The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, has expressed interest in exploring partnership opportunities with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

During a visit to the HYPREP Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ryan highlighted the potential for collaboration in areas such as research, education, and business.

Ryan mentioned that Ireland is keen on partnering with HYPREP in the research and educational sector, particularly through the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER).

This partnership could enhance the project’s impact and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for environmental remediation.

The ambassador also emphasised the potential for business collaboration between Ireland and HYPREP, noting that two Irish companies are already working on the project, and expressed excitement about the potential for future partnerships.

Ryan stressed that any partnership between Ireland and HYPREP would be mutually beneficial, allowing both parties to share expertise and best practices.

He said that the partnership would contribute to the success of the Ogoni cleanup project and benefit the people of Ogoniland.

Responding, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, expressed delight about the visit and the opportunity to inform him about ongoing and completed projects including the Centre of Excellence, shoreline and land remediation, potable water supply, construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and Buan Cottage Hospital, mangrove restoration, alternative livelihood, Ogoni Power Project, human capacity development, among others.

Professor Zabbey said the visit will further motivate the team, stating that it is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 17 — Partnership for Development.

The PC informed that HYPREP will this year, in compliance with the Presidential Directive on National Food Security, be carrying out phytoremediation, biotechnology research, and agro-based training for Ogoni youths and women as part of its efforts to contribute to food security in the region.

In addition, he mentioned that the project has commenced a feasibility study for the establishment of an agro-hub that will create green jobs in the area.

According to the PC, the visit provides a vista of opportunities to collaborate with institutions in Ireland, adding value to the project and contributing to the successes recorded, especially in building community resilience through the mangrove restoration project in mitigating the impact of climate change in the region.

Prof. Zabbey maintained that HYPREP’s projects and programmes prioritise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through Priority 3, Deliverable 3, stating that the project is excited to be carriers of hope for the Ogoni people, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria in general.

It is therefore not surprising that a project with a three-trunk appeal — local, national, and international — is attracting stakeholders across the geographical divide to Ogoni.