by Josiah Egbilika and Meshack Uyi
The Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for the effective delivery of ongoing environmental restoration projects in Ogoni while calling on HYPREP to tap and utilize the capacity of local mangrove-preneurs in delivery its mangrove restoration projects.
The call was during the Quarterly Key Regulators/Asset Owners Meeting organized by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, capital city of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Speaking at the event , CEHRD’s Environmental Governance Officer, Mr. Meshack Uyi, representing the Coordinator, Dr. Nubari Francis, emphasized the need for HYPREP to engage and support local mangrove-preneurs—community members trained in mangrove cultivation—whose nurseries are vital for successful mangrove restoration efforts. CEHRD stressed that utilizing local sources for mangrove revegetation would not only enhance project success but also provide sustainable livelihoods for Ogoni residents.
CEHRD called on HYPREP to procure mangrove seedlings from community-based nurseries established through previous training supported by CEHRD and HYPREP.
CEHRD advocated for the continuation of the multi-stakeholder approach on the land remediation activities by involving Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) during monitoring as it is with the shoreline remediation activities. The meeting facilitated dialogue among regulators, asset owners, CSOs, and government representatives on project progress and collaboration needs.
Suggestions on exploring other uses of Nypa palm other than just seeing it as a waste that must be eliminated was discussed.
In his keynote address, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, appreciated stakeholder contributions and called for continued collaboration to ensure the success of the environmental restoration and livelihood initiatives in Ogoni.
Professor Zabbey while revealing that project delivery has recorded a five million man-hour milestone with zero incidents, a testament to the safety performance of all involved, called on CSOs to develop a citizen-led action on the repopulation of Bloody cockles in Ogoni.
The mmeting had the Federal Ministry of Environment, NUPRC, NOSDRA, Rivers State Ministries of Environment, Health, Power, Water Resources and Rural Development, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, CEHRD and other Civil Society Organizations in attendance.