Nation
WED: HYPREP Moves To Combat Plastic Pollution …Sensitises Ex-Artesenal Refiners
As part of activities to mark this year’s World Environment Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) has taken steps to combat plastic pollution in Ogoniland and other places within its catchment area.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who gave this indication in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, to commemorate the World Environment Day, said the Project remains dedicated to a pollution-free environment for sustainable development.
He noted that HYPREP is promoting citizens’ actions against plastic pollution, having led members of its Green Frontiers, last year, to the Bomu creeks in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, to clean up plastic from the mangroves, stressing that this initiative is aimed at inspiring citizens’ actions and science, particularly among young students in Ogoniland.
Zabbey said as part of HYPREP’s efforts to combat plastic pollution, it has also initiated several interventions aligned with its belief that nature-based solutions and citizens’ actions are necessary to tackle environmental degradation in the region.
He revealed that HYPREP has launched the use of Growcoon to replace plastic bags in mangrove nurseries, and has equally adhered to the Federal Government’s directive by banning the use of single-use plastics in the HYPREP Project Coordination Office and Area Offices, and extending same to its project sites.
“We promote citizens’ actions by educating fisher folks and engaging young students in environmental activities. We have established functioning environmental clubs in secondary schools in Ogoni,” he intoned.
He further indicated that as part of activities to mark this year’s World Environment Day, HYPREP and the Green Frontiers jointly embarked on a sensitisation campaign with the fisher folks in Bomu fishing port, focusing on actions to reduce plastic waste in the creeks, saying, this supports the multi-stakeholder approach to raise awareness and galvanise local citizens’ actions on the occasion of this year’s WED, calling for deliberate actions from all stakeholders, including government, industry players, communities and individuals, to help develop policies, ensure compliance with existing ones, and reduce activities that exacerbate plastic pollution and its attendant effects.
The Project Coordinator assured that HYPREP would continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including government, Civil Society Organisations(CSOs), communities and other development partners, to campaign and mobilise actions against plastic pollution in Ogoniland and beyond.
Zabbey noted that today, the global scourge of plastic pollution is having a profound impact on ecosystems, thus, posing a severe threat to livelihoods and public health, contending that the major contributor to plastic pollution is the expanding sachet economy, particularly water sachets, which have become one of the most recognisable single-use products in West Africa.
He said in Nigeria, for instance, sachets have grown increasingly common, with over 50 to 60 million used water sachets discarded in the environment each day, which end up in streams, canals, rivers and oceans, significantly adding to plastic pollution and its negative impact on the environment.
In a related development, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has taken its sensitisation campaign to Ogoni ex-artesenal refiners, calling on them to desist from re-polluting the environment, as it is poised to boost their capacity by giving them specialised trainings, as a way of enhancing their livelihoods.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who gave this assurance during a sensitisation programme organised by the Project for ex-artesenal refiners at Zina Motel in Agbonchia community in Eleme Local Government Area, recently, said the event was deliberately planned to coincide with this year’s World Environment Day.
He noted that ex-artesenal refiners are important partners to what HYPREP is doing in Ogoniland, assuring them that the Project is committed to their cause.
Zabbey, who was represented at the event by HYPREP’s Director of Technical Services, Prof Damian Paul-Aguiyi, said HYPREP acknowledges and appreciates the role which the ex-artesenal refiners are playing in the remediation efforts.
He said the event is geared towards moving them away from what they were doing before and give them alternative livelihoods, saying, “We will continue to engage them.They are a group we have already identified and already working with. They had willingly, on their own given up artesenal refining, by choice, and we are willing to work with them, to make sure there is no more artesenal refining in Ogoniland. We are encouraging them to keep doing what they are currently doing. And we will engage them. We made a commitment to give them specialised trainings, and we will make sure we give them sustainable livelihoods, to make sure they are off artesenal refining for ever.”
The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of a keynote lecture entitled, ‘Clean-Up: Gains, Sustainability And The Prosperity Of Ogoniland’ by Prof DineBari Badey and Prof Lesi Kaegon, both lecturers at the University of Port Harcourt.
Donatus Ebi
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, 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.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.
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