The chairman of the board of trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP), Dr. Mike Nwielagh has called on Ogonis to embrace peace and create love among each other which is the strength and pride of the people.
He made this known during the Ogoni day anniversary, and added there is a need to sustain the process, embrace peace, dialogue and for everyone to cooperate.
Nwielaghi urged residents to disregard rumours and spurious allegations, assuring them that the funds are securely managed. He highlighted the strict procedures in place for cash withdrawals from Standard Chartered Bank UK and EFG Bank Switzerland, where the funds are domiciled.
“As appointed representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria overseeing the gains of the struggle, we will continue to work for the overall good of the Ogoni people. Our commitment is unwavering, and we assure you of our support to make Ogoni great,” she stated.
Nwielagh pointed to the ongoing Ogoni cleanup exercise as a significant achievement and urged collaboration with the government to achieve the programme’s set goals. Nwielaghi emphasised constructive criticism over maligning or bad-mouthing the project, calling for unity and cooperation.
Providing details on ongoing projects, Nwielaghi mentioned 20 reticulated water projects, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Buan Cottage Hospital, multi-billion-naira centre of excellence, shoreline protection projects and various livelihood programmes and remediation works. He acknowledged that the impact of remediation works might not be immediately visible but stressed their significance.
Under the supervision of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), HYPREP’s project coordination office is managing landmark projects of the Ogoni cleanup, including the Ogoni Power Project, described as a “star project” with a budget exceeding ₦27 billion in its first phase. Nwielaghi disclosed progress in the reticulation of water projects as well as overcoming litigations that stalled some projects since June 2022.
Nwielagh said it occurs only on request by the HYPREP coordinating office, approved by the governing council of HYPREP and finally released by the board of trustees Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated. The board comprises key stakeholders, including ministers, oil companies, UNEP and the HYPREP chairman.
