HYPREP Coordinator Tasks Ogoni Youth On Illegal Bunkering, As Clean Up Advances

As the Ogoni clean-up reaches the advanced stage of shoreline clean-up and mangrove planting, the coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, Prof Neeniibari Zabbey has tasked Ogoni youths to stay clear of illegal bunkering as that could hamper the on-going exercise in the area.
Prof Zabbey made the call at the HYPREP first quarter interactive session with Ogoni youths in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The HYPREP boss while delivering his opening remark, condemned in totality, the activities of some disgruntled elements among the youths, noting that such illegal bunkering activities could hinder the progress of the work so far achieved by the agency.
He maintained that the interactive session with the Ogoni youths was part of his promise to update them with all necessary information concerning the clean-up, noting that Ogoni youths have a key role to play in the actualisation of the project.
Calling for their support, he promised to include them in the process and explained that there have been significant progress recorded, especially in the area of supply of potable water in Ebubu in Eleme Local Government Area, Korokoro in Tai and Kpean in Khana local government areas.
Speaking further, the coordinator said the Ogoni Shoreline Clean up is ready to take place in B-Dere, K-Dere and Bomu, all in Gokana LGA, while the Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Tai is for the provision of quality healthcare to the people, in progress.
On the livelihood training component of the Clean-up, Prof Zabbey stated that after the training, a starter pack will provided with transportation for trainees.
He commended the youths for all their support “on this transmission journey” and stated, “We will effect a meaningful change together.”
The HYPREP Coordinator told participants that currently the Centre of Excellence is providing jobs to over 700 youths as the mangrove restoration have started in Bomu community.
When asked about the Ogoni electricity project, the coordinator assured the youths that it is on-going saying that most of the equipment involved in the project is sourced from outside the country.” The electricity power project is on course at Wiiyaakara in Khana and the Bodo-City sub-station at Gokana.
Answering question on contracts to Ogoni youths, he promised to train them on procurement, noting without complying with the 2007 Procurement Act the contract aspect will exclude them, while urging the youths to use this opportunity to advance their education, knowledge and improve on their economic prowess as the Clean up project has a life span.