By Obiabin Onukwugha
As the world marks the 2025 International Youth Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has hailed the resilience and commitment of Ogoni youths in the ongoing cleanup and remediation of the environment.
According to HYPREP, the energy, creativity, and resilience of the Ogoni youth are helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) far beyond ecosystem recovery towards inclusive growth and national unity.
This was contained in a message by the body to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day.
It said this year’s theme: “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, resonates strongly with HYPREP as a youth-driven, community-based project committed to environmental remediation, livelihood restoration, and sustainable Peace-building in Ogoniland.
“As a project rooted in local communities, we recognize that the success of our interventions depends on the active participation and leadership of young people. From the physical restoration of polluted sites to the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, from grassroots mobilization to digital advocacy, local youth have played a significant role in translating HYPREP’s goals into action.
“The energy, creativity, and resilience of the Ogoni youth are helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) far beyond ecosystem recovery towards inclusive growth and national unity.
“The role of Ogoni youths in implementing UNEP’s recommendations in Ogoniland cannot be overstated. They have stood at the frontlines clearing impacted sites, engaging in construction works, championing community awareness, and driving narratives of hope and renewal through traditional and online media. Their contributions serve as a potent reminder that the SDGs are most effectively achieved when local youth are empowered to take ownership of the process.
“Imperatively, HYPREP recognizes the salient and highly supportive disposition of Ogoni youths as key stakeholders toward the successful implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up Project.
“For this reason, the Project is strategically tailored to benefit a critical mass of Ogoni youths across its multiple projects and programmes, be it the Land and Shoreline Remediation sites, Mangrove Restoration, Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, Potable Water projects, the Ogoni Power Project, the Ogoni Specialist and Cottage Hospitals and livelihood schemes or human capacity development,” HYPREP said in a statement on Tuesday.
It said HYPREP has been intentional in ensuring inclusivity and promoting greater participation among youths. “The establishment of the Office of the Special Assistant on Women and Youth Development by the Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasizes the significance and priority given to the Ogoni youth.
“HYPREP will continue to provide platforms and opportunities that empower Ogoni youths to enable them to fulfil their potential and contribute to nation-building. Capacity building, inclusiveness and empowerment. These remain key pillars of HYPREP’s strategy to strengthen youth participation. To this end, HYPREP will continue to invest in training and skills development, create opportunities for young people to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates for sustainable development
“On this International Youth Day, HYPREP salutes the courage, dedication, and vision of Ogoni youths. Your work in the field, your voices in community engagements, and your leadership in peacebuilding are helping to restore the Ogoni environment while building stronger communities and a more united nation,” the statement read.
