Pledging its readiness to partner with HYPREP through advocacy, monitoring and mobilisation, the group is optimistic that more results will be achieved in the Ogoni cleanup with such collaboration.
In attendance were Comrade Celestine Akpobari, Legborsi Saro Pygbara, former members of HYPREP Governing Council, Kentebe Ebirador(ERA), Nelly Umoren, Charity Laku Saue(CEHRD), Chief Magnus Edoh, among others.
