The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has said its sustainable livelihood initiative, which recently trained 100 Ogoni youths in Seafaring, aligns with the Federal Government’s Blue Economy objectives, particularly in skills development and job creation within the maritime industry.
Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, made this known on Tuesday at Charkin Maritime Academy during the Close-out Ceremony for the trainees. He stated that by equipping Ogoni youths with globally relevant seafaring skills, the Project is creating alternative income opportunities and discouraging activities such as oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other practices that threaten the environment’s integrity and productivity.
Commending the trainees for completing the programme, Prof Zabbey urged them to make good use of the knowledge and certificates they acquired. “These skills and your achievements should not end here, rather, they should serve as a springboard for self-reliance, dignity of labour, and long-term economic empowerment for the good of Ogoniland and our dear country,” he said.
He further encouraged them to explore opportunities within the maritime sector. “We look forward to hearing how each of you will use the knowledge and certificates you have gained to explore the maritime industry and improve your well being,” he enjoined.
The Project Coordinator stressed that the various milestone achievements recorded by HYPREP are in response to calls for restoration in Ogoniland. According to him, “today, environmental and livelihood restoration are gradually unfolding before your eyes, bringing renewed hope. We continue to lay brick upon brick, building pillars of Ogoni development…”
Prof Zabbey reiterated the Project’s confidence in Ogoni youths, describing them as drivers of unity, peace, and progress. He noted that they have shown remarkable resilience and commitment to peace in the region and assured them of the Project’s continued support for their aspirations.
He maintained that every step taken by HYPREP, including livelihood interventions such as the seafaring training, forms the foundation for lasting peace and progress in Ogoniland. He also appreciated the collective support, understanding, and cooperation of the people of the area.
According to him, “Together, we must continue to walk as one united family, surmounting all challenges, and building the Ogoni we desire. We must commit to peace and contribute our share to the Federal Government’s restoration efforts in Ogoni.”
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mercy Chujor Olungwe expressed appreciation to HYPREP for the opportunity to undergo training at Charkin Maritime Academy, which she described as a foremost institution for such programmes.
The event was attended by the Director, Technical Services of the Project, Professor Damiani-Paul Aguiyi; Heads of Unit; Engr Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, Renaissance Africa Energy Company/JV Representative in HYPREP; representatives of Charkin Maritime Academy; and the training facilitator, among others.
With the latest batch of 100 trained in Seafaring, the number of Ogoni youths empowered in high-demand skill sets by HYPREP has now risen to 230. The Project had earlier trained 100 youths in Creative Arts and another 30 in Aviation.
HYPREP also disclosed that Mechatronics and Phase 2 of the Aviation trainings are currently ongoing, while nine additional high-demand skills programmes will commence soon. These include Full-Stack Development, Cybersecurity, GIS and Remote Sensing, Commercial Diving/Underwater Welding, Mud Logging, Rope Access, Industrial Welding and Metal Fabrication, Solar Panel/CCTV Installation, and Agric-skill Enhancement.
The Project said these initiatives further demonstrate its commitment to human capacity development in Ogoni, in line with its sustainable livelihood mandate as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme Report on Ogoni Environment.
