HYPREP Commemorates with Ogoni Youths on 2025 IYD

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commended the youths of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State, for supporting the agency as it continues to remediate and restore the polluted Ogoni environment.

The federal government intervention agency made the commendation, in a statement to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”.

In the statement signed by its Head of Communication, Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, HYPREP stated that as a project rooted in local communities, the success of the interventions depends on the active participation and leadership of young people.

Mba-Nwigoh stated “From the physical restoration of polluted sites to the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, from grassroots mobilization to digital advocacy, local youth have played a significant role in translating HYPREP’s goals into action”.

He said the energy, creativity, and resilience of the Ogoni youth are helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) far beyond ecosystem recovery towards inclusive growth and national unity.

According to the head of communication, “The role of Ogoni youths in implementing UNEP’s recommendations in Ogoniland cannot be overstated. They have stood at the frontlines clearing impacted sites, engaging in construction works, championing community awareness, and driving narratives of hope and renewal through traditional and online media”.

He stated their contributions serve as a potent reminder that the SDGs are most effectively achieved when local youth are empowered to take ownership of the process.

He expressed HYPREP’s recognition of the salient and highly supportive disposition of Ogoni youths as key stakeholders toward the successful implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up Project.

“For this reason, the Project is strategically tailored to benefit a critical mass of Ogoni youths across its multiple projects and programmes, be it the Land and Shoreline Remediation sites, Mangrove Restoration, Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, Potable Water projects, the Ogoni Power Project, the Ogoni Specialist and Cottage Hospitals and livelihood schemes or human capacity development.

“Furthermore, HYPREP has been intentional in ensuring inclusivity and promoting greater participation among youths. The establishment of the Office of the Special Assistant on Women and Youth Development by the Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasizes the significance and priority given to the Ogoni youth”.

Mba-Nwigoh assured that HYPREP will continue to provide platforms and opportunities that empower Ogoni youths to fulfil their potential and contribute to nation-building, capacity building, inclusiveness and empowerment, adding that “These remain key pillars of HYPREP’s strategy to strengthen youth participation”.

He however saluted the courage, dedication, and vision of Ogoni youths, saying “Your work in the field, your voices in community engagements, and your leadership in peace-building are helping to restore the Ogoni environment while building stronger communities and a more united nation”.