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HYPREP Distributes Starter Packs To Trainees

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The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has presented certificates and starter packs to 5,000 beneficiaries of its livelihood programme.
The presentation ceremony, which took place at the A+ Agency in Port Harcourt on Friday, attracted dignitaries from far and near, including the excited beneficiaries drawn from the four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.
The colourful event had a semblance of a carnival, as the visibly elated beneficiaries sang and danced to melodious tunes, to underscore the importance of the day and their appreciation of having been economically equipped and empowered in an uncommon manner by the Federal Government agency.
However, not all the 5,000 trainees received the starter packs, as another batch of beneficiaries are expected to get theirs in due course.
Speaking at the occasion, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Neinibarini Zabbey said the event “marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward empowerment, economic growth and environmental restoration”, stressing that restoring the livelihoods of hydrocarbon-impacted communities and related programmes is integral to the HYPREP mandate.
He noted that HYPREP has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs through its sundry projects like land remediation, shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration, construction of water schemes, construction of the Buan Cottage Hospital, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration.
According to him, all these projects are structured to enhance the skill capacity of Ogoni youths and women.
The Project Coordinator said the 5,000 Ogoni youths were over the past months trained in 20 skill areas including argon welding and metal fabrication, offshore/onshore skill set, aviation, crane operation, solar panel and CCTV installation, web design and digital marketing, data analytics, catering, fashion design, poultry and fish farming, and industrial firefighting, among others.
He disclosed that the trainees were selected through a transparent lucky-dip process, ensuring they could actively decide on the skills they were most passionate about and willing to undertake.
Zabbey said the distribution of the starter packs to the beneficiaries is a testament to HYPREP’s commitment, and urged them to fully utilise the skills and kits to benefit their families and communities, stressing that the starter packs are not just tools but represent an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods, uplift their communities and contribute positively to the national economy.
He noted that by embracing this opportunity, the beneficiaries can transform Ogoni into a hub of diverse economic activity, fostering development and collective prosperity, and charged them to see it as such and refrain from selling the items given to them.
“The success of HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood initiatives and the remediation project depends on your ownership and active participation in the project. Let us work together to ensure that the progress we have recorded today is sustained,” he pleaded.
Zabbey further indicated that HYPREP remains steadfast in its commitment to building community confidence and trust in the project, saying, “this event is a testimony to that commitment and we assure you that we will keep our word.”
He said beneficiaries who could not get their starter packs would be informed of the date and location for the collection of theirs, stressing that “at HYPREP, we believe that your success is our success, and we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind, including the undeserved populations.”
The Project Coordinator hinted that HYPREP would be rolling out another training stream in demand-driven skill areas like training in full-stack development, GIS and remote sensing, cyber security, rope access, commercial diving/ underwater welding, mud-logging, mechatronics and agric skill enhancement.
He announced that HYPREP is in the process of establishing the Ogoni Community Peace Award, which would be launched in 2025 as part of its peace building mandate.
This initiative, according to him, is aimed at recognising and rewarding Ogoni communities, community-based organisations and individuals demonstrating exemplary peace building and environmental stewardship across the four Ogoni local government areas.
Zabbey thanked the Minister of Environment and Chairman of the Governing Council of HYPREP, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal for approving the purchase and distribution of the starter packs to the beneficiaries.
He also expressed gratitude to all those contributing to the success of HYPREP including members of the Governing Council, the Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund, the Shell Petroleum Development Company and the Joint Venture partners, community leaders, youth and women, the trainers, the civil society, security formations and the media.

By: Donatus Ebi

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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