By Danjuma Amodu | February 16, 2026
In a bid to empower Ogoni youths and enhance their economic prospects, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is set to launch a Commercial Diving and Underwater Welding training programme next month.
The training, which will benefit 100 Ogoni youths, is part of HYPREP’s Sustainable Livelihood initiative aimed at equipping young people with high-demand skills to improve their employability and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
The training programme is expected to provide participants with globally recognised certifications, opening up job opportunities in the oil and gas industry, as well as other sectors such as maritime and construction.
According to HYPREP Project Coordinator, the initiative is designed to address the environmental and economic challenges faced by communities impacted by oil pollution in Ogoniland.
The Commercial Diving and Underwater Welding training is just one of several programmes being implemented by HYPREP to enhance the skills and employability of Ogoni youths. Other initiatives include vocational training in areas such as mechatronics, cybersecurity, and GIS, as well as support for small businesses and entrepreneurship.
These programmes are expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth. By equipping Ogoni youths with high-demand skills, HYPREP is empowering them to contribute to the region’s development and improve their own economic prospects.
The organisation has already trained over 5,000 Ogoni people in 20 different vocational skill sets, and 100 Ogoni youths in seafaring skills to support Nigeria’s Blue Economy. Additionally, 300 persons living with disabilities in Ogoniland are being trained in areas such as shoe-making, fashion design, and basic computing.
The training programmes are a step in the right direction towards addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Ogoni youths and the wider community. As the region continues to grapple with the impacts of oil pollution, initiatives like these offer a glare of hope for a brighter future.
