Mr Peter Ryan, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, has commended the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for its community-driven development initiatives in Ogoniland.
Ryan gave the commendation during his working visit to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Project Coordination Office (PCO) in Port Harcourt.
A statement confirming his remarks was issued on Thursday in Abuja by Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP.
Ryan praised the agency for its “people-focused” initiative that is transforming lives through land remediation, the restoration of livelihoods, and the promotion of environmental sustainability.
He noted that the community development efforts are in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—particularly Priority 3, Deliverable 3, which emphasises environmental sustainability.
He further remarked that the initiative has enhanced the quality of life for Nigerians and that HYPREP has received international recognition for its community-led efforts in Ogoniland.
“The remediation of contaminated land and restoration of livelihoods by HYPREP is a multi-generational endeavour.
“This project is all about the people. I am deeply impressed by the commitment of Prof. Zabbey and his team, who are clearly motivated and genuinely grounded in the interests of the community,” Ryan stated.
He emphasised that for initiatives like HYPREP to have lasting impact, they must be fully embraced and owned by the communities they are intended to serve.
The ambassador also expressed Ireland’s interest in partnering with HYPREP, in the areas of research and education, through the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER).
“This is a great opportunity to build collaboration with Ireland. It makes perfect sense for us to be part of this journey together,” he added.
In his response, Zabbey expressed satisfaction with the ambassador’s visit and reiterated the project’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and partnerships that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 17 on partnerships.
He highlighted several ongoing and completed projects across Ogoniland, including the CEER, shoreline and land remediation works, and the provision of potable water.
Other initiatives mentioned include the construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and Buan Cottage Hospital, mangrove restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, human capacity development, and alternative livelihood programmes.
Zabbey also revealed plans to support the Federal Government’s National Food Security Initiative by launching phytoremediation, biotechnology research, and agro-based training programmes targeted at Ogoni youths and women.
He announced that HYPREP has begun a feasibility study for the establishment of an agro-hub, which aims to create green jobs and promote climate-smart agriculture in the region.
“We see ourselves as carriers of hope, for the Ogoni people, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large,” he affirmed.
