The Federal Government has disclosed plans to link Ogoniland in Rivers State to the national grid as part of measures towards the sustainability of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) livelihood Programmes and its water projects.
Minister of Environment Barr Mohammed Abdullahi made this disclosure in Bori during a familiarization visit to stakeholders in Ogoniland.
Abdullahi noted that the move will boost the economy of the communities in Ogoniland, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to the speedy clean-up of Ogoniland in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
He stated that the HYPREP scope is being expanded to have a more direct positive bearing on the people of Ogoniland.
The minister further announced that the clean-up of shorelines will soon commence, stressing that the Federal Ministry of Environment is engaging with relevant agencies to address issues of repollution that could be caused by corrosion especially in areas around the pipelines.
On the Integrated Contaminated Soil Management Centre and Centre of Excellence, the minister disclosed that the President is committed to the completion of the centre before the end of his tenure.
He explained that when the project is completed, it will be a one stock shop for hands on training for basic remediation techniques for youths of Ogoniland and the Niger Delta.
He further assured that the Federal Government is addressing some issues affecting the pace of the project, adding that measures are being put in place towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the Ogoni Trust Fund.
The minister also promised to address some of the issues raised especially those bordering on local content, women empowerment/livelihood, employment among others, assuring that the stakeholder engagement will be regular.
Meanwhile, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr Ferdinand Giadom stated that the appointment of Mohammed Abdullahi whom he said has garnered enormous experience in the private and public sectors will help in giving the clean-up project the needed drive it deserves to deliver on its mandate.
He commended the Federal Government for demonstrating serious commitment to the clean-up of Ogoniland.
Earlier, the minister visited the palace of His Majesty King G.N.K Giniwa (OFR) of Tai Kingdom and Chairman Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers in his palace in Korokoro where the monarch assured that the Ogoni people will continue to support the clean-up project to succeed.
