From David Onuoja Abuja
In a landmark achievement, the Federal Government has commissioned 4 additional water projects in Bodo, Uegwere-Boue, Taabaa and Eteo in Gokana, Khana and Eleme LGAs respectively, in Ogoni land
This is in fulfilment of the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Ogoni Environment.
Commissioning the gigantic water projects in Bodo, the Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP Governing Council, Balarabe Lawal, advised the communities where the project was erected to work with HYPREP, own and safeguard the facilities against vandalism, stressing that the sustainability of the projects begins with community stewardship.
He added that, providing water to communities underscores a shared commitment to the health, dignity and well-being of the Ogoni people. reaffirming the FG’s commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP Report and the sustainable development of Ogoni, to correct the historical wrongs and deliver genuine remediation, development and renewal to affected communities.
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Acknowledging the contributions of traditional and youth leaders, NGOs and Renaissance/JV partners, Minister Lawal, stated that the actualisation of the projects attests to stakeholders’ collaboration and collective resolve, adding that the projects symbolise hope, equity and justice for communities that have long endured the consequences of environmental degradation.
The Hon Minister also commissioned the Gokana Area Office, an initiative of HYPREP, to foster Project-Community relationships, presented Cook stoves to fisherfolk- a programme aimed at reducing dependence on mangroves for firewood and visited the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER).
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, while speaking said, the water commissioning is part of HYPREP’s contribution to the Renewed Hope national agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as driven by the Hon Minister of Environment.
Professor Zabbey, equally announced that stakeholders’ interests in and acceptability of HYPREP have remarkably increased, describing it as indicative of growing confidence and ownership of the Project by the people.
Adding, he said, the Project is deepening stakeholders’ engagement, strengthening monitoring and evaluation, reinforcing transparency and accountability, while pushing to ensure that the benefits of the Project reach every single corner of Ogoniland.
Beyond remediation, livelihood, public health interventions, among other projects, Zabbey explained that HYPREP has significantly expanded its peace building efforts in line with the Project’s mandate, which has helped to foster unity, stability and collaboration across Ogoni land.
In his goodwill messages from the MD/CEO of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, Engr Tony Attah, represented by Mr Igo Weli, General Manager, Relations & Sustainable Development, Chief Kenneth Kobani, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, Gbenemene Tai Kingdom, HM Samuel Nne, paid glowing tributes to HYPREP for the successes recorded. Also in attendance were the DG of NESREA, Professor Innocent Barikor and other eminent Ogoni sons and daughters.
With this latest commissioning, HYPREP is now providing potable water to 40 communities and hopes to cover more by the end of the year.
