In a major push to strengthen community security and create employment opportunities in Ogoniland, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has engaged an additional 500 Ogoni youths as Civil Security personnel.
The new recruits who commenced intensive training at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State brings the total number of Ogoni youths employed under the Civil Security initiative to 1,000, following the Federal Government’s approval to double the initial figure from 500 persons.
HYPREP official Dr. Enu-Olare Nwigo explained that the programme is designed to generate sustainable jobs for the youth, enhance local security, and safeguard critical public infrastructure, particularly project sites linked to the ongoing Ogoniland clean-up exercise.
He said initiative forms part of broader peacebuilding efforts by HYPREP, which include organising Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) sessions for Ogoni traditional rulers and community leaders.
“These interventions underscore the critical link between peace, security, and sustainable development,” a HYPREP statement noted. “Effective project delivery and long-term progress in the region depend heavily on a peaceful and secure environment.”
The Civil Security programme is expected to deter vandalism, protect remediation sites, and foster greater community ownership of the clean-up process recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
HYPREP, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, continues to implement multifaceted interventions in Ogoniland, combining remediation, livelihood support, health programmes, and community engagement to restore the polluted region.
