The Federal Government’s (FG) ongoing Ogoni Cleanup Programme is delivering far-reaching social and economic benefits to communities in Ogoniland, beyond its core environmental restoration goals, the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has said.
Prof. Zabbey stated this while speaking at a two-day capacity-building workshop on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Peacebuilding Techniques for community leaders held in Port Harcourt, says the post shared on the agency Facebook on Tuesday.
He explained that the interventions being implemented under HYPREP are not limited to environmental cleanup but are also designed to rebuild community structures and strengthen local economies.
According to him, the projects are laying the foundation for long-term societal development in Ogoni through improved living standards, infrastructure renewal, and youth empowerment.
He explained that HYPREP’s initiatives, including the provision of potable water, livelihood restoration, healthcare interventions, and the Ogoni Power Project, have significantly impacted the socio-economic well-being of residents.
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“By improving the living conditions in communities and creating new opportunities for young people, HYPREP is reducing the social pressure that often fuels conflict,” he noted.
According to him, the Cleanup Project goes beyond environmental restoration. It embodies a broader vision of rebuilding the social and economic life of the Ogoni people.
“HYPREP is actively promoting ADR alongside other mechanisms across its project sites and other areas of operation aimed at fostering unity, fairness, mutual respect and faster dispute resolution, stressing that these are qualities necessary for Ogoni’s future,” he said.
Zabbey added that HYPREP’s collaboration with the Ministry of Environment under the leadership of Hon. Balarabe Lawal reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu reaches the grassroots.
He assured that the Project is accelerating its interventions to ensure that the benefits of the cleanup translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of residents.
The Project Coordinator also urged community leaders to see themselves as partners in development. “’We must always ask ourselves: Is my position on this matter in the people’s interest? Does it promote unity and progress? Will it enhance development?,” he said.
Director of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Chioma Onyige, described the workshop as a strategic effort to build institutional capacity for sustainable development.
She said that strengthening the skills of traditional and community leaders in dialogue, mediation, and negotiation would enhance collaboration and support the smooth implementation of HYPREP’s programmes.
Prof. Onyige emphasised that empowering traditional institutions, which command deep legitimacy among the people, is crucial for ensuring that development efforts are community-owned and sustainable.
Participants at the workshop praised HYPREP for its inclusive approach and pledged continued support for the project.
