The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has begun training youths from Ogoniland in commercial diving and underwater welding as part of its livelihood restoration programme aimed at providing alternatives to illegal artisanal refining.
The training, currently taking place at the Subweb Technical Training Academy in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, is targeted at former artisanal refiners, offering them opportunities to transition into safer and more sustainable forms of employment.
Speaking during the orientation exercise for participants, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, said the initiative is designed to redirect youths away from environmentally harmful activities into structured skill acquisition programmes that can support long-term livelihoods.
He warned that illegal artisanal refining continues to pose serious environmental and health risks, noting that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland had already documented the extensive damage caused to soil, water, air quality, and public health.
Zabbey explained that the programme is part of broader efforts to restore livelihoods in the region while promoting environmental sustainability. He urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously and use it as a foundation for building legitimate careers.
“The skills you will acquire in commercial diving and underwater welding are highly specialised and in demand, both locally and internationally.
”Therefore, it is an opportunity to redefine your future and contribute to national development,” he said.
He added that the orientation was a key part of the training process, providing participants with essential guidance on safety standards, discipline, expectations, and programme structure, which are necessary for successful completion.
Zabbey also encouraged the trainees to act as ambassadors of change in their communities by sensitising others on the dangers of environmental pollution and illegal refining activities.
The Managing Director of Mamba Underwater Diving Services, Chief Lubabari Baaba, whose organisation is facilitating the training, commended HYPREP for investing in high-demand technical skills for Ogoni youths.
He advised participants to remain disciplined and committed throughout the programme.
Also speaking on behalf of the leadership of ex-artisanal refiners in Ogoniland, Dr. Elvis Ikoma urged beneficiaries to take the training seriously, warning against a return to illegal refining activities.
“These efforts are to give you an alternative source of livelihood. If you do not take it seriously and return to vandalism or artisanal refining, the government will apply strict measures,” he cautioned.
The programme is part of ongoing interventions aimed at addressing environmental degradation in Ogoniland while creating sustainable economic opportunities for affected communities.
