By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has urged beneficiaries of the just concluded livelihood training to utilize skills acquired to transform Ogoni region into a hub of economic activities.
The Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey gave the charge during Phase 1 wrapped up programme of its sustainable livelihood training for 5,000 Ogoni youths and women.
He said the programme started with the issuance of starter kits and certificates.
Prof. Zabbey, reiterated that the restoration of the livelihood of Ogoni communities is integral to HYPREP’s mandate.
He maintained that aside the training, the Project has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs through its sundry projects dotted around Ogoni.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills and kits to benefit their families , communities and contribute to national economy.
He also hinted that the project is upscaling its training stream to demand-driven skill areas in the next phase of its livelihood training.
According to him, “This will include training in full-stack development, GIS and remote sensing, cybersecurity, rope access, commercial diving/underwater welding, mud-logging mechatronics and agric-skill enhancement.
“ The Project will also launch the OGONI PEACE AWARD next year in line with its peace building mandate”.
He commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, Chairman of HYPREP Governing Council , media and among others for their support.
Similarly , Head, Sustainable Livelihood, Mrs. Josephine Nzidee, expressed delight with the issuance of starter kits to trainees indicating a successful end of the training in 20 skill sets.
