The Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey has urged beneficiaries of its sustainable livelihood training to utilize the skills acquired to transform Ogoni land into a hub of economic activities.
Zabbey stated this while speaking at a symbolic event to commence the issuance of starter packs and kits across training centres.
He noted that the restoration of the livelihood of Ogoni communities was integral to HYPREP’s mandate, adding that aside the training, the Project had created thousands of direct and indirect jobs through its sundry projects dotted around Ogoni.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills and kits to benefit their families and communities, seeing it as an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods, uplift communities and meaningfully contribute to the nation’s economy.
”By embracing this opportunity, you can transform Ogoni into a hub of diverse economic activity, fostering development and collective prosperity. You must see it as such and refrain from selling the items given to you.
”The success of HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood initiatives and the remediation project depends on your ownership and active participation in the Project”, he said.
The Project Coordinator maintained that HYPREP remained committed to building community confidence and trust on the Project by keep to promises made and assured that no one is left behind in its activities including the underserved communities.
He hinted that the Project was upscaling its training stream to demand-driven skill areas in the next phase of its livelihood training. This will include training in full-stack development, GIS and remote sensing, cybersecurity, rope access, commercial diving/underwater welding, mud-logging mechatronics and agric-skill enhancement.
Consequently, Zabbey disclosed that the Project would launch the OGONI PEACE AWARD next year in line with its peace building mandate, explaining that the initiative is aimed at recognizing and rewarding deserving Ogoni communities, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and individuals demonstrating exemplary peacebuilding and environmental stewardship across Ogoni.
He commended the Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP Governing Council, Mallam Balarabe Lawal and members of the Council for graciously approving the purchase and distribution of the starter packs.
He also commended the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees of Ogoni Trust Fund, Shell Petroleum Development Company, the JV partners, community leaders, youth, women, trainers, Civil Society Organisations, security formations, and the media for their support in ensuring the success of the Project.
On her part, the Head, Sustainable Livelihood, Mrs Josephine Nzidee who recounted the journey so far, expressed delight with the issuance of starter kits to trainees indicating a successful end of the training in 20 skill sets.
Meanwhile, HRM King (Dr) T.Y Suanu Baridam, Gbenemene of Ancient Bangha Kingdom and Spokesperson of the Central Representative Advisory Committee (CRAC) called for continuous community support for the Project.
