Nation
HYPREP Moves To Offer Postgraduate Scholarships To Ogoni Students
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) says its postgraduate scholarship scheme for Ogoni students is expected to commence this month.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Deinibarini Zabbey, who gave the indication while addressing participants during a quarterly interactive session with Ogoni youths in Port Harcourt, said as part of HYPREP’s expanded livelihood programme, it is rolling out the new scholarship scheme as a new initiative to provide local postgraduate scholarship support to Ogoni students starting in October 2024.
He noted that the scholarship programme is a significant development, as HYPREP’s objective is to empower Ogoni youths to pursue advanced education in fields that would benefit the Ogoni community and the nation at large.
Zabbey further indicated that HYPREP believes that education is critical to long-term development, saying, this scholarship initiative is designed to create a cadre of skilled professionals in keeping with its effort to develop alternative sources of livelihood for youths who will lead Ogoniland into a green and prosperous future.
The Project Coordinator equally revealed that the livelihood programme also includes support to small and medium-scale businesses, youth training, capacity building and other empowerment initiatives to ensure that as the Project restores the land, it is also building the people’s capacity, especially, that of Ogoni youths, to move up the income ladder.
According to him, HYPREP also has special programmes for people living with disabilities, so as to equip them with the information, skills, education and resources needed to live more meaningfully.
He noted that the quarterly interactive session represents a platform for dialogue and an opportunity for the Project Coordination Office to update the youths on the significant progress in various aspects of the Project, stressing that by hosting the event this time around, HYPREP has again demonstrated that it is a promise keeper.
Zabbey expressed delight that “today, we celebrate progress in remediating hydrocarbon-impacted land; shoreline clean-up; mangrove restoration; and constructing critical infrastructure in Ogoniland, which include the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration; the Ogoni power project; the Ogoni Specialist Hospital; the Buan Cottage Hospital; 14 water schemes; and an array of other special projects that will impact the lives of every Ogoni person.”
The Project Coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of HYPREP to implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) Assessment Report on Ogoniland.
He disclosed that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration would be operational in 2025, a project, he noted has already become visible on the skyline of Ogoniland, adding that when completed, it would stand as a beacon of cutting-edge research and a repository of the science and art of environmental remediation, placing Ogoniland at the forefront of environmental remediation in Nigeria and across West Africa.
He also revealed that additional water projects would soon be commissioned in more Ogoni communities.
He said the active phase of the Ogoni power project, which would include the construction of electricity towers will commence soon, stressing that HYPREP has surveyed the right of way for the project, while compensation had been paid to property owners in Khana Local Government Area and was at the verge of doing same to Gokana Local Government Area before moving to Tai Local Government Area.
Zabbey further hinted that HYPREP team would soon travel to India over the power project, and assured the youths that the Project is very committed to the power project.
He also disclosed that beneficiaries of the Project’s livelihood programme would soon take delivery of their starter-packs, as consultants have started picking up their letters for that purpose.
While harping on the need for peace, the Project Coordinator told the youths that, “as we continue to work, peace and cooperation must remain at the forefront of all our activities in Ogoniland.”
In his keynote address, a senior lecturer in the Department of Business Administration of the Rivers State University, Dr Sorbarikor Lebura listed the various types of temperaments which can influence the actions and behaviours of human beings, and stressed the need for Ogoni people to take advantage of all the projects and programmes being carried out by HYPREP in their domains.
According to him, all the various types of temperaments are useful to the Project.
He, however, advised the youths to always control their temperaments so as to benefit maximally from the projects and programmes.
Lebura also highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying the Project cannot succeed without collaborating with the various stakeholders.
Also speaking, former National Deputy President of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Comrade Menele Nzidee thanked the youths for their support to the Project Coordinator and his team, and urged them to take ownership of the Project.
He particularly commended HYPREP for the postgraduate scholarship initiative, saying, it is a way of expanding the empowerment scope of the Ogoni people.
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.