By Ngozi Nwankwo
Aside remediation projects, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusiveness and continuous skills development as strategic pillars in its efforts to restore and improve livelihoods in Ogoniland
Speaking at the 2nd edition of the International career enhancement and employability workshop for Ogoni fresh graduates and students in Tertiary institutions, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey said
equipping youths with relevant career skills and empowering them with employability tools is the way of ensuring that the gains of HYPREP extend beyond remediation into long-term transformation.
The second edition of the International Career Enhancement and Employability Workshop held in Port Harcourt brought together Ogoni youths for a two-day intensive learning experience, organized by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
Zabbey encouraged participants to take full advantage of the workshop to enhance knowledge and prospects.
“As you engage with the workshop facilitators over the next two days, I encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and prospects. The experiences and insights to be shared by the facilitators are invaluable, and I have no doubt that you will find them enlightening and thought-provoking.
“At HYPREP, we are committed to supporting your dreams through targeted initiatives, such as this workshop, and we will continue to explore ways to empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
“I want to emphasise that this workshop is not just about enhancing your career prospects; it is also about building a community of young people and equipping you to make a positive impact in your communities. As you benefit from HYPREP’s interventions and the experiences of the facilitators, I charge you to take the message of peace and constructive engagement to your communities and live accordingly.
“As you know, peace and constructive engagement are essential for building trust, understanding, and cooperation, and I urge you to prioritise these values in all your interactions.
“As young people, you have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of your communities and the nation; I encourage you to be ambassadors of peace in all that you do.
“The facilitators bringing their expertise and experiences to share with you are among the best in their fields. Pay attention, engage actively, and benefit from their insights to enhance your employability and career prospects.
“Let me assure you that HYPREP will continue to stand with you. We will continue to support your aspirations through targeted workshops and broader livelihood initiatives that prioritise your development. We believe in you, and we are committed to creating platforms where your potential can be nurtured and realised. I encourage you to stay on the right side of history by contributing to the success of HYPREP.”
Zabbey appreciated facilitators for sharing their expertise with the youths saying, “Iwould like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your presence and for sharing your expertise and experience with our young people. Your contribution is valued, and your positive impact will surely ripple across society. To our participants, thank you for believing in HYPREP.
“On this inspiring note, and with great optimism for the future, I hereby declare the second edition of the International Career Enhancement and Employability Workshop open. May it be fruitful, enriching, and truly transformative for Ogoniland and our dear country, Nigeria.
In his own remarks, the Lead Facilitator, Mr. Akanimo Odon, emphasized that this edition focused on resource mobilization and was deliberately structured to build capacity across different levels.
Among the participants, Florence Tende, a graduate, shared that the workshop taught her practical ways to address societal challenges through innovative thinking and actionable solutions.
Isaac Tombari, an undergraduate participant, noted that the session on effective proposal writing stood out for him, as he now understands how to clearly articulate and structure impactful proposals.
Other participants — Dr. Chioma Okonkwo, Sonia-Bari Ereka, Nevi Confidence, and Batombari Kenneth — described the workshop as impressive, insightful, and highly beneficial. They commended the initiative for fostering a transformative experience for both graduate and undergraduate attendees.
The event featured breakout sessions, interactive hands-on exercises, and intensive training that strengthened the participants’ employability skills and prepared them for real-world challenges.