The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) says it is deliberately strengthening social cohesion, inclusivity and lasting peace in Ogoniland by ensuring that persons living with disabilities are fully integrated into the Ogoni Clean-up Programme.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, stated this on Tuesday at an event marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Wiiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, stressing that the clean-up programme is designed to reach every household in Ogoni, including people with special needs.
Professor Zabbey said the 2025 theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” strongly aligns with HYPREP’s mandate, noting that disability inclusion is being embedded into project planning and implementation.
He disclosed that over the past two years, HYPREP has taken concrete steps to strengthen participation of persons with disabilities, a commitment reflected in the approval of five targeted skills acquisition programmes selected by members of the disability community themselves. According to him, the training programmes are scheduled to commence in January 2026.
“These initiatives are aimed at equipping you with relevant skills that will enable you to live more meaningfully,” Zabbey said. “We are confident that these skills will empower you to contribute to your personal growth and the development of your communities. I urge you to make good use of these opportunities.”
While commending the group for its resilience and consistent support for the project, the HYPREP coordinator encouraged members to remain united and hopeful, stressing that inclusion goes beyond symbolism.
“Your abilities matter, your voices count, and your future is essential to HYPREP. We expect you to speak more for HYPREP on your platforms and with your intellect,” he charged.
In his remarks, Comrade (Dr.) Baridapdoo Ngo Joy, President-General and Founder of the Ogoni Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Professor Zabbey, and to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for his sustained leadership and support for the project.
Describing Zabbey as the “Messiah of Inclusion,” Dr Baridapdoo said the HYPREP coordinator has demonstrated through action that persons with disabilities are not objects of charity, but equal stakeholders deserving dignity and opportunity.
“Professor Zabbey, you have restored faith where despair once prevailed. You have proven that leadership is not defined by position, but by compassion translated into action,” he said.
In appreciation, Dr Baridapdoo, alongside Comrade Akpana Collins Gladdie, Rivers State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, presented an award to the HYPREP Project Coordinator.
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The event was attended by Professor Damian Paul-Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services at HYPREP, the Khana Community Development Office Unit Head, and Comrade Menele Nzidee, among others.
Since assuming office, Professor Zabbey has appointed a Women and Youth Desk Officer, Barrister Stephanie Fiiwe, to drive HYPREP’s inclusivity policy, with particular focus on underserved communities, women and persons with disabilities across Ogoniland.
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