Mbakpone Warns Against Substandard Projects as HYPREP Consults Stakeholders in Tai LGA

The Chairman of Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, Friday Mbakpone has asserted that his administration will not tolerate delivery of substandard projects or any actions that would undermine the interests of Tai people.

Mbakpone stated this on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 during visit by a delegation from the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to his office in Saakpenwa, Rivers State.

He further asserted that contractors handling projects across the LGA must adhere strictly to approved standards and specifications, transparency, and community requirements.

The visit by the HYPREP team was part of its routine consultation with host communities in Ogoni to review ongoing remediation and shoreline protection projects, of which Tai LGA is part.

Highpoint of the deliberations was the settlement of altercation that ensued over HYPREP’s projects at Gio and Kporghor communities.

The HYPREP’s team, led by Lucky Nkue and Parkinson Nkoo, pledged full compliance with project terms and community expectations.

The meeting ended with all parties reaching a common understanding with resolution of all outstanding disputes, including addressing concerns earlier raised by Gio Community.

In attendance at the meeting were top officials of Tai Local Government including the Vice Chairman; Caroline Amanwaa, Secretary to Local Government; Goteh Bank, Chief of Staff to the Chairman; Lesor Friday, as well as Supervisors, and Special Assistants, among others.