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Ogoni Clean-Up: HYPREP Completes Complex Sites’ Characterisation, Delineation
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has completed the characterisation and delineation of complex and medium risk impacted sites across Ogoniland.
HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Dr Ferdinand Giadom, who dropped this hint during a workshop in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the characterisation and delineation were done to determine the specific characteristics of each site and extent of contamination and possible remediation actions to be taken.
According to him, the site characterisation is in line with HYPREP’s standard operating procedures on assessment.
Giadom said it was preceded by the Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) modality, adding that ERT is a near-surface geophysical tool for ground features and map the soil structure.
He further noted that prior to the characterisation of medium risk sites, a pilot trial was carried out at Korokoro Well 3 in Tai Local Government Area to show the effectiveness and efficiency using ERT, hand auguring and groundwater monitoring boreholes to determine the extent of contamination and the specific characteristics of the site.
“ The study showed that the site is heavily contaminated with hydrocarbon pollution in both soil and ground water samples taken from the constructed groundwater monitoring boreholes and hand augured holes,” he said.
Giadom further revealed that from the survey carried out by HYPREP on impacted sites in 2022, in which 15 medium risk sites were selected for characterisation and delineation, three out of the 15 sites have been completed and are discovered to have varying degrees of contamination both in soil and groundwater samples taken.
While further disclosing that HYPREP has commenced the implementation of the UNEP recommendations as it relates to mangrove restoration, Giadom said 50 Lots from 21 sites had been given out in the phase 1, batches 1 and 2 remediation works.
According to him, 21 lots from 12 sites were given out in the phase 1, batch 1 remediation contract while 29 Lots out of the nine sites were given out in the phase 1, batch 2 remediation contract.
At present, he said remediation works have been completed and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) close-out processes have been successful for 16 Lots out of the 50 Lots, stressing that all other Lots are at different stages of remediation works and close-out processes.
On the restoration of the mangrove in Ogoniland, Giadom said HYPREP had in its 2021 work plan proposed to carry out Pre-SCAT activities in affected Ogoni coastal communities in Gokana, Khana, Tai and Eleme Local Government Areas.
According to him, the SCAT Team has commenced field activities at B-Dere and K-Dere both in Gokana and assessed a total of 351 grids covering an area of about 1,416 hectares.
He said the assessed grids are along shoreline channels, mud flats and degraded mangrove platforms, contending that the workshop is intended to give HYPREP more impetus in delivering on the mandate of remediating the Ogoni environment.
On his part, the representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Mr. Michael Cowing commended the current leadership of HYPREP under the watch of Dr Ferdinand Giadom for adopting international best practices in the implementation of the UNEP recommendations.
Cowing, who spoke virtually, took a swipe at previous administrations of HYPREP for not adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the UNEP recommendations, and advised the present leadership to learn some lessons from their short comings for future progress and development of Ogoniland.
The Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr. Idris Musa commended HYPREP for the bold initiative in its efforts to sensitise contractors and stakeholders to raise awareness on the remediation project, stressing that the Federal Government is committed to the clean-up project.
Musa said the bioremediation method which HYPREP adopted in the remediation of the less complex impacted sites in Ogoniland would continue to be relevant, “ yesterday, today and tomorrow”, assuring that NOSDRA would continue to monitor, regulate and evaluate the progress of remediation works in Ogoniland.
The workshop on Detailed Charaterisation, Remediation Strategies and Framework Development, also featured some resource persons. HYPREP’s Director of Technical Services, Prof Philip Shekwolo presented an overview on the remediation activities in Ogoniland while an international scholar, Prof Chidi Ibe presented a paper on Remediation Strategies.
The Project Director of Bodo Mediation Initiative (BMI), Mr. Erich Gundlach spoke on Shoreline Remediation; Prof. Gideon Abu of the University of Port Harcourt on Bioremediation; and Dr Bonte Mattijs on Site Specific Target Levels in Inter-Tidal Estuaries.
The representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, Pastor Emmanuel Fienimika who is the Director in charge of the Inspectorate and Enforcement Department, commended HYPREP for the workshop, describing the HYPREP Project Coordinator as a man of action.
While expressing delight that HYPREP invited highly seasoned professionals in bioremediation techniques to serve as resource persons, Fienemika said he foresaw the generation of an enhanced operational model that would fast track the process and emphasise transparency, which are key public concerns on the remediation project.
By: Donatus Ebi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a special legal team to handle election petitions arising from last Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
This comes as the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.
The Tide reports that the council elections were held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across all six FCT area councils, including Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
Results announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.
In a statement issued yesterday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party congratulated its candidates, who emerged winners in the chairmanship and councilor elections.
The opposition party acknowledged the victories, noting that the number of wins was lower than expected but significant given the alleged irregularities during the polls.
“We specifically congratulate the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors who have been declared successful by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This victory, though less in number than we anticipated, is particularly gladdening because it is against the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics, and brazen executive brigandage,” the statement read.
Ememobong claimed that there are reports and video evidence indicating voter intimidation and unlawful conduct that influenced the outcome of the elections.
“Reports and video evidence abound where armed security personnel were used to cart away result sheets in polling units, intimidate voters, and unduly influence the outcome of the elections.”
To address complaints and litigations arising from the polls, he said the party has set up a legal team headed by its National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, Esq.
The statement urged candidates with legitimate grievances to contact the Legal Adviser promptly, as delays could jeopardise their chances in election petition cases.
“The incredible voter apathy in these polls is a direct response to the anti-people Electoral Act 2026, where the people have completely lost faith in the electoral outcomes from elections conducted under this Act.
“These Local Council polls may just be a foreshadowing of the forthcoming general elections in 2027 if changes are not urgently made,” the statement added.
The PDP called on the National Assembly and the President to take corrective action to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Wednesday swear in Justice Joseph Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The ceremony is scheduled to be held at 2pm at Courtroom Two of the Supreme Court complex in Abuja.
The court urged guests to adhere strictly to the court’s protocols and security measures.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Festus Akande.
The court described Oyewole’s appointment as a step towards reinforcing the capacity of the apex court to deliver fair and timely judgments.
Recall that Oyewole was, until his elevation, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division, and joins the apex court bench as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary.
The National Judicial Council recommended Oyewole for the position alongside 35 others for various judicial offices, following its 110th meeting held on January 13, 2026, and presided over by Justice Kekere-Ekun.
The statement partly read, “The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, will on Wednesday, 25th February, 2026, preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA.”
According to the statement, Oyewole served with distinction at the Court of Appeal and as Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division prior to his elevation.
“His appointment underscores the commitment of the Nigerian judiciary to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and strengthening the bench with experienced and dedicated jurists. He brings a wealth of legal expertise and integrity to the apex court to further enhance its capacity to deliver fair and timely judgments,” the statement added.
The apex court further described the swearing-in as “another significant step in rejuvenating the judiciary and ensuring the continued delivery of justice in line with the highest standards of integrity, competence, and impartiality.”
The Supreme Court reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness and judicial independence for the benefit of Nigerians.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the sudden passage of Senator Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing South East Senatorial District of Rivers State.
In a tribute to mourn the deceased, Governor Fubara described Mpigi as a brother, a consummate politician and one of the leading lights in Rivers State.
He said that Mpigi died at a critical time when his services were still needed by the people of Rivers State and prayed God Almighty to grant him eternal rest.
The governor commiserated with his immediate family, the Rivers South East Senatorial District and the Senate at large, asking them to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a good life and impacted positively on the people.
Senator Mpigi died at the age of 64. Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.
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