By Danjuma Amodu | January 19, 2026
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commenced a six‑week cabin‑crew training programme for 19 young people from Ogoniland, marking the latest phase of its sustainable‑livelihood initiative. An orientation session, held in Lagos on Monday, brought together participants, HYPREP officials and industry partners to set expectations for the course, which follows a first phase that trained 30 Ogoni youths earlier this year.
Project Coordinator Professor Nenibarini Zabbey told the new cohort that the programme represents “the beginning of a new chapter in their lives in terms of building a career in the aviation industry.” He added that HYPREP will roll out further high‑demand skill courses this year, describing it as a “gentle revolution” already taking shape across Ogoni as remediation work and community development proceed in tandem.
“See yourselves as key agents of the restoration that is taking place in Ogoni and as carriers of hope,” Professor Zabbey stated.
Speaking further, he stressed that; “What you achieve after this training will contribute to the economic impact HYPREP is driving, positioning the region on both national and global maps. Go out there and be good ambassadors of the clean‑up of Ogoniland.”
Engr Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, Project Support Lead for Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd, and Mrs Josephine Nzidee, Head of Sustainable Livelihood at HYPREP, urged participants to treat the course with seriousness. Mrs Nzidee warned that only those who passed the final assessment will receive a certificate, emphasising the importance of commitment.
Professor Damian‑Paul Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services, closed the session by reminding trainees to focus on the purpose of the programme. “Whatever you learn, whatever you acquire is yours; nobody can take it away from you,” he said.
HYPREP, established under the United Nations‑backed Ogoni clean‑up framework, combines environmental remediation with community‑development projects. Its sustainable‑livelihood component aims to equip local youths with marketable skills, reducing dependence on oil‑related activities and fostering long‑term economic resilience.
The aviation training, delivered in partnership with accredited cabin‑crew schools, is designed to meet industry demand and open pathways to employment with airlines and ground‑handling firms across Nigeria and beyond.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to transform Ogoniland from a site of historic pollution into a hub of skilled labour and environmental stewardship.
