Clean-up: HYPREP seeks support, collaboration from Ogoni councilors

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has sought the support and collaboration of all the 56 elected ward councilors from Ogoniland, for the successful implementation of UNEP Report in the area.

The ward councilors, according to HYPREP were drawn from all the four Local Government Areas of Ogoniland, namely Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme in Rivers State.

Speaking at the event in Port Harcourt, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Dekil, called for support from the ward councilors in order to make the cleanup project a success.

Dekil expressed optimism that the inputs, suggestions and recommendations from the Councilors, will help the Project to fulfil its mandate and handover to the people of Ogoni, a remediated land and provide sustainable alternative livelihood.

According to him, “As grassroots people, HYPREP cannot do without your support.

“At this forum, we will bring you up to speed with what we have been doing and where we are currently as we present to you an overview of the various programs, activities and processes that led to the remediation works across the four Local Government Areas of Ogoniland.

“The Management and Staff of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project recognizes the strategic role you play at the community level, the success of which plays a vital role in providing us with an enabling environment to operate in all the communities.

“Through this workshop, we would like to engage with all of you and share experiences that will help the successful delivery of the Project to the Ogoni people.”

Also speaking, the Chief Security Officer of the Project, Leut. Col. Olayinka Coker, tasked the ward Councilors to ensure security in Ogoniland at ward levels, by assisting the Federal Government against all forms of repollution of Ogoniland through oil bunkering and illegal refining of stolen crude oil.

“Preach the need to put the interest of the community first before our personal interest.

“Assist in the perception and expectation management in Ogoniland on HYPREP. Assist the Federal Government in the fight against social vices such as cultism, oil bunkering and illegal refining.”

Also speaking, a Representative of the Councilors, Mr. Lekia Nwanikpo, who is the leader of Khana Legislative Assembly, said the unrest being experienced in Ogoniland was a result of misinformation.

Akpobari urged HYPREP to keep the Councilors on the known in their activities, so as to enable them transmit same to their various wards.