The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has presented its scorecard to key stakeholders in Ogoniland, showcasing significant progress in restoring the environment and promoting sustainable development.
The project, which is aimed at cleaning up pollution caused by oil spills in Ogoniland, has achieved an impressive 75% completion rate in restoring 560 hectares of oil-degraded mangroves, with over 1 million mangroves planted.
According to Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, the project also made significant strides in shoreline remediation, with a 20% completion rate, and substantial progress in land remediation.
He added that HYPREP has made notable advancements in the construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Buan Cottage Hospital, and the Ogoni Power Project.
He said: “HYPREP is also working to establish an agro-processing hub in Ogoni, in collaboration with the African Development Bank. The project is committed to sustaining its interventions in access to sustainable clean water, with plans to embark on additional water schemes covering over 68 Ogoni communities.
“To date, HYPREP has created over 7000 direct and indirect jobs, and has prioritized human capacity development, training 5000 youths and women in 20 skill sets and other strategic workshops.”
Professor Zabbey emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ contributions, vigilance, and constructive engagement in overcoming challenges and achieving shared objectives.
He noted that HYPREP cannot succeed in isolation and that the active participation of Ogoni communities, traditional institutions, and all other parties is fundamental to the success of the project.
Meanwhile, Stakeholders who attended the forum commended HYPREP for its achievements and called for project acceleration and increased community ownership and participation.
They noted that the presentation of HYPREP’s scorecard is a deliberate stakeholder strategy aimed at ensuring community input, participation, and support for effective project delivery in Ogoni.