The Federal Government has commissioned four new water projects in Ogoniland, with renewed commitment to addressing public health concerns and full implementation of the report of the United Nations Environment Programme.
The water projects located in Bodo community (Gokana LGA), Eteo (in Eleme LGA), Uegwere-Boue, and Taabaa communities (both in Khana LGA) now brings the number of Ogoni communities with reticulated potable water to 40, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, has said.
Also unveiled was a new HYPREP Area Office in Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA, which aims to improve engagement with host communities.
Speaking at the ceremony in Bodo community on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, described the development as a major step in the federal governmentâs resolve to restore the dignity of the Ogoni people after decades of environmental degradation from oil pollution.
Abbas stated, âThe biggest victim of pollution is water. Water is what gets polluted first, and so the whole essence of HYPREP is to restore water, land, and a better environment. Access to clean and safe water is not just a basic necessity, it is a fundamental human right.â
While noting that the projects are not just infrastructure, but âsymbols of hope, equity, and justiceâ for communities that had long suffered the impacts of oil-related pollution.
He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism.
âToday, as we commission these projects, we are not only laying a physical foundation but also upholding human rights. These commitments underscore our shared dedication to the health, dignity, and well-being of our people,â he stated.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to full delivery of UNEPâs report and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
âOn behalf of the federal government, I affirm our unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP report. The Ogonis have suffered for too long. It is our duty to address their worries,â Abbas said.
In his address, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said progress is also being recorded across other UNEP-aligned thematic areas, including soil remediation, mangrove restoration, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Zabbey stated, âWe have completed remediation of 50 simple-risk sites, while work on medium-risk, complex sites is 38% done. Our mangrove restoration project is already 93% complete.â
He stated that over 5,000 Ogoni youths and women have been trained in 20 skill sets, while 7,000 direct jobs have been created through the programme, which he described as a major boost to local livelihoods and stability.
He said, âWork on the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and Ogoni Power Project is 90% and 40% complete respectively, while the Buan Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital are nearing completion at 98% and 86%.
âWith the Ogoni Health Study now underway, HYPREP has reached the point of simultaneous implementation of key UNEP actions, remediation, water, health and livelihood, working together to transform Ogoni holistically.â
Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Engr. Tony Attah, represented by the General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, praised the federal government and HYPREP for achieving a key milestone.
âThis marks a significant moment in our journey to improve public health and the quality of life of Ogoni people. We also commend the resilience and commitment of the communities. Your support reflects a shared desire for progress,â Attah said.
