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We’ll Deliver Sustainable Clean-up Project in Ogoni, Says HYPREP Coordinator

We’ll Deliver Sustainable Clean-up Project in Ogoni, Says HYPREP Coordinator

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The project coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey has assured that the federal government agency will deliver a sustainable clean-up project in Ogoniland.

The HYPREP project coordinator made the assurance at the weekend, during a courtesy visit of members of the 17th Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Owunari Georgewill, at the agency headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Addressing the visitors, Prof. Zabbey explained that HYPREP is a project under the Ministry of Environment, charged with responsibility of remediating oil impacted lands and wetlands in Ogoni land and also to restore the livelihoods of the people.

He said so far, the agency has provided potable water to 30 communities, assuring that at the end of this year it will provide clean water for additional 60 communities. “We are also straightening the health care system in Ogoni. We have straightened four hospitals; this year we will add four hospitals”.

Speaking further on their achievements, the project coordinator said “We are building cottage hospital and Ogoni Specialists Hospital. It is important to state that the specialist hospital will have an oncology unit, because the key findings of UNEP is that the Ogoni population has been exposed to casino-genic contaminants from carbon pollution over the years. So, there is the need to monitor them and take them off cancer and cancer related ailments.

“We are also carrying out our environmental remediation and restoration which we divide into three components: shoreline clean-up, soil and ground water remediation and mangrove restoration.”

He said: “For the first time in this region, we are restoring different species of mangroves. Before now, it was usually the red mangrove, but now we are planting red, white and black mangroves. We have also provided knowledge legacy in the Ogoni land and for the general public.

“We are constructing the Ogoni power project and we are constructing the Centre of Excellence for environmental restoration. We have over 100 projects going on in Ogoni at the moment.

“Last year we provided an educational support grant to 250 Ogoni undergraduate students. This year we issued 300 scholarships to 300 post graduate students from Ogoni extraction, 100 are doing PhD, while 200 are doing Masters.”

Noting that the University of Port Harcourt is the technical backbone of the Ogoni cleanup, Prof Zabbey said “We appreciate this visit because it is a major encouragement for the entire team in implementing this project for me and all my colleagues. We appreciate this visit and even the promise to support the bill that will elevate the project to an agency”.

Earlier in his remarks, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, noted the agency’s effort in ensuring the remediation and restoration of the Ogoni land.

Senator Ohuabunwa who represented Abia North Senatorial District at the National Assembly said: “This is a new agency, a child of necessity, but within a short period what we are hearing shows that you are doing well. And we are here to solidarise with you to assure you that as our own we will continue to partner with you”.

He said: “We need a permanent structure like this. When you talk about remediation, it is not only in Rivers or Ogoniland, even in the north we have issues of pollution that require immediate attention in areas of remediation.

“So, if this institution by law is made a permanent agency under the federal ministry of environment, it will be correct to do that. And I think as an alumnus of the national assembly, I will propose that bill and support, because the national assembly.”

He added that the reason for their visit was to congratulate the project coordinator on his appointment, collaborate with him and inform him of the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the university.

In another development, the HYPREP has inducted 100 trainees of its seafaring training at the Charkin Maritime & Offshore Safety Training Ltd, Port Harcourt.

Prof. Zabbey, represented at the induction ceremony by Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, said the selection process was transparent and the commencement of the training attests to the Project’s commitment to keeping to its promises.

Zabbey added that the choice of Charkin Maritime Academy for the training further confirms HYPREP’s commitment to giving Ogoni youths a better leverage to benefiting from the enormous opportunities the maritime sector offers, urging the trainee to make the most of the training and skills acquired.

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Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The project coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey has assured that the federal government agency will deliver a sustainable clean-up project

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Police Probe Attack on Emir Sanusi’s Convoy, Vigilance Official Killed 

Police Probe Attack on Emir Sanusi’s Convoy, Vigilance Official Killed 

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attack on the entourage of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11, at the Kofar Mata Eid-el-Fitr prayer ground yesterday in Kano.

Following the prayers, a group of hoodlums began hurling stones at the Emir’s procession, attempting to disrespect the traditional leader, who was adorned in customary attire and protected by a large contingent of palace guards.

During the attack, a vigilante officer, Surajo Rabiu of Sabon Titi Jaba Quaters was reportedly stabbed to death while another officer, Aminu Sulaiman, of Kofar Mata Quarters, sustained injuries.

According to a police statement signed by its spokesman, Haruna Kiyawa, the Command has commenced an investigation into the incident and has already extended an invitation to Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku for interrogation.

“The command has arrested one Usman Sagiru, 20, of Sharifai Quarters, in connection with the alleged killing and attack on vigilante members that occurred in the entourage of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II after Eid prayers on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at about 12:40pm..

“While dispersing from the Eid praying ground, Usman Sagiru and others, now at large, allegedly stabbed Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi Jaba Quarters and who later died from injuries.

“Another vigilante member, Aminu Suleman from Kofar Mata Quarters, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano, while they were providing a shield for Emir Sanusi,” the statement said.

Kiyawa reiterated the police ban on all forms of Durbar and warned that anyone found engaging in such activities will be dealt with decisively.

He warned that all forms of thuggery (Daba) activities will not be tolerated. He added: ” Whoever engages in any act or conduct that may likely cause breach of peace or breakdown of law and order will be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

“We appeal to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all.”

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Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attack on the entourage of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11, at the Kofar Mata

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YEIDEP: Keystone Bank Lauds FG for Empowering Nigerian Youths

YEIDEP: Keystone Bank Lauds FG for Empowering Nigerian Youths

Oluchi Chibuzor

Keystone Bank Limited has lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for its undying support towards youth development in Nigeria.

The bank expressed its appreciation at a solidarity dinner held in honour of the Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande and the Coordinator-General of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Program (YEIDEP), Comrade Kennedy Iyere in Lagos.

A statement by the bank said the event was organised to recognise the minister and the YEIDEP coordinator for their unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian youths by fostering job creation, financial independence, and economic productivity.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Keystone Bank, Nnenna Anyim-Okoro, acknowledged the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu for initiating YEIDEP.

She lauded the appointment of Iyere as youth minister, stressing the minister understands the realities and challenges faced by the Nigerian youths.

“We want to appreciate the federal government and the Minister of Youth Development for their continued commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the youth, ensuring that their challenges are tackled effectively. At Keystone Bank, we recognize that financial inclusion is a critical pillar to the journey of youth empowerment and productivity; hence, this strategic collaboration.

“We believe that access to financial services is not just a privilege but a fundamental right that fosters entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and economic stability. This belief underscores our partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development to support the YEIDEP initiative.” She stated.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development emphasised the importance of empowering young people with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to collaboration in various forms to support Nigerian youths, ensuring that they are guided, protected, and empowered for the future.

He also expressed his appreciation to Keystone Bank for the partnership and reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with the bank in advancing youth empowerment initiatives.

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Oluchi Chibuzor Keystone Bank Limited has lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for its undying support towards youth development in Nigeria. The bank expressed its appreciation at a solidarity dinner