By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Project Coordinator Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP)
Professor Nenibarini Zabbey has reaffirmed that HYPREP has resolved to ensure that the impact of the Ogoni Clean-up programme reaches every household in Ogoni, including persons living with special needs.
He made this reassurance yesterday at the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Wiiyaakara, Khana LGA, in River state .
He maintained that through various projects and programmes HYPREP has strengthened social cohesion, promoting human dignity, inclusion and building lasting peace across Ogoni.
Prof Zabbey explained that this year’s theme : ‘Fostering Disability-inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress’, aligns strongly with HYPREP’s mandate to ensure that the Ogoni people living with special needs are fully integrated into project planning and implementation for their benefits.
He added that the Project, over the past 2 years has demonstrated commitment to foster participation and strengthen their roles as one of its integral parts.
This, the PC highlighted is evident in the imminent training of members of the group in 5 specific targeted training programmes selected by them, following their approval by the Governing Council. He announced that the training will commence by January of 2026.
According to Prof Zabbey:
”These initiatives, which are being rolled out, aim to equip you with relevant skills that will enable you live more meaningfully
” We are confident that these skills will empower you to contribute to your personal growth and development of your communities, Therefore, i urge you to make good of these opportunities”
While acknowledging the group’s consistent support for the Project and resilience it demonstrates in the face of challenges, the PC encouraged the group to remain hopeful, confident, and united,
”Your abilities matter, your voices count, and your future is essential to HYPREP. We expect you to speak more for HYPREP on your platforms and with your intellect” he charged.
In his address, Comr (Dr.) Baridapdoo, Ngo Joy, President General & Founder, Ogoni Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, expressed appreciations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in Professor Nenibarini Zabbey and the Hon. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal for his sustained leadership and unwavering support for the Project.
The group described the PC as a ‘Messiah of Inclusion’, for demonstrating through deliberate actions that persons living with disabilities are not object of charity but equal stakeholders, deserving of dignity, opportunity, and priority.
Dr Baridapdoo, added that Prof Zabbey’s has redefined leadership by translating words into action.
”Prof. Zabbey, you have restored faith where despair once prevailed. You have proven that leadership is not defined by position, but by compassion translated into action. We celebrate a new dawn of inclusion in Ogoni. We celebrate you as the Messiah of Inclusion”
In a show of gratitude, Dr Baridapdoo in company of Comr Akpana Collins Gladdie, Rivers State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities made a presentation to the HYPREP PC.
Upon assumption of office, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey had appointed a Desk Officer for Women and Youth, Barr. Stephanie Fiiwe, to ensure the actualisation of the Project’s Policy of Inclusivity, especially targeting the underserved communities, including women and persons with disabilities as well as stakeholders across divides.
In attendance were the Director, Technical Services of the Project, Professor Damian Paul-Aguiyi, Units Head, Khana CDO and Comrade Menele Nzidee.
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