The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has trained 5,000 Ogonis from Khana, Gokhana, Eleme, and Tai Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State on various vocational skills as part of its livelihood programme.
At a formal event in Port Harcourt, HYPREP issued starter kits and certificates to the beneficiaries, who had undergone training in fashion, makeup, fishery, poultry, catering, and other skills to boost economic activities and improve the livelihoods of communities affected by hydrocarbon pollution.
Speaking at the event, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering the Ogoni people through sustainable development projects. He urged beneficiaries to use the skills and tools provided to improve their lives and uplift their communities.
“We urge the beneficiaries of this initiative to fully utilize the skills and kits to benefit their families and communities. Note that these starter packs are not just tools; they represent an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods, uplift your communities, and contribute positively to the national economy.
“By embracing this opportunity, you can transform Ogoni into a hub of diverse economic activity, fostering development and collective prosperity. You must see it as such and refrain from selling the items given to you. The success of HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood initiatives and the remediation project depends on your ownership and active participation in the project. Let us work together to ensure that the progress we have recorded today is sustained”.
HYPREP Livelihood Head, Josephine Nzidee, reassured those who were unable to receive their starter kits at the event that distribution would continue from December 10th at designated centres. She emphasized the importance of patience and urged beneficiaries to wait for instructions from their trainers.
“The starter pack distribution cannot be completed in one day because we cannot have all 5,000 beneficiaries here. We have planned different centres in the LGAs for distribution starting December 10th. Your trainers will inform you of the dates and locations.
“All of us here know that the concern of the starter pack has been a very serious issue to both the project coordination office and the five thousand beneficiaries and one thing I always told us is that what hyprep said they will do they will do”. She said
Representing the beneficiaries, Amaze Joseph expressed gratitude to HYPREP for its efforts in remediating polluted sites and equipping Ogoni residents with vocational skills. She noted that the training would alleviate poverty and improve living standards in the region.
“Thank you Hyprep for going as far as remediating the polluted sites in Ogoni to ensure that they are equipped with vocational skills.
“The training will go a long way to alleviate the people’s sufferings and also help to fight against poverty in Ogoni land”.