By Obiabin Onukwugha
In an effort to provide alternative livelihood for young people in Ogoniland, and boost Nigeria’s Blue Economy sector, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project HYPREP, has trained 100 Maritime Academy graduates in seafaring.
The training is part of the ongoing cleanup and remediation of impacted sites in Ogoniland as recommended by the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).
Speaking during the graduation ceremony at the Charkins Maritime Academy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasised the importance of the training, saying it is in line with the Blue Economy objectives of the federal government.
Prof Zabbey said the graduation of the seafarers marks an important milestone in HYPREP’s efforts to restore livelihoods and promote sustainable development in Ogoniland.
He pointed out that the approach is to integrate all projects and activities towards the goal of environmental sustainability and sustainable development of Ogoniland.
“Today is a special day, not just for the graduands, but for the entire project and the Ogoni people. It is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and a new chapter in the lives of these young individuals.
“We are also celebrating vision, resilience, and hope. Hope that it is being translated into skills, certificates, and tangible opportunities for a better future for the Ogoni youths,” Prof Zabbey said.
He stated that by equipping the youths with globally relevant seafaring skills, HYPREP is opening doors to alternative sources of income while discouraging oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other practices that threaten the integrity and productivity of the environment.
Prof Zabbey noted that the training aligns with the directives in the 2016 HYPREP Establishment Gazette and reinforces its commitment to the continuous implementation of the recommendations in the 2011 UNEP Assessment Report on Ogoniland.
He expressed hope that the beneficiaries will put the skills they have acquired and the certificates they have obtained to good use.
“These skills and your achievements should not end here; rather, they should serve as a springboard for self-reliance, dignity of labour, and long-term economic empowerment for the good of Ogoniland and our dear country,” he said.
He emphasised that the Project has strong confidence in Ogoni youths as drivers of unity, peace, and progress.
“This partnership must span the length and breadth of Ogoniland from Akpajo in Eleme to Kono Waterside in Khana, from the ends of Koroma in Tai to Sivibilagbara in Bodo in Gokana.
“Together, we must continue to walk as one united family, surmounting all challenges and building the Ogoni we desire. We must commit to peace and contribute our share to the Federal Government’s restoration efforts in Ogoni,” Prof Zabbey stated.
He therefore, commended Charkins Maritime Academy for the partnership, and graduands for their dedication and commitment to completing the training programme.
Also speaking, Mr. Ehiozie Igbinomwanhia, HYPREP Project Lead for Renaissance Africa Energy, reiterated that the company remains committed to initiatives that advance environmental recovery, human capacity development and other economic opportunities in Ogoni and he Niger Delta at large.
He stated that the UNEP report on Ogoni land emphasised that environmental restoration must be accompanied by sustainable livelihood, capacity building and opportunities for young people, and without fulfilling this objective the clean up cannot be complete.
He, therefore charged the beneficiaries to prioritize safety in their work place.
“The field you are about to enter is vast and also challenging but it’s also full of opportunities,” he said, adding, “Let discipline guide your actions, let safety remain your companion and let your character speak for you wherever you go.”
The HYPREP official told them to bear in mind that they are carrying not only their personal ambition but also the hopes of their families and communities,” stating, “Be ambassadors of professionalism, be ambassadors of Ogoniland.”
Beneficiaries who spoke thanked HYPREP for the training.
Alex Nwafor, a Seafarer Rating, described the training as a dream come true.
“It is one great opportunity that I as an individual has been dreaming about. Today it has come to limelight,” he stated.
Mercy Chuzor, another beneficiary appreciated HYPREP and the maritime academy for the opportunity.
