By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Peter Ryan, has commended Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for delivering president
Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda through promoting people centered projects in Ogoni land .
The projects are 3 priority 3 and deliverable 3, which focuses on environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
Ryan stated this during a working visit to HYPREP’s Project Coordination Office (PCO) in Port Harcourt, appreciating
HYPREP for its community-driven development in Ogoniland.
He also lauded the agency for what he described as a people-focused initiative that is transforming lives through land remediation, restoration of livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.
“The remediation of contaminated lands and the restoration of livelihoods by HYPREP is a multi-generational effort”.
He added that “This project is all about the people. I am deeply impressed by the commitment of Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey and his team, who are clearly motivated and deeply rooted in the community’s interest.”
He emphasized that for projects like HYPREP to be truly impactful, they must be owned by the communities they serve.
The Ambassador expressed Ireland’s willingness to partner with HYPREP, particularly in the areas of research and education, through the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER).
“This is a great opportunity to build collaboration with Ireland. It makes perfect sense to be part of this journey together,” he added.
In response, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s visit while reiterat the project’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and partnerships that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).
Prof. Zabbey highlighted some of the ongoing and completed projects across Ogoniland, including the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, shoreline and land remediation, potable water supply, construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and Buan Cottage Hospital, mangrove restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, human capacity development and alternative livelihood programmes.
He also disclosed plans to contribute to the federal government’s national food security initiative by launching phytoremediation, biotechnology research, and agro-based training targeted at Ogoni youths and women.
He explained that that HYPREP has commenced a feasibility study for the establishment of an agro-hub that will create green jobs and promote climate-smart agriculture in the region.
According to Prof. Zabbey, HYPREP’s work reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on inclusive development, community empowerment, and environmental justice.
“We see ourselves as carriers of hope—for the Ogoni people, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large,” he said.
He noted that “Little wonder a project with such significant local, national, and global relevance is attracting widespread attention and building new partnerships focused on making Ogoniland a benchmark for environmental restoration and sustainable development”.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
