Ten years after the launch of the Ogoni Cleanup project, the Federal Government says it remains committed to restoring the polluted environment in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, gave the assurance in Bodo City, Gokana Local Government Area, during the 10th anniversary of the project and unveiling of the Ogoni Cleanup Monument.
Lawal said President Bola Tinubu had directed the speedy completion of the remediation programme, with progress recorded in soil and groundwater cleanup, mangrove restoration, public health and potable water supply.
“One of the most important developments is the evidence of ecosystem recovery. The fish, periwinkles, crabs, and shrimps are back. This is vital for the local economy and community livelihoods”, he said.
The minister also announced the commencement of Phase II of the shoreline cleanup, saying work would now extend to more complex remediation sites.
HYPREP Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, said the programme had created more than 8,500 direct jobs for Ogoni youths and women.
He urged communities to protect the recovering environment by avoiding indiscriminate mangrove cutting and overharvesting of aquatic resources.
