In a significant milestone for the Ogoni cleanup initiative, the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP) has inaugurated new water facilities and training programs in the Bomu and Kporghor communities in Gokana local government area of Rivers State.
The project coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, while reaffirming his commitment to the effective and timely execution of the Ogoni Cleanup , stated that the commissioning of the Bomu and Kporghor water facilities marks a major step forward in the nation’s efforts to implement the UNEP Report on Ogoniland recommendations.
He said the event reflects the renewed vigour in accelerating the Ogoni cleanup in alignment with Priority 3, Deliverable 3 of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
“This agenda underscores environmental sustainability and community empowerment as critical pillars for sustainable development, and HYPREP is proud to contribute to this national goal,” he stated.
He also highlighted that access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right and urged communities to protect these facilities for common use.
Beyond providing potable water, Professor Zabbey also reported advancements in land and shoreline remediation, with several contaminated sites rehabilitated across Ogoniland.
He further disclosed the nearing completion of training for 5,000 Ogoni youths and women in 20 skill areas, with the minister of environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, approving the provision of skill-specific starter packs to trainees.
In addition to that, Professor Zabby emphasised that healthcare facilities are also being strengthened in the four local government areas of Ogoniland, adding that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) is now 60.8 per cent complete, while the construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital is progressing, and the Buan Cottage Hospital has been roofed.
