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IOCs Release $200m For Ogoni Clean-Up …As Ogoni Leaders Storm HYPREP’s Forum
International Oil Companies (IOCs) have released the first tranche of $200million out of the $1billion earmarked for the clean-up of Ogoniland in Rivers State.
Member of the Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and President General of KAGOTE, Dr. Peter Medee, who made the disclosure while addressing the second stakeholders’ forum organised by HYPREP at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, last Friday, said the money has been lodged into the account of the Ogoni Trust Fund.
According to him, the board has received fund from the IOCs led by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
“The Shell team in the board has worked with us very hard to ensure that all other IOCs and the NNPC deliver the fund as at when necessary. So, the first tranche of the fund has been received and l can tell you that the fund is already in the account of the Ogoni Trust Fund”, he said.
Medee also debunked claims that the initial $10million released for the take-off of the clean-up of Ogoniland was missing, saying, “no part of the fund is missing”.
According to him, the $5million component of the fund, which he said was in foreign currency, was still intact.
He noted that those who are peddling the false rumour that the fund was missing were actually sending wrong signals to donor agencies and other international partners, a situation, he said could hamper the effective clean-up process, and sued for patience and restraint.
He further disclosed that to ensure the security of the funds released for the clean-up project, the HYPREP’s board had opened an account with the Standard Chartered Bank of London, where such monies are lodged as they are released by the IOCs and the NNPC, among other stakeholders.
“The board had made several efforts to ensure that we get a credible hand that will receive the fund. That was also borne out of the fear that the banks in Nigeria all have N25billion as the extent to which they are insured. And because we are expecting the fund to come in five tranches of $200million, if you take the exchange rate differential of that, it means that we shall be expecting about N75billion each year. And the board was not sure of entrusting N75billion to a bank that has N25billion capitalisation”, he said.
This, he said was what informed the choice of Standard Chartered Bank of London which he noted has a stronger capitalisation base to secure the fund, adding that there was also the need to work with a bank which donor agencies all over the world could trust since the board’s mandate includes sourcing for funds beyond the $1billion earmarked for the project.
Medee also listed the benefits of incorporating the Ogoni Trust Fund by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to him, “with the trust fund in place, we are very sure that change of government, that is if the present Federal Government is no longer in place and there is a new leadership that is not interested in the clean-up, that will not affect the clean-up, because the Ogoni Trust Fund can now receive the fund and declare it without any interference from the Federal Government”.
He hinted that the trust fund has three Ogonis as signatories to its account, assuring that with a technical team in place, the board would also ensure that funds released to the coordinating office for the clean-up exercise would not be mismanaged.
The Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Jibril in his welcome address equally, noted that measures have been put in place to ensure that funds released for the project are judiciously utilised.
The minister, who was representeAd by his Senior Technical Assistant, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed said the Federal Government was committed to the clean-up project, as it would ensure that funds for the exercise are not diverted.
Also speaking, member of HYPREP’s Governing Council and President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara assured that the Ogonis would continue to support the clean-up project and equally raise an alarm when necessary.
Pyagbara stressed the need for striking a balance between the clean-up of the devastated Ogoni environment and the provision of economic means of survival for the people.
On his part, another member of the Governing Council, Prof. Ben Nanee, harped on the need for peace in Ogoni communities as well as the restoration of the livelihoods of the people devastated by oil pollution, saying, “while cleaning up the environment, we also have to find a way of feeding the Ogoni people, putting food on the table of the Ogoni people”.
The conversation segment of the programme which featured HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Dr. Marvin Dekil, and anchored by international journalist, Donu Kogbara provided a platform for the project coordinator to offer an insight into the activities of the agency since its inception, disclosing that remediation work proper in Ogoniland would commence at the end of September.
According to him, only qualified professionals would be used for the exercise. He hinted that a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) team would soon arrive the country to supervise the clean-up exercise.
Prominent Ogoni sons and daughters, including member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Barry Mpigi, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Hon. John Bazia, Hon. Felicia Taneh, Hon. Marcus Nle-Eji, Prof. B.B. Fakae, Mr Marvin Yorbana, Chief Gani Topba, among others, graced the event.
Donatus Ebi
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo