The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey has reiterated the agency’s commitment to executing projects and activities in line with the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
Zabbey who stated this in his New Year message informed that they were making steady progress toward achieving their project goals.
He maintained that HYPREP remained dedicated to executing all its projects and activities in line with the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland and the provisions outlined in the 2016 Official Gazette that established it.
“The Project Coordination Office of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) remains dedicated to executing all its projects and activities in line with the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland and the provisions outlined in the 2016 Official Gazette that established HYPREP.
“We are making steady progress toward achieving our project goals through dedicated hydrocarbon remediation efforts, a robust monitoring framework for transparency, expanded awareness campaigns, and impactful livelihood programs for Ogoniland communities.
“With a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, we aim to foster trust and collaboration, essential for shared success”, he said.
The Project Coordinator also used the opportunity to convey his best wishes on behalf of the management and staff of HYPREP warmly welcomed all project stakeholders and the public to 2025.
“As we embark on this new year with renewed hope and determination, I extend sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for his invaluable guidance”, he said.
Zabbey expressed his gratitude to the Ogoni community for embracing and supporting the project. He also thanked the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, members of the Governing Council, the Chairman and Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund, the Shell Petroleum Development Company and other JV partners, regulators, security agencies, the media, and all stakeholders for their steadfast commitment and collaboration throughout 2024.
He further said, “we are confident that these new projects will create additional jobs and enhance the capacity of Ogoni youth and women through well-thought-out recruitment training and hands-on learning. We shall also thoroughly characterize the high-risk, complex sites leading to remediation execution.
“Correspondingly, we will conduct a carbon stock assessment of mangrove restoration shorelines, commence the RAMSAR accreditation of Ogoni mangroves, intensify the off-site research on the West African bloody cockle spat production, and conduct field stocking trials to boost local livelihoods, among other earmarked projects and activities”.
He noted that achieving the 2025 goals of the Ogoni Cleanup required strong visibility, linkages, and partnership.
“We shall continue to communicate lessons learned, seek your input, and process our data to knowledge products to advance the knowledge and practice of hydrocarbon remediation.
“As we forge into 2025, let us remain united and committed to achieving HYPREP’s mandate. Sustained support, peace, and unity among stakeholders and communities will enable us to overcome challenges and achieve milestones that benefit the environment and the people”, he said.
