By Danjuma Amodu
Ten years after the launch of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, the Federal Government has restated its commitment to restoring Ogoniland, with the Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, announcing a new 5-year strategic plan to complete ongoing interventions and prevent re-pollution.
Speaking during the 10th anniversary commemoration at Bodo City in Gokana LGA on Monday, Lawal said the government’s return to the historic site after a decade was proof that it had not abandoned its promise to the Ogoni people.
Phase 2 Cleanup Flagged Off, Plaque Unveiled
The Minister, who also chairs the HYPREP Governing Council, flagged off the second phase of shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration at Patrick Waterside, Bodo City. He also unveiled the remodeled Ogoni Cleanup Plaque to mark the anniversary.
The event was part of activities held at the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration in Wiiyaakara, Khana LGA. Other activities included the screening of a documentary on the cleanup, unveiling of a Socio-Economic Study of Ogoni, and a panel discussion on “The Ogoni Cleanup – The Journey So Far.”
As part of the commemoration, 1,420 community workers were presented with International Maritime Organization, IMO, certificates, while Ramsar certificates for the Ogoni Wetlands were handed over to the chairmen of the four Ogoni LGAs as custodians.
5-Year Strategic Plan, Sustainability Framework Announced
Lawal said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate progress and set direction for the next phase. He announced that HYPREP has commenced development of a Strategic Plan for 2026–2031.
According to him, the plan will provide a roadmap for completing outstanding interventions, sustaining restored ecosystems, preventing re-pollution, and strengthening community ownership.
“The Federal Government’s objectives in Ogoniland remain centred on two priorities: restoring the degraded environment and restoring the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people,” Lawal said.
He added that a sustainability and post-remediation management framework would be integrated into the new plan to protect government and partner investments.
The Minister noted that the elevation of HYPREP to a national priority under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda since 2023 had accelerated remediation and livelihood projects, including soil and groundwater cleanup, potable water, the Ogoni Power Project, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and the Cottage Hospital in Buan.
Ecological Recovery, 8,500 Jobs Created – HYPREP
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said the Phase 2 shoreline and mangrove restoration would deepen efforts to recover degraded ecosystems.
Zabbey disclosed that the 1,420 certified workers are part of over 8,500 direct jobs created for Ogoni youths and women through HYPREP’s livelihood programs. He noted encouraging signs of ecological recovery, including the return of fish to restored areas.
He also announced that the Ogoni mangrove wetland has been designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance. He urged communities to avoid overharvesting and indiscriminate mangrove cutting to protect the gains.
Zabbey described the Centre of Excellence as a symbol of progress that will support research, training and partnerships in environmental restoration. He acknowledged challenges such as community disputes, site access, misinformation and sabotage, but said stakeholder cooperation had helped the project progress.
Stakeholders Urge Unity
Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; Senator Magnus Abe; Senator Olaka Nwogu; Rep. Dumamene Dekor; and Chairman of the Ogoni Trust Fund Board of Trustees, Mr. Emmanuel Deeyah.
In goodwill messages, they commended HYPREP for its deliverables and urged Ogoni leaders and residents to set aside differences to support the cleanup and development of the region.
Lawal thanked UNEP, Joint Venture partners, traditional rulers, CSOs and the Ogoni people for their contributions over the last decade, expressing confidence that the next decade would deliver stronger ecosystem recovery and prosperity.
