The Project Coordination Office of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has urged all stakeholders in Ogoniland to take a firm stance on environmental protection.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey made the call to action, saying they should take action to prevent oil pollution caused by theft, vandalism, and artisanal refining, and they should prioritize maintenance and monitoring of oil infrastructure.
He noted that the fate of the Ogoni people and the wider Niger Delta region hangs in the balance, as their very existence relies heavily on the rich soil and thriving river systems.
According to him, restoring degraded environments is crucial for reviving biodiversity, boosting agricultural productivity, and enhancing the livelihoods of communities, emphasizing that the future of this region is inextricably tied to the health of their land, making environmental restoration a matter of utmost urgency and importance.
He said: “HYPREP is equipped with the necessary resources and strategically positioned to lead this generation to undertake this task decisively.
“Within the context of Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta, protecting and restoring the land is multifaceted. It requires a holistic approach to address endemic and emerging cultural trends that impact our land, avoid negative behaviours that degrade the environment, facilitate access to sustainable livelihoods, and mobilize stakeholders to achieve environmental sustainability.
“For example, issues related to pipeline vandalism, artisanal refining, indiscriminate dumping of waste, and plastic pollution are avoidable attitudinal trends in the region.”
Zabbey, who spoke today, joined the international community in commemorating World Environment Day, emphasizing its commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
He said this year’s theme, “Our land, Our future: land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience,” aligns with HYPREP’s ongoing efforts to remediate pollution in Ogoniland and beyond. The project’s achievements in land restoration and environmental remediation demonstrate its dedication to a healthier, more sustainable future for the region.
He, however, reaffirms its pledge to continue working towards a greener, more resilient environment for all.
HYPREP Calls For Protection Of Ogoniland is first published on The Whistler Newspaper