The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey has reaffirmed that the ogoni clean up project will benefit everyone irrespective of their social status.
This is coming at a time when the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) is questioning the integrity of the cleanup exercise. President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke, has recently faulted the cleanup exercise describing the programme has having significant shortfalls.
Nsuke said nothing is being done about the underground water pollution and compensation to people whose livelihood sources were destroyed.
An Ogoni National Congress on Saturday, November called on the government to pay compensation to those whose sources of livelihood were destroyed in over six decades of pollution in Ogoni.
HYPREP spoke at a one day life skill workshop organized by HYPREP for over 160 Ogoni People with special abilities recently in Port Harcourt.
He reiterated his commitment by saying that no one will be left behind in the project . “This is in line with the inclusive policy for all”.
Zabbey who was represented by the Head, Sustainable Livelihood, Mrs Josephine Nzidee,
explained that the workshop was aimed at creating awareness, building confidence and educating people with special abilities on societal integration.
“ This is also an alternative sources of livelihood in line with HYPREP’s core mandate to restore livelihood in Ogoni”.
She said the project has increased female participation from 5% to 40% and now offering this special group the opportunity to acquire skills to better their lives.
Similarly, President of the association of people living with disabilities, Ngobaridapdoo Joy, commended the HYPREP project coordinator for his kind gesture and giving them opportunity to
interface. “This has given us a sense of belonging.”
She further appreciated the robust relationship that exists between the association and HYPREP.
Meanwhile, participants were drawn from all the local government areas.
The Project has continued to drive its policy of inclusivity in ensuring that everyone has a place in its programs in the communities
