…Says power project to begin in 2025
By: Felix Ikpotor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has announced the introduction of new livelihoods programmes aimed at empowering youths of the area.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey who stated at the quarterly interactive session with Ogoni youths said the new programmes includes post-graduate scholarship for Ogoni youths, support for medium and small scale businesses, capacity building amongst others.
HYPREP said the new livelihoods programmes is expected to create a cadre of skilled professionals in line with project’s effort at developing alternative sources of livelihood for youths that would lead Ogoniland into a prosperous future.
The agency also said that they want to ensure that as they are restoring the land, they are also building the people’s capacity to get income.
Zabbey said: “We are pleased to announce that as part of HYPREP’s expanded livelihood programme, we are rolling out a new initiative to provide local postgraduate scholarship support to Ogoni students starting in October 2024.
“This is a significant development, and our objective is to empower Ogoni youths to pursue advanced education in fields that will benefit the Ogoni community and the nation at large. We believe that education is critical to long-term development, and this scholarship initiative is designed to create a cadre of skilled professionals in line with HYPREP’s effort to develop alternative sources of livelihood for youths who will lead Ogoniland into a green and prosperous future”.
He added: ” The livelihood programme also includes support to small and medium-scale businesses, youth training, capacity building, and other empowerment initiatives to ensure that as we restore the land, we are also building the people’s capacity, especially you, the Ogoni youth, to move up the income ladder.
“We also have special programmes for people living with disabilities. HYPREP aims to equip you with the information, skills, education, and resources needed to live more meaningfully”.
While restating HYPREP’s commitment towards ensuring that Ogoni youths are incorporated into opportunities created by the project, Zabbey urged the youths to ensure the success of the project by their support.
He also acknowledged that challenges such as boundary issues and access to lands still plaqued the project execution but expressed hope that with support from the youths, it will be surmounted.
“As we look to the future, remember that you must ensure the success of the Ogoni cleanup. Therefore, I want to reassure you that HYPREP remains fully committed to ensuring that Ogoni youths are integrated into the empowerment opportunities in the project and that projects are completed within timelines.
“We also acknowledge a few challenges, such as access and land boundary issues, but we are confident we will achieve all our objectives with your support, cooperation, and patience. Remember, it is your duty as Ogoni youths to contribute accordingly,” Zabbey stated.
Zabbey, used the opportunity to update the youths on the progress of other projects being embarked upon by the Project such as the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), the Ogoni Power Project, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the Buan Cottage Hospital, 14 water schemes, and an array of other special projects that he said would impact the lives of Ogoni people.
He further encouraged the youths to continue engaging with the project office to make their contributions and get feedbacks regarding the project.
Responding to questions concerning the Ogoni Power Project, Zabbey said the project would start fully in January 2025, stressing that the designs and mapping has been done on the areas including shipment of the facilities.
He also announced that compensation have been paid to owners of properties where the facilities are to be mounted.
However, some youths at the session called inclusion of more community youth leaders on the project while others suggested setting up of a local task force comprising community youths to monitor alleged irregularities at the project sites.
