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From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Innocent Barikor, has commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for his commitment towards the cleanup of Ogoni land.
Prof. Barikor gave the commendation on Thursday, during the commissioning of newly completed water facilities by the Minister in the Ogoni communities of Bodo, Uegwure-Boue, Taabaa, and Eteo covering Gokana, Khana, Tai, and Eleme LGAs of Rivers State.
“On behalf of my people, I want to thank you. I am a beneficiary of these projects. I assure you that the Ogoni people are people who appreciate good things. We appreciate those who have contributed to who we are. We will continue to have your name in the annals of the history of our dear community.”
Prof Barikor also appreciated the Project Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nennibarini Abbey, describing him as a game-changer.
“In the history of the development of our people, this is perhaps the most strategic approach we have ever had in the attempt to implement the programmes of HYPREP. The Coordinator has been able to strategically place and coordinate biodiversity reclamation and restoration and of course, this has also gone with the improvement of the livelihood of the people.”
The NESREA DG added, “We have never had it so good before and I believe if we continue to have him at the helm of affairs here, we are going to have more and more of these projects that are critical to the livelihood of Ogoni people .”
He urged the people of Ogoni land to treasure and protect the projects, saying,
“These projects belong to us and we must be committed to protecting them. I am confident in the leadership of this community in protecting what we are here for today because there is every reason to protect these projects.”
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In his Keynote address, the Minister of Environment restated the commitment of the Federal Government to the restoration of Ogoni land.
The Minister emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and called on residents to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their sustainability.
He praised the collaborative efforts of HYPREP, partners, traditional leaders, youth groups, and civil society for making the project a success.
The Minister also applauded the DG NESREA, Prof Innocent Barikor, for his role in promoting environmental sustainability in the country, saying that he was doing well as an Ogoni Son.
