The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Nenibarini Zabbey, has commended the quality of mangrove seedlings raised by community-based Mangrove Vanguards ahead of the commencement of Phase 2 of the Ogoni mangrove restoration programme.
Zabbey gave the commendation during an inspection visit on Thursday, June 25, 2026, to mangrove nurseries established by trained HYPREP Mangrove Vanguards in Bomu, Bodo and Gbe communities in Gokana Local Government Area in Ogoni, Rivers State.
Speaking during the visit, the HYPREP Coordinator expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the trainees and the quality of seedlings nurtured in the nurseries, describing the development as a positive step toward the successful implementation of the next phase of mangrove restoration in Ogoniland.
He assured host communities that they would play active roles in the restoration programme and benefit directly from the initiative through various empowerment opportunities.
According to him, HYPREP has developed a robust framework designed to ensure the transfer of knowledge and practical skills in mangrove planting and nursery management while creating economic opportunities for local residents through the supply of seedlings to restoration contractors.
Zabbey recalled that HYPREP, in January, trained 70 Mangrove Vanguards drawn from seven Ogoni communities, including Bomu, Bodo, K-Dere, Gbe, Kpor, Lewe and Goi, as part of its commitment to environmental restoration and community empowerment.
He explained that the beneficiaries received grants to establish mangrove nurseries in their respective communities and were equipped with the skills required to manage sustainable nurseries for both restoration and commercial purposes.
The Project Coordinator noted that the Mangrove Vanguards would also serve as ambassadors for mangrove restoration and conservation in Ogoniland, helping to sustain the gains of the environmental remediation programme.
Accompanied by Portuguese professional filmmaker, Salome Lamas, Zabbey also inspected existing mangrove restoration sites in Bomu Community, where he reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to restoring the degraded ecosystem and improving livelihoods in affected communities.
The mangrove restoration project forms a key component of the ongoing Ogoni environmental cleanup programme aimed at rehabilitating damaged ecosystems and promoting sustainable development across the region.