By Chidi Ugwu
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its dedication to providing sustainable alternative livelihoods to the people of Ogoniland, urging them to avoid re-polluting their environment.
This commitment was emphasized by HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, at a recent Sensitization Forum titled “Clean-up: Gains, Sustainability and Prosperity of Ogoniland,” held in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Represented by the Director of Technical Services, Prof. Damian-Paul Aguiyi, Zabbey appealed to ex-artisanal refiners and youth groups to desist from illegal refining and other polluting activities, highlighting the environmental damage caused by such practices and the project’s goal to transition these individuals to sustainable livelihoods through specialized training and support.
Prof. Zabbey also commended those who have embraced attitudinal changes and assured continued engagement and empowerment initiatives to prevent further environmental degradation.
The forum was part of HYPREP’s broader efforts to consolidate the gains of the Ogoni Cleanup Programme by combining environmental remediation with socio-economic development, including vocational training and business support for local communities.
The approach aligns with HYPREP’s mission to restore the land, improve biodiversity, and enhance livelihoods in Ogoniland, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.
While commending the Ex-Artisanal refiners for heeding to the call for attitudinal change on livelihood choices, the PC said HYPREP is willing to work with the youths and Ex Artisanal refiners to ensure there is no more active artisanal refining activities in the area.
“So, we are encouraging you to keep doing what you are currently doing, and we will continue to engage you according to the commitment we made to give you specialized training. You will have significant advantages and alternative livelihoods that will make you stay away from artisanal refining forever”, he stated.
Dr. Elvis Ikoma, one of the facilitators of the Ex-Artisanal Refiners Sensitization Programme, described the event as a continuation of ongoing efforts to prevent environmental re-pollution. He emphasized that since the programme’s inception, the group has achieved significant success in raising awareness among the youth.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Dinebari Badey, highlighted various livelihood opportunities that ex-artisanal refiners should consider exploring.
Meanwhile, HYPREP continues to engage with ex-artisanal refiners as part of its commitment to providing them with sustainable alternative livelihoods, while also reinforcing the progress made through the Ogoni Cleanup Programme.
