Leaders of two Non-Governmental Organisations have verified the progress reports of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, and expressed optimism over the success of its ongoing initiatives in Ogoniland.
The verification followed an inspection visit on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, to project sites at Bomu in Gokana Local Government Area and Wiiyaakara in Khana Local Government Area.
The delegation comprised human rights activist and Research Fellow at Oxford University’s Department of Politics and International Relations, Ike Okonta, and the Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Victoria Ebezim-Ohaeri. They were led on the tour by HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey.
After assessing work at the sites, the team commended HYPREP’s restoration efforts, describing progress at the 560-hectare mangrove restoration site in Bomu as “transformational.” The visitors also joined in planting mangrove seedlings at the site.
They noted the return of periwinkles, fish and other aquatic species to the area, which HYPREP said are indicators of ecosystem recovery.
Speaking during the visit, Okonta acknowledged that Zabbey’s leadership was yielding positive results, while Ebezim-Ohaeri said the progress recorded in restoring areas previously impacted by pollution was worthy of commendation.
Responding, Zabbey said the mangrove restoration initiative is aimed at reviving destroyed mangroves to support fisheries, biodiversity and local livelihoods.
On the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration in Wiiyaakara, the Project Coordinator said the project is nearing completion and will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research in environmental restoration and management.
