The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Ryan has expressed determination to partner the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, (HYPREP) in the restoration of polluted areas in Ogoniland.
Speaking during a visit to HYPREP Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Mr Ryan while explaining that Ireland shares so much in common with Nigeria noted that his fellow countrymen who have lived in Port Harcourt are greatly interested in the positive well-being of the people.
”While we might not have a lot of missionaries today, we have a lot of people who remember those connection with Ireland and to me those connections are what we can build so many contemporary connections on”
The Ambassador applauded HYPREP’s people-centred project that seeks to incorporate the local communities in the development of long term solutions to the environmental challenges facing Ogoniland.
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Welcoming the Ambassador and his team, the project coordinator Professor Nenibarini Zabbey said that HYREP’ s mandate requires the active participation of everyone. He noted that the visit of the Irish Ambassador and his team will motivate the team to continue on their path of building sustainable project.
”We are building a world class centre that every stakeholder will be proud of. We are willing to partner with Universities in Ireland even the private sector in Ireland to contribute to the work of Hyprep and to continue to build people’s capacity and advance knowledge.”
Professor Zabbey stated that HYPREP will always ensure that the projects being implemented are not only sustainable but one which would empower the people and can be replicated in other parts of the country.
He added that the project has given out educational grants, trained women and youths on self sustaining skills, provided portable drinking water alongside it’s other environmental remediation programs.
