By Ngozi Nwankwo
Hydro-Carbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has recorded another milestone in ensuring environmental sustainable development as the Minister of Environment, Prof. Balarabe Abbas Lawal has commissioned its completed water facilities project in Bomu and Kporghor communities in Niger Delta region.
During the commissioning, the Minister said the Inauguration of the facilities was not merely turning on a tap but opening the doors to improved health, enhanced quality of life and a brighter future for the communities of Bomu and Kporghor.
According to him, the importance of clean and accessible water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health, economic development and overall well-being.
Minister, therefore, assured Niger Delta that HYPREP would continue execute meaningful projects like this in order to improve the quality of lives of the Ogoni people.
“The Niger Delta region has faced significant environmental challenges due to decades of oil exploitation and pollution. Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to addressing these issues comprehensively. These water facilities we commission today are part of a larger, integrated approach to environmental remediation and sustainable development. HYPREP’s mission goes beyond the provision of clean water. It encompasses soil and groundwater remediation, health intervention programs and livelihood restoration for affected communities. We are dedicated to ensuring that the people of the Niger Delta can enjoy a healthy environment and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The Minister, however, called on members of both communities to take it as a duty to safeguard and ensure optimal usage of these facilities.
While advising the leaders of both communities to continue working together through fostering the spirit of unity and shared responsibility for the environment, Lawal said FG remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental remediation and sustainable development of Ogoni Land.
“We are dedicated to addressing the adverse impacts of oil exploration and ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for its residents. Government will continue to actively engage with the Ogoni communities, hold consultations, incorporate community feedback and ensure that the voices of Ogoni people are heard and respected. I extend the appreciation of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to the people of Ogoni Land for their resilience, patience and cooperation.
“I cannot conclude my speech without expressing my profound gratitude to the Community and Traditional Leaders of Bomu and Kporghor Communities and the leadership of Youth and Civil Organizations who have helped in maintaining peace in these areas,” said Minister.
In his welcome address, the Project Coordinator, HYPREP,Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey said the commissioning of the Bomu and Kporghor water facilities marks another milestone in implementing the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, Report on Ogoniland recommendations.
In addition to milestones in providing portable water to impacted communities as recommended in the UNEP Report, the Project Coordinator also reported HYPREP has made significant progress in other project thematic areas.
Highlighting the achievements, Zabbey said, “We are strengthening healthcare facilities across the four Local Government Areas of Ogoniland.
The Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration,CEER, is at a 60.8% completion rate, and a committee has been established to recommend a framework for its operations. Progress is being made on the construction site of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, while the Buan Cottage Hospital has just been roofed.
“The training of 5000 Ogoni youths and women in 20 skill areas is nearing
completion, and the Honourable Minister has graciously approved the provision of skill-specific starter packs to trainees. Twenty-nine (29) Ogoni youth have also been trained in Cabin Crew.
“We have also carried out a range of capacity-building workshops, including the Procurement and Business Strategy Workshop, the Career Enhancement and Employability Workshop, and the Business Proposal Development Workshop.”
Other achievements recorded, The Project Coordinator said HYPREP is undertaking the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded
mangroves, adding that so far, it has planted 514,819 mangrove seedlings.