The Project Coordination Office of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the Ogoni cleanup reach all categories of Ogoni youth.
The Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, made this known during the third-quarter interactive session with Ogoni youth groups held in Port Harcourt.
Zabbey said HYPREP’s goal is to guarantee that the gains of the cleanup initiative are inclusive, benefiting Ogoni youth engaged in business, farming, advocacy, education, entrepreneurship, and community development.
“This project belongs to all of you, and its success depends mainly on your participation, unity, and constructive engagement,” he stated.
Presenting the progress made so far, Zabbey revealed that HYPREP had recorded major achievements across several thematic areas, particularly in environmental remediation.
According to him, phase one of the mangrove restoration has reached 94% completion, shoreline remediation stands at 67.1%, while phase two of land remediation has progressed to 36.55%.
He further disclosed that 14 completed water facilities have been inaugurated, supplying potable water to 40 Ogoni communities, while two additional facilities are set for commissioning, bringing the total to 45 communities with access to clean and safe drinking water.
Under the Livelihood Programme, Zabbey said more than 7,000 women and youth have benefited from employment opportunities, while over 5,000 have received vocational training and start-up kits.
He added that HYPREP has sustained workshops, education grants, scholarships, and other empowerment initiatives.
He also announced that new training programmes in demand-driven skill areas — including cybersecurity, full-stack development, mud logging, software engineering, commercial diving, and underwater welding — will commence in the current quarter.
Zabbey noted further progress in infrastructure development, including the operationalisation of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Remediation and the ongoing Ogoni Power Project, where wayleave compensation and construction are advancing at Bodo and Wiiyaakara substations. The Ogoni Specialist Hospital is now 76.8% complete, while the Buan Cottage Hospital has reached 98.7% completion.
He reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring that all challenges would be addressed through collaboration with stakeholders.
“HYPREP remains committed to transparency and accountability in implementing all cleanup projects and activities,” Zabbey said. “With your support, we are confident that every challenge will be addressed in the overall public interest.”
