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Ogoni Clean-Up: HYPREP Completes Complex Sites’ Characterisation, Delineation

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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

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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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