Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt —
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has reiterated its commitment to the provision of alternative livelihood schemes for the people of Ogoni, alongside its core mandate of environmental clean-up in Ogoniland.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, gave the assurance at the recruitment exercise for the first batch of beneficiaries of HYPREP’s cabin crew training, carried out in partnership with Crew Training Institute and Dana Air, held at Wiiyakara community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Zabbey pointed out that HYPREP aims to provide training in 21 different skill areas to no fewer than 5,000 Ogoni youths, saying that the project’s goal was to ensure that these trainees either secure employment opportunities or transition into entrepreneurship ventures.
He said, “Today’s activity marks a pivotal moment in our collective effort to create alternative livelihoods as we restore the traditional livelihoods of the Ogoni people. As you may know, this is a key mandate of HYPREP, and we are committed to it. We are not just here to recruit cabin crew members but also to create pathways to empowerment, ignite dreams, and build futures.
“I want to emphasize that our partnership with Crew Training Institute and Dana Air symbolizes the power of collaboration. Through this collaboration, we provide training and job opportunities and invest in the potential of the Ogoni youth, equipping them with skills that will open doors to a world of possibilities.
“We are committed to doing things differently. On this note, we are actively exploring areas of collaboration with relevant organizations to create opportunities for employment and further mentorship. We are working hard to ensure that our beneficiaries, upon completing their training programmes, are supported, and this gathering today shows our commitment.
“This recruitment exercise is one of the extra steps HYPREP is taking to ensure that our livelihood training beneficiaries, including the 5000 trainees currently training in 21 skill areas, are employed or move on as capable entrepreneurs. This remains a key aspect of our post-livelihood training strategy.”
The HYPREP boss further urged the beneficiaries to embrace this opportunity with confidence and determination, assuring them of the support of HYPREP, and also lauded the Minister of Environment, the Governing Council of HYPREP and other stakeholders in the project as well as Dana Air for agreeing to engage its training beneficiaries.
He said so far, HYPREP has trained 29 Ogoni youths in cabin crew operations, while 19 have been certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, as 55 others were trained in ticketing, flight dispatch, and customer service.
“I assure you that the recruitment process is fair, transparent, and merit-based. We are looking for individuals like you who embody the values of professionalism, empathy, and resilience, qualities essential for the cabin crew role. Make good use of all HYPREP has provided to you, including cabin crew training, international passports, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority certification.
“Beyond the technical skills and certification, what truly sets a cabin crew member apart is the ability to connect with people to make passengers feel safe, comfortable, and valued. A cabin crew member is an ambassador of hospitality, representing not just the airline but also the warmth and hospitality of the Ogoni people.”
One of the beneficiaries who secured positions with two airlines as part of the training program, Ms Constance Onyeomah from Eleme Local Government Area, applauded HYPREP for providing the opportunity, which she described as invaluable.
“I can’t thank HYPREP enough, after God it’s HYPREP. I have always been dreaming of being a cabin crew, but today HYPREP just gave it to me on the platter of gold. I can’t thank HYPREP enough, today I am a licensed and trained cabin crew.”
