HYPREP Hits Milestones In Ogoni Cleanup As First Phase Nears Completion

The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has announced significant progress in remediation activities at impacted sites in Ogoni, Rivers State. 

Speaking at the project review meeting with Ogoni key stakeholders, Zabbey highlighted key achievements, including 72.7% completion of phase 1 shoreline remediation, 99% completion of mangrove restoration, and 39.01% completion of soil and groundwater remediation of medium-risk complex sites.

The review meeting provides a platform for accountability, constructive feedback, and learning, enabling the Project Coordination Office to identify gaps and make necessary improvements. 

He stated that HYPREP has also completed 16 water facilities with accompanying booster stations, supplying 42 communities across Ogoni, while construction of 29 additional facilities is underway. 

On Public health interventions, Zabbey said it  has progressed steadily, with ongoing public health studies conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation, and planned distribution of ambulances to support healthcare services.

While Infrastructure projects, according to him, are making substantial headway, with the Ogoni Specialist Hospital at 78.2% completion, the Buan Cottage Hospital at 98.5% completion, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) at 93.5% completion. The Ogoni Power Project has reached 61.13% completion.

Also, Zabbey announced that livelihood restoration and improvement programmes are advancing, with additional skills-training activities set to commence in January, including cybersecurity, mud logging, and commercial diving. 

“The Governing Council has approved five specialised skills-training programmes for Ogoni persons living with disabilities.

“Education support efforts include installation of IT and solar equipment in pilot schools, distribution of learning materials, and planned delivery of 160,000 exercise books to public primary and secondary schools beginning in January 2026. 

“HYPREP will release the list of 500 beneficiaries of the batch 2 postgraduate scholarship on January 1, 2026.”

However, Zabbey urged Ogoni stakeholders to put aside differences and work together to ensure the success of HYPREP, which has become a rallying point for Ogoni development. 

He acknowledged challenges, including recent incidents at water facilities in Gwara and Ebubu communities, and assured that the Project Coordination Office is addressing them.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Honorable Emmanuel Deeyah, urged Ogoni stakeholders to support HYPREP and its Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, while emphasizing the importance of unity and patience, noting that the project is making progress despite criticisms.

Deeyah cautioned against excessive criticism, saying “if you find that there is something that he’s doing or that the project is doing that is not right, find a way to reach him or those who can talk to him instead of going to the press or social media.” 

He noted that Ogoni leaders, including the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, were businesspeople who did not rely on activism for a living, but rather used their platforms to advocate for their people.

Deeyah emphasized that the Ogoni cleanup project is an experiment that, if successful, will be replicated in other areas. 

He urged stakeholders to be patient and support the project, saying “please let us carry the message home that something is going on… there is no exclusion, everybody will get but everybody cannot get at the same time.”