A coalition of civil society organizations has applauded the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for its transparency and commitment in the ongoing environmental clean-up in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The commendation was given during a site tour of HYPREP projects to mark this year’s World Mangrove Day celebration. The tour provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the progress of various remediation projects across Ogoni communities.
Chair of Friends of the Earth International, Hemmentha Withanage, lauded HYPREP for demonstrating a strong commitment to the clean-up process, describing the agency’s efforts as commendable in addressing decades of oil pollution in the region.
Similarly, the Founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (CENTRE LSD), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, noted that the ongoing clean-up aligns with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), adding that the project represents a significant milestone in environmental justice for the Ogoni people.
HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to working with civil society organizations to ensure the timely and effective delivery of its mandate. He emphasized that HYPREP will sustain its commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP Report.
Highlights of the visit included the planting of mangrove trees along the shorelines in Bomu community, inspection of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital under construction in Kpite, Tai Local Government Area, a visit to the Kporghor/Gio water scheme, and ongoing construction of a Centre of Excellence, among other activities.
The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving environmental restoration and promoting transparency in public sector projects.
