By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Federal government has unveiled the second phase of the ongoing cleanup and and mangrove restoration in Ogoni.
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, performed the unveiling at Bodo City, Gokana local government area, the site where the federal government launched the cleanup, on Thursday.
Speaking shortly after the unveiling at a stakeholders engagement to mark the 10th anniversary of the commencement the Ogoni cleanup at the Centre of Excellence being built by the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project, HYPREP, in Nwiyakara, Khana local government area, the Minister emphasised that the federal government under President Bola Tinubu is committed to implementing the UNEP report on Ogoni and the ongoing cleanup and remediation.
“HYPREP is part of the President’s agenda, clearly stated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. Therefore, we are trying to meet the President’s expectations.
“We understand the pain of the past, but we are also focused on building a better future for the health and well-being of all Ogoni people and creating a healthy environment for them. We want to improve livelihoods and also restore the health of Ogoniland,” he said.
He acknowledged the efforts of the then Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, now the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who made the Ogoni cleanup a reality.
He said: “The intention was for us to clean the environment and remedy what had happened to the Ogoni area, which has experienced a long history of oil exploration. We are here to see whether what was previously promised has been done,” he said.
The Minister who also unveiled the remodelled monument of the cleanup at Bodo, said the mojument is also a reminder that the Federal Government has not turned its back on Ogoniland.
“You have gone through a lot, but the Federal Government has not turned its back on you. “Ten years ago, in this very place, the flag-off of the Ogoni Cleanup was performed. Today, we return to reaffirm that commitment.
“The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains fully committed to restoring the Ogoni environment in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme,” he stated.
The minister also urged Ogoni stakeholders to continue to engage constructively, instead of demarketing the efforts of HYPREP. “The success of HYPREP in Ogoniland depends on your support and collaboration. Therefore, disruption and division will only delay the benefits that this project will deliver to the people. HYPREP is a project, and all projects have a lifespan. We believe that we can secure an extension,” he stated.
Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, commended the federal government and efforts by Ogoni stakeholders towards the cleanup project.
“We have to recognise that restoring the mangrove, restoring the soil and rehabilitating the environment would not have been possible without enormous human effort and investment. What we are witnessing today represents a huge investment of human resources and commitment towards developing Ogoniland,” he said.
Momoh also emphasised the need for Ogonis to protect what has been achieved and ensure that the projects and facilities being provided are properly maintained.
‘The environmental restoration work being carried out in Ogoniland is particularly important because this is an ecosystem that must be carefully restored and protected. When you look at the landscape and go into these communities, you can see the extent of the damage that has been done over the years and the work that is now being undertaken to reverse it.
“I want you to look at the damage that has been done and also appreciate the efforts being made to restore the environment. We must also use social media and other platforms to create awareness and educate the people on the importance of protecting the environment. There is no sense in carrying out all these interventions if, after the cleanup, people return to activities that will cause further pollution.
“We must ensure that the people understand their responsibility and that nobody returns to practices that will undermine the gains we have made,” Momoh stated.
Earlier, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, stated that the event offers stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on the Ogoni cleanup over the past ten years, and to take stock of the progress made.
“Since 2023 we have witnessed a significant aspirations in the Implementation of the Ogoni cleanup following the elevation to national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This celebration has brought greater momentum to the project coordination office of HYPREP.
“The people of Ogoni are deeply grateful to the federal government for its renewed commitment to the Ogoni cleanup,” Prof Zabbey said.
He mentioned that HYPREP has made commendable progress in implementing the UNEP-recommended action and the directive in implementing the UNEP Recommended Actions and the direction in the official gazette, establishing HYPREP.
“We have achieved remarkable progress in all thematic areas of the Ogoni Cleanup, including environmental remediation, mangrove
restoration, provision of potable water, testing of head sanities, restoration of lifeunits, and the construction of the Center of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and the Ogoni Power Project.
“HyPREP is proud to carry out these important national assignments and contribute its share to community development efforts in Ogoni and to national development” he said.
Prof Zabbey stated that the Project has encountered some challenges in the remediation process. “The challenges we have faced as a project have been enormous. We have encountered issues relating to community disputes, access to project sites, misinformation, sabotage, and other difficulties. However, with the support and cooperation of the stakeholders, we have overcome many of the challenges,” he stated.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Ogoni Socio-Economic Study on Ogoni by the Minister of Environment
