PRESIDENT BUHARI FLAGS OFF OGONI POWER PROJECT. (PHOTO).

President Buhari Flags Off Ogoni Power Project 

President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the construction of the Ogoni Power Project, expressing confidence that the project upon completion will spur socio-economic development of Ogoniland, create job opportunities for artisans and enhance entrepreneurial growth.

The President virtually participated in the groundbreaking of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and the Ogoni 100 Bed Specialist Hospital, performed on his behalf by the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi at Wiiya Akara, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State. 

On the power project, the President noted that it would bring sustainability to the Potable Water Schemes, Livelihood Programme, Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and the Specialist Hospital projects being undertaken by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP.

On the benefits of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the President said it would bring succour to those who over time had been exposed to hydrocarbon pollution and other ailments associated with environmental pollution in the community.

He urged the Ogoni community to co-operate with the Federal Ministry of Environment, HYPREP, and the companies handling the execution of the projects.

He said the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, on whose site the groundbreaking ceremony was held, would provide capacity and research opportunities to scholars within Nigeria and around the world on environmental remediation.

The President also disclosed that approvals for the rehabilitation of the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road, which the Bodo-Bonny Road opens into and serves as the gateway to the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne.

President Buhari told the gathering that contracts had  been approved for the next phase of remediation of sites (medium risk sites), the training of five thousand Ogoni people in sustainable livelihood skills and the engagement of five hundred Ogoni youths as environmental vanguards.

The President commended the Minister of Environment and his team at the Ministry and HYPREP for their doggedness in delivering on his instruction to as a matter of priority, deliver on the Ogoni clean-up and other key objectives of the Ministry including biodiversity and wildlife conservation, land remediation, upland and coastal erosion control.

He also applauded Governor Wike for his support to Federal Government’s developmental initiatives and particularly for the relative peace in Ogoni Land and Rivers State in general.

The Kasimene Bangha VII of Ogoniland, Dr. Suanu Timothy Gbenemene, on behalf of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, presented a chieftaincy title, Gbene of Ogoniland, Mighty Eagle of Ogoni land, to President Buhari.

The title was received on behalf of the President by the Minister.

The Minister of Environment used the occasion to provide an update on the modest progress being made in the restoration of oil impacted sites, which is the core mandate of HYPREP, explaining that twenty out of the 65 United Nations Environment sites had been remediated to date. 

Alhaji Abdullahi stated that six potable water schemes spread through the four LGAs of Ogoni land are at various stages of completion.

Chairman Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund, Mr. Mike Nweielghi, had pledged that Ogoni people would provide the necessary support and conducive atmosphere to the contractors to deliver on the projects.

He also lauded the President for considering Ogoni people worthy of piloting the affairs of the HYPREP projects, pledging prudent and transparent management of the funds.