In a significant milestone for community development, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has proudly graduated 5,000 trained youth and women from its Sustainable Livelihood Project aimed at enhancing economic resilience in the Ogoni region.
The graduation ceremony, which included the distribution of starter kits, was held recently and drew attention to the vital role these graduates will play in revitalizing the local economy. Professor Neniibarini Zabbey, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, emphasized the importance of the graduates in contributing to sustainable development initiatives in Ogoni.
“Today marks not just an end, but a new beginning for these graduates. I challenge each of you to actively utilize your tools and skills to foster economic growth in our community,” Professor Zabbey stated, while also announcing plans to launch training for another batch of participants soon.
King Sunau Baridam, the Gbenemene of Bangha Kingdom, praised HYPREP for its steadfast commitment to successfully carrying out the project. His acknowledgment highlights the collaborative effort required to address the challenges of hydrocarbon pollution and its impacts on local livelihoods.
In interviews following the ceremony, several graduates expressed their optimism about the future. “We are ready to implement the skills we’ve learned and hope to make a meaningful impact in our community,” one graduate remarked, reflecting the collective resolve to turn their education into tangible improvement in the Ogoni economy.
The successful graduation of these 5,000 youth and women underscores HYPREP’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship in the wake of hydrocarbon pollution.