Blue Economy: 100 Ogoni seafarers graduate from academy

About 100 youths have been trained in seafaring as part of efforts to provide alternative livelihood for young people in Ogoniland, Rivers State as well as boost Nigeria’s Blue Economy sector.

The training is part of the ongoing clean-up and remediation of oil impacted sites in Ogoniland in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environmental Program report.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasized the importance of the training, saying it aligns with the Blue Economy objectives of the Federal Government.

Zabbey stated that the graduation of the seafarers marks an important milestone in HYPREP’s efforts to restore livelihoods and promote sustainable development in Ogoniland.

He said, “Today is a special day, not just for the graduates, but for the entire project and the Ogoni people. It is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and a new chapter in the lives of these young individuals.

“We are also celebrating vision, resilience, and hope. Hope that it is being translated into skills, certificates, and tangible opportunities for a better future for the Ogoni youths.”

He noted that by equipping the youths with globally relevant seafaring skills, HYPREP is opening doors to alternative sources of income while discouraging oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other practices that threaten the integrity and productivity of the environment.

He emphasised that the Project has strong confidence in Ogoni youths as drivers of unity, peace, and progress.

“We are pleased to note that the Ogoni youth have shown remarkable resilience and commitment to peace in the area, and we are proud of the progress made so far. As a project, we are committed to supporting the aspirations of Ogoni youths and women.”

HYPREP sponsored the training.