The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing plastic pollution in Ogoni and beyond.
According to Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, the organization has complied with the Federal Government’s directive by banning the use of single-use plastics in its offices and project sites.
“We have adhered to the Federal Government’s directive by banning the use of single-use plastics in the HYPREP Project Coordination Office and Area Offices, and we are extending this ban to our project sites,” Prof. Zabbey said.
This move is part of HYPREP’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce plastic pollution.
He said HYPREP is also promoting citizen action by educating fisherfolk and engaging young students in environmental activities, explaining that the project has established functioning environmental clubs in secondary schools in Ogoni, which have been instrumental in promoting environmental awareness and action among young people.
According to the Project Coordinator, the HYPREP Green Frontiers, an environmental club of the project, recently embarked on a clean-up exercise in the Bomu Creeks in the Gokana Local Government Area to remove plastic waste from the mangrove, saying the initiative aimed to inspire citizens’ actions and science, particularly among young students in Ogoni.
He said: “To mark this year’s World Environment Day, HYPREP and the HYPREP Green Frontiers will jointly embark on a sensitization campaign with fisherfolk in Bomu fishing port, focusing on actions to reduce plastic waste in creeks. This effort supports HYPREP’s multi-stakeholder approach to raising awareness and galvanizing local citizens’ action.”
Zabbey decried that Plastic pollution is a significant problem in Nigeria, with over 50 to 60 million used water sachets discarded in the environment each day. These sachets often end up in streams, canals, rivers, and oceans, contributing to plastic pollution and its negative impact on the environment.
He further disclosed that HYPREP has launched several initiatives to combat plastic pollution, including the use of Growcoon to replace plastic bags in mangrove nurseries, assuring that the project is committed to working with relevant stakeholders to campaign and mobilize actions against plastic pollution in Ogoni and beyond.
“Together, we can end plastic pollution and ultimately contribute to achieving environmental sustainability!” Prof. Zabbey emphasized.
