In line with efforts to improve human capital development in Ogoni, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is offering scholarship to 500 post-graduate students (Masters and PhD) from the region.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey announced this at a sensitisation workshop for the commencement of the 2025 HYPREP POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP GRANT held in Port Harcourt.
Professor Zabbey who stated that the process will be based on fairness, merit and accountability, urged prospective beneficiaries to utilise the grant wisely.
He also urged them to ensure that the grant supports researches and enhance the value of their careers.
”You must run the race to earn it, as this scholarship grant is an investment in the brilliance, research, and aspirations of Ogoni youths, it is designed to promote excellence, support researches, and recognise merit”, he said.
The Project Coordinator reiterated HYPREP’s continuous commitment to investing in young people saying the future of Ogoni lay in their hands.
He added that, through the scholarship programme and other interventions, the Project was working to restore livelihoods, build capacity and ensure the full implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme Report.
Describing the youth as the greatest beneficiaries of HYPREP’s projects and programmes, Professor Zabbey encouraged them to continue to champion the values of peace, education and unity which were essential to secure the future of Ogoni and ensure lasting development.
He called on all Ogonis including the postgraduate students to continue to create a conducive environment, both in person and online, that ensures the goals of HYPREP are fully realised.
”In line with our civic responsibility, we must embrace collaboration and constructive engagement so that the Ogoni Cleanup and all its attendant benefits can reach every corner of Ogoniland-from the seafood market in Kaa (Khana, LGA), to the lush green farmlands of Korokoro (Tai LGA), from the streets of Akpajo (Eleme LGA), to the fisherfolk in Bodo (Gokana LGA), we must act to promote common good.
”All beneficiaries and stakeholders need to understand that processes and procedures form the backbone of HYPREP’s operations. As a Federal government project, we remain committed to adhering to existing rules and regulations. We urge everyone to approach these processes with seriousness and patience.
”I would like to discourage the culture of negative comments, especially when there are perceived delays in processes. Instead, I encourage you to direct your questions through the established channels for public engagement. The Project Coordination Office remains open for enquiries, and we are always ready to guide all stakeholders”, he said.
In his keynote address, Reader, Strategic Management and Enterpreneurship, Department of Business Administration at the Rivers State University, Dr. Sorbarikor Lebura advised the prospective beneficiaries to see the scholarship grant as a seed to be invested in their academic pursuit as intended.
Similarly, Managing Director of Pa-Ed Multilinks Consulting, Mr Edward Baa, reeled out the criteria for eligibility and informed that the portal, accessible on the HYPREP website (www.hyprep.gov.ng) will be opened on Friday 29th August 2025 at 6:00 PM (GMT) and close on 12th September 2025, same time.
The sensitisation workshop had in attendance, postgraduate students across the four Local Government Areas LGAs of Ogoni, AIG Emmanuel Effiom (Rtd.), Chief Security Officer of HYPREP, Mrs Josephine Nzidee, Head, Sustainable Livelihood Engr. Ekiyokenegha Didi Clark and the Project Support Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company/JV.
