FG Commissions HYPREP’s Water Projects In Bomu, Kporghor, Niger Delta Region
BY NGOZI NWANKWO – Hydro-Carbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has recorded another milestone in ensuring environmental sustainable development as the Federal Government commissioned completed water facilities project in Bomu and Kporghor communities in Niger Delta region.
The projects which were commissioned by the Minister of Environment, Prof. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, are to facilitate improved health, enhanced quality of life and a brighter future for the communities.
Prof Lawal while commissioning the projects, said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is unwavering in its commitment towards addressing the challenges confronting the Niger Delta region comprehensively.
He said the inauguration of the facilities was not merely turning on a tap but underscoring the importance of clean and accessible water which is considered a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health, economic development and overall well-being.
Lawal, assured Niger Delta that HYPREP would continue to execute meaningful projects to improve the quality of lives of the Ogoni people and called on the communities to take it as a duty to safeguard and ensure optimal usage of the facilities.
According to the minister; “The Niger Delta region has faced significant environmental challenges due to decades of oil exploitation and pollution. 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.
He advised the leaders of the two beneficial communities to continue to work together through fostering the spirit of unity and shared responsibility for the environment, adding that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental remediation and sustainable development of Ogoni Land.
He further said; “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 Society Organizations who have helped in maintaining peace in these areas,” Lawal enthused.
Earlier, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey said the commissioning of the Bomu and Kporghor water facilities marked another milestone in the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Report on Ogoniland recommendations.
Zabbey said that in addition to the milestones in providing portable water to impacted communities as recommended in the UNEP Report, HYPREP has made significant progress in other project thematic areas.
In the words of Zabbey; “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 Minister has graciously approved the provision of skill-specific starter packs to trainees. Twenty-nine 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,” he said.
Other achievements recorded, the Project Coordinator said, include undertaking the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves, adding that so far, HYPREP has planted 514,819 mangrove seedlings.
