…As FG restates commitment to clean-up exercise
By: Felix Ikpotor
In keeping with one of the recommendations of the United Nations Environmental Report, UNEP, on Ogoniland which has to do with provision of potable drinking water for the people, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has again, inaugurated two new water projects to serve communities in the area.
This is as the Federal Government has said that it remains committed to the full implementation of the recommendations of the report and restoration of Ogoni soil.
Speaking during the commissioning of water projects in Bomu in Gokana and Kporghor in Tai local councils of Rivers State respectively, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal
said the project is important to improved the health, enhance quality of life and a brighter future for the people.
Recall that HYPREP had earlier built and commissioned water projects in Ebubu, Barako, Terabor and other parts of Ogoni.
“The importance of clean and accessible water cannot be overstated. It is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health, economic development and overall well-being. “Today, as we inaugurate these facilities, we are not merely turning on a tap but opening the doors to improved health, enhanced quality of life and a brighter future for the communities of Bomu and Kporghor,” he stated.
He stressed that the achievement is as a result of the dedicated effort of the agency and stakeholders.
“This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, HYPREP’s dedicated efforts combined with the support of various stakeholders who have made these projects a reality. I commend the engineers, planners, community leaders and every individual who has contributed to the success of these projects. Your hard work and commitment is deeply appreciated. However, while we celebrate this milestone, we must also acknowledge the broader context in which these projects exist. HYPREP will continue to execute meaningful projects like this in order to improve the quality of lives of the Ogoni people,” Lawal said.
Reiterated Federal Government’s commitment towards addressing the years of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.
“The Niger Delta region has faced significant environmental challenges due to decades of oil exploitation and pollution. Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to addressing these issues comprehensively. These water facilities we commission today are part of a larger, integrated approach to environmental remediation and sustainable development. HYPREP’s mission goes beyond the provision of clean water. It encompasses soil and groundwater remediation, health intervention programs and livelihood restoration for affected communities. We are dedicated to ensuring that the people of the Niger Delta can enjoy a healthy environment and sustainable livelihoods”.
“On our part, The Federal Government of Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental remediation and sustainable development of Ogoni Land. We are dedicated to addressing the adverse impacts of oil exploration and ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for its residents. Government will continue to actively engage with the Ogoni communities, hold consultations, incorporate community feedback and ensure that the voices of Ogoni people are heard and respected. I extend the appreciation of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the people of Ogoni Land for their resilience, patience and cooperation,” the Minister added.
Lawal urged indigenes of both communities to take ownership of and safeguard the projects.
On his part, the the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey highlighted the project’s progress in providing potable water to impacted communities, land and shoreline remediation, healthcare facilities strengthening, and skill training for Ogoni youths and women.
He said the Project also launched the Growcoon initiative, a sustainable alternative to using single-use plastics to nurse mangrove seedlings, and the pilot cookstove project to reduce reliance on mangroves for fuel.
The Project Coordinator revealed further that the project has planted 514,819 mangrove seedlings so far, making it the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves.
He also disclosed that the project has trained 5000 Ogoni youths and women in different skill areas and other achievements such as the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, CEER, which is near 60 percent completion, trainning of Ogoni youths as cabin crew amongst others.
The Project Coordinator particularly noted the contribution and support of the Ogoni community towards the success of the project and called for increased commitment towards a cleaner, healthier and prosperous Ogoniland.
