‎The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to intensify community campaigns against illegal artisanal refining, unsustainable fishing and activities threatening environmental restoration in Ogoniland.
‎According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, made the call in an interview on Wednesday after receiving a coalition of CSOs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
‎The coalition visited Rivers to assess cleanup project sites and evaluate progress made in the implementation of the Ogoni environmental restoration programme.
‎Zabbey said sustaining the achievements of the cleanup required more than remediation, emphasising that communities must collectively protect restored ecosystems against renewed pollution and environmentally harmful activities.
‎He identified sensitisation on sustainable fishing, responsible mangrove harvesting and campaigns against illegal artisanal refining as critical areas where CSOs could support environmental protection efforts.
‎According to him, the return of aquatic organisms, including different crab species, to restored water bodies indicates ecological recovery, but their survival depends on responsible environmental practices.
‎He urged stronger collaboration in promoting ecotourism, carbon stock assessment, climate finance and alternative livelihoods, particularly following the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as an internationally important Ramsar Site.
‎The coordinator said the designation placed a collective responsibility on stakeholders to preserve the wetlands’ ecological character while exploring sustainable economic opportunities to reduce pressure on natural resources.
‎He expressed optimism that collaboration with CSOs would strengthen community engagement, expand environmental advocacy and prevent activities capable of reversing the gains recorded through restoration efforts.
‎Zabbey subsequently presented a project status briefing, highlighting achievements and ongoing interventions across HYPREP’s thematic areas and outlining progress recorded in the cleanup programme.
‎The CORDAID Strategic Partnership comprises CSOs advocating environmental protection, good governance and institutional development, with a longstanding commitment to the full implementation of the Ogoni cleanup programme.
‎Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Tolese Olatinwo, Consultant to CORDAID, described the visit as encouraging, recalling the partnership’s five-year advocacy for environmental restoration and alternative livelihoods.
‎He said the partnership had consistently advocated community participation in the cleanup programme and the release of funds for HYPREP, expressing satisfaction with visible project interventions.
‎Olatinwo said the delegation was pleased with the progress observed at project sites, adding that the coalition would review its previous advocacy scorecard and establish fresh objectives.
‎Similarly, Dr Emem Okon, Executive Director of Kabetkache Centre for Women Development and member of the Strategic Partnership, commended women’s inclusion and livelihood interventions under the project.
‎Okon recalled that her organisation had conducted a livelihood needs assessment for women and advocated greater female participation in the Ogoni cleanup process and related interventions.
‎She said the coalition would develop a new pathway of change, focusing on community sensitisation, environmental advocacy and campaigns against illegal artisanal refining across affected communities.
‎The coalition, comprising CSOs from different parts of Nigeria, also commended HYPREP for progress in mangrove restoration, shoreline cleanup, potable water provision and public health interventions.
‎The groups applauded increased women’s participation in project activities, describing the interventions as important steps towards improving environmental conditions and supporting affected communities across Ogoniland.
‎The delegation assessed the K-Dere Water Facility, Ogoni Specialist Hospital and mangrove restoration site in Bomu, where members also participated in symbolic mangrove planting activities.