…regrets setbacks at 2 water facilities
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced plans to create over 1,500 direct jobs for Ogoni people in 2026 as it enters a new phase of mangrove and shoreline remediation, alongside expanded skills acquisition programmes expected to benefit more than 2,000 youths, women and persons with special needs.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, disclosed this on Friday in Port Harcourt during a Project Review Meeting with key Ogoni stakeholders, an accountability and scorecard session aimed at assessing progress and strengthening collaboration.
Zabbey said the proposed employment opportunities would emerge from the next phase of mangrove and shoreline remediation projects, while beneficiaries of capacity-building initiatives would be trained in 10 demand-driven skills and five specialised skills tailored for persons with disabilities.
He described the stakeholder review meeting as critical to the success of the Ogoni Clean-up Programme, noting that it provides a platform for accountability, constructive feedback and learning, enabling HYPREP to identify gaps and make necessary improvements.
Presenting HYPREP’s scorecard covering July to December 2025, the Project Coordinator highlighted key milestones recorded across remediation, infrastructure, public health and livelihood restoration sectors.
According to him, Phase One shoreline remediation has reached 72.7 per cent completion, mangrove restoration stands at 99 per cent, while soil and groundwater remediation of medium-risk complex sites has progressed to 39.01 per cent.
In the area of potable water supply, Zabbey said 16 water facilities with booster stations have been completed, providing water to 42 communities across Ogoniland, while construction of an additional 29 facilities is ongoing.
On public health and infrastructure, he noted that the three-year public health studies being conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) are being complemented by other initiatives, including plans to distribute ambulances, strengthen health facilities and conduct medical outreaches. He added that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital is 78.2 per cent completed, Buan Cottage Hospital 98.5 per cent, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) 93.5 per cent, while the Ogoni Power Project has reached 61.13 per cent completion.
Zabbey also announced expanded livelihood restoration programmes, including the commencement of additional skills training in January 2026 in areas such as cybersecurity, mud logging, commercial diving, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mechatronics. He said five specialised skills programmes would cater specifically to persons with disabilities to ensure inclusivity.
He further disclosed that education support efforts have continued with the installation of IT and solar equipment in pilot schools, distribution of learning materials, and plans to distribute an additional 160,000 exercise books to public primary and secondary schools from January 2026. The list of 500 beneficiaries of Batch Two of the HYPREP Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme, he said, would be released on January 1, 2026, following the award of scholarships to 300 postgraduate students earlier this year.
The Project Coordinator also spoke on security and other critical interventions aimed at improving the quality of life in Ogoniland, noting that HYPREP has scaled up stakeholder engagement to keep the public informed of progress and challenges.
Addressing recent setbacks, Zabbey expressed regret over incidents affecting the Gwara and Ebubu water facilities, describing them as lessons for both the Project and stakeholders. He said the Technical Investigation Committee would submit its report this week, confirming that water supply has been restored in Ebubu, while efforts are ongoing to restore supply to Gwara.
He identified community land disputes, threats of re-pollution, vandalism and operational constraints as key challenges being addressed with diligence and a strong sense of responsibility to ensure the success of the clean-up programme.
Zabbey attributed the achievements recorded so far to the commitment of the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and the continued support of stakeholders. He described the Ogoni Clean-up as a priority programme under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“He has affirmed that the Renewed Hope National Agenda is alive and active in Ogoni. This agenda has made the Ogoni clean-up a national priority, placing Ogoni restoration and development at the centre of national discourse,” Zabbey said, adding that the focus is on holistic and sustainable development that combines environmental restoration with improved livelihoods and social wellbeing.
The project status presentation was delivered by Mr Ifiok Idiyo of HYPREP’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. In their separate interventions, several prominent Ogoni leaders commended HYPREP for its milestone achievements and called for sustained collective support to ensure the programme’s success.
Those who spoke included HRM King (Dr) Philip Osaro Obele, Oneh-Eh-Eleme XI; HRM King (Sir) Samuel Nne, Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom; Senator Lee Maeba; Rt. Hon. Emma Deeyah, Chairman of Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated and President of KAGOTE; Chief Mike Baah, Chairman of Gbokabari; Hon. Dr Prince John Bazia; HRH Mene Kadilo Kabari of Barako Community; Comrade Menele Nzidee; and Dr Patience Osaroejiji.
