By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government has commissioned four new water projects in Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to public health and the full implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
The commissioning took place on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Bodo community, Gokana LGA of Rivers State.
The projects are located in Bodo community in Gokana LGA, Eteo in Eleme LGA, and Uegwere-Boue and Taabaa communities in Khana LGA of Rivers State.
According to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), the new facilities bring the number of Ogoni communities with reticulated potable water to 40.
A new HYPREP Area Office was also inaugurated in Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA, to strengthen engagement with host communities.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, described the development as a key step in restoring the dignity of the Ogoni people after decades of oil-related environmental degradation.
He said water was often the first casualty of pollution and stressed that clean water access was a fundamental human right.
Abbas urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to full delivery of the UNEP recommendations and sustainable development of the Niger Delta.
HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, reported progress in soil remediation, mangrove restoration, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
He said 50 simple-risk sites had been remediated, while work on medium-risk and complex sites was 38% complete.
Mangrove restoration stands at 93% completion, he added.
Zabbey said over 5,000 Ogoni youths and women had been trained in 20 skill sets, and 7,000 direct jobs created under the programme.
He noted that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration is 90% complete, the Ogoni Power Project 40%, the Buan Cottage Hospital 98%, and the Ogoni Specialist Hospital 86%.
He said the ongoing Ogoni Health Study signalled a phase where water, remediation, health, and livelihood projects were being implemented simultaneously.
Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Engr. Tony Attah, represented by GM Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, said the projects mark a major milestone in improving public health in Ogoniland.
He commended the resilience of the communities and their support for the initiatives.
