By Danjuma Amodu | January 21, 2026
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commenced a four‑month Mechatronics training programme for 100 young people from Ogoniland, marking another milestone in its human‑capacity development agenda.
The ceremony, held at the Offshore Technology Institute of the University of Port Harcourt, brought together senior university officials, traditional rulers, industry representatives and government dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, HYPREP Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, represented by Director of Technical Services Prof. Damian‑Paul Aguiyi said the initiative reflects HYPREP’s shift from low‑skill to high‑end technical training.
“By partnering with the University of Port Harcourt and a competent private facilitator, we are delivering world‑class, industry‑relevant education that will empower Ogoni youths to compete in the modern digital oil and gas sector,” he stated”.
Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill, praised HYPREP’s commitment, noting that the programme will equip participants with globally recognised skills and foster entrepreneurship.
The training consultant, Mr Makozi Samuel of Competent Samco Technical Nigeria Limited, outlined a curriculum that blends theoretical instruction with hands‑on practice, covering robotics, automation, safety compliance and project management.
The traditional ruler HRH Mene Kadilo Kabari and Renaissance Africa Energy Company representative, Engr. Ehioze Igbinomwanhia highlighted the long‑term economic prospects of mechatronics and urged trainees to seize the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills.
Prof. Bourdillon O. Omijeh, National Coordinator of the Embedded AI Project, delivered a keynote address on “Anatomy of Mechatronics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” emphasising the role of innovation and ethical engineering.
Mrs Josephine Nzidee, Head of Sustainable Livelihood at HYPREP, added that the project will continue to roll out high‑demand skill programmes, including full‑stack development, GIS and remote sensing, cybersecurity, rope access, commercial diving/underwater welding, mud logging and agricultural skill enhancement later this year.
HYPREP has already trained more than 2,000 youths and women in various vocational fields. The current Mechatronics cohort patyicipsnts were selected through a rigorous process across Ogoni communities.
By expanding its training portfolio to include cutting‑edge technical disciplines, HYPREP aims to build a resilient, skilled workforce that can support both environmental remediation and broader economic diversification in the Niger Delta, providing the region’s youth with employable skills.
