…To train Ogoni chiefs on alternative dispute resolution
By: Felix Ikpotor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has stated that constant and unresolved communal crisis within Ogoniland is having adverse effect on the progress of the ongoing Ogoni clean-up exercise being carried out by the agency.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey said this at a Project Review Meeting with Ogoni stakeholders held in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State.
He also revealed that the Project Coordinating Office has resolved to train Ogoni chiefs on best conflict resolution techniques as part of effort to reduce the tension and crisis which posses a threat to the clean-up exercise.
“We must acknowledge that, despite our sustained efforts, several community-related challenges continue to affect the smooth progression of our work. Undue interference in contract administration poses a significant threat to the integrity and efficiency of our operations. Additionally, unresolved inter- and intra-communal land disputes have proven to be a substantial obstacle. These conflicts delay our work,” he stated.
Furthermore, Professor Zabbey said, “other challenges require our collective attention and action which includes deliberate restriction of access to project sites (we have had cases of stakeholders erecting barriers around contaminated sites, obtaining court injunctions, misinformation, and deploying diabolic objects to restrict access to sites over matters that could be resolved by simply approaching the office.”
Professor Zabbey emphasized the need for Ogonis to unite and prevent any action that seeks to derail the project.
“The truth is that we must work hand in hand while promoting a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and accountability. We must unite as Ogoni people and stand firm against any actions or influences that seek to derail the progress of HYPREP. Your vigilance and resolve are crucial in safeguarding the sanctity of the Ogoni Cleanup. Hence, we must engage the HYPREP Project Coordination Office proactively and collaboratively rather than resorting to confrontation as a first line of action,” the HYPREP PC stated.
He said Ogoni chiefs would be trained on alternative dispute resolution to minimize crisis at project sites.
“As part of our peacebuilding effort, HYPREP will train traditional rulers and other key stakeholders on Alternative Dispute Resolution and peace-building techniques in the next few weeks to increase their capacity to deal with emerging issues at the community level in a way that aligns with the project’s objectives,” Professor Zabbey said.
The Project Coordinator reiterated Federal Government’s commitment towards the implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
“The Federal Government, through HYPREP, is committed to accelerating the implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Assessment Report on Ogoniland. It is one of the key deliverables of the Renewed Hope Agenda. This obligation includes completing all ongoing projects, remediating the complex sites, continuous and transparent community engagement, and delivering tangible benefits that improve daily lives. HYPREP is committed to these responsibilities, and we must engage the Project along these lines while supporting sincere efforts,” he said.
Giving a status review of project implementation, Mr. Ifiok Ndiyo who represented Mr. Akeem Ohan, the Head, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of HYPREP explained that out of the 39 remediation contracts awarded in 2022, only 10 contractors have moved to site while 29 has not been able to go to site due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and other challenges while over 4000 persons have been trained in remediation to work on the sites.
On mangrove restoration, Mr Ndiyo said 90 Ogoni women and youths have been trained on nursery production with a take-off grant of one thousand naira given to them to serve as suppliers of mangrove revegetation items to the contractors handling mangrove revegetation projects.
He also explained that over 5000 Ogonis have been trained in several vocational skills while jobs have been secured for others trained as cabin crew members.
On water, the Head, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of HYPREP disclosed that so far, 20 water projects have been embarked upon by the agency with 6 completed while others are at different stages of completion, adding that the project has also embarked on medical outreaches in Ogoniland, building of two new hospitals while strengthening four others with modern medical equipments.
He further stated that the agency was investing much in linking Ogoni to the national grid through the Ogoni Integrated Power Project.
Port Harcourt Spectator reports that stakeholders at the event raised concerns about sustenability of the projects while others called for the building of turbines in Ogoniland instead of relying on the national grid which is not sustainable.
