The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project has urged youths in Ogoniland, Rivers State, to prioritize peace and unity in order to achieve a brighter future. According to the agency, conflict and division will only hinder the region's progress. During a quarterly interactive session with Ogoni youths in Port Harcourt, the HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasized the importance of peace and sustainable development in the area.
Professor Zabbey stated that the cleanup project is on course and that the meeting was convened to foster peace and drive local development. He noted that environmental restoration and development are intertwined, and that one cannot succeed without the other. The HYPREP boss highlighted various ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Ogoni people, including environmental remediation, livelihood restoration, and provision of potable water.
The HYPREP Project Coordinator listed several projects that are currently underway, including the Ogoni Power Project, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Buan Cottage Hospital, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. These initiatives, he said, share a common goal: to ensure that the Ogoni people and youths live meaningful lives in a clean, peaceful, and prosperous environment.
Professor Zabbey stressed that securing the future of Ogoniland is a shared responsibility between the agency and the youth. He urged the youths to protect the future of their communities by pursuing peace, staying united, and choosing dialogue as the most effective way to address their concerns. The HYPREP boss also encouraged the youths to engage actively with the process and leverage available opportunities.
Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, Project Support Lead and Joint Venture Representative for Renaissance Africa Energy Company, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded under Zabbey's leadership. He noted that life is returning to Ogoniland, citing the good quality projects that have been completed, including the specialist hospital, cottage hospital, and power projects.
Igbinomwanhia, who had inspected some of the projects, stated that he was happy to be part of the journey towards restoring Ogoniland. He commended HYPREP for its efforts in bringing life back to the area. The interactive session was aimed at cementing peace and driving local development in Ogoniland.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project's efforts to engage with Ogoni youths and promote peace and unity have been seen as a step towards achieving sustainable development in the region. The agency's emphasis on peace and environmental restoration is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Ogoni people.
Key points
- HYPREP counsels Ogoni youths on peace and unity
- Agency lists ongoing initiatives to improve lives of Ogoni people
- Project Coordinator stresses shared responsibility between agency and youth
