Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, is exploring a partnership with the African Development Bank, AfDB, to establish an agro-industrial processing hub in Ogoniland, as part of efforts to restore livelihoods and foster sustainable development in the oil-impacted region.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ review meeting in Port Harcourt, HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, disclosed that preliminary discussions with the AfDB have commenced.
According to Zabbey, the proposed agro-industrial hub aims to utilize remediated lands for agricultural activities, boost food security, enhance livelihoods, and create economic opportunities for local communities.
“With ongoing shoreline clean-up and soil remediation, more areas are being freed up for farming, fishing, and other productive uses. The potential agro-industrial hub will complement these efforts, transforming the economic landscape of Ogoni,” Zabbey stated.
He further highlighted progress in other critical areas, including the restoration of 560 hectares of oil-degraded mangroves (75% completed), potable water provision, and infrastructure projects like the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, which is 70% completed.
“HYPREP’s livelihood programmes have also trained over 5,000 youths and women in various skill areas, with starter packs distributed to support sustainable income generation.”
Zabbey emphasized that the AfDB collaboration could significantly enhance the impact of HYPREP’s efforts, creating a pathway for industrial-scale agricultural processing and capacity building in Ogoni.
“The socio-economic study set to begin in January 2025 will provide further insights into development opportunities, paving the way for initiatives like the agro-industrial hub,” he added.
Stakeholders at the meeting lauded HYPREP’s efforts and pledged support for its initiatives, while suggesting ways to make the project more impactful and beneficial to the people of Ogoni.
A former President of MOSOP, Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara, tasked HYPREP on the health impact study of Ogoni people as recommended by the United Nations Environment Program, UNEP.
“The oil companies do not want that health study because it will expose what they don’t want the world to see. The essence of that health study is to see the linkage of hydrocarbon pollution with the health challenges experienced in Ogoniland and the Niger Delta.”
Responding, the Prof Zabbey announced that HYPREP was at the verge of signing an agreement with an arm of the World Health Organization, who would carryout the study.
