NESREA DG Urges Ogoni Communities To Protect New Water Projects

The Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, has urged the people of Ogoni Land to treasure and protect newly commissioned water facilities in the area.

Barikor stated this on Thursday, during the commissioning of newly completed water facilities by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal in the Ogoni communities of Bodo, Uegwure-Boue, Taabaa, and Eteo covering Gokana, Khana, Tai, and Eleme LGAs of Rivers State.

Barikor, while expressing confidence in the community’s leadership to safeguard the projects, appreciated the minister for his commitment towards the cleanup of Ogoni land.

“These projects belong to us and we must be committed to protecting them. I am confident in the leadership of this community in protecting what we are here for today because there is every reason to protect these projects.

“On behalf of my people, I want to thank you . I am a beneficiary of these projects. I assure you that the Ogoni people are people who appreciate good things. We appreciate those who have contributed to who we are. We will continue to have your name in the annals of the history of our dear community,” he said.

Barikor also congratulated the Project Coordinator for Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nennibarini Abbey, describing him as a game changer.

“In the history of the development of our people, this is perhaps the most strategic approach we have ever had in the attempt to implement the programmes of HYPREP.

“The Coordinator has been able to strategically place and coordinate biodiversity reclamation and restoration and of course this has also gone with improving the livelihood of the people,” he said.

He noted that the Ogboni Land had never had it so good, adding that if Abbey continues at the helm of affairs, the land will continue to have more projects that are critical to the livelihood of Ogoni people.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Environment restated the commitment of the Federal Government to the restoration of Ogoni Land .

The Minister emphasised that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and called on residents to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their sustainability.

He praised the collaborative efforts of HYPREP, partners, traditional leaders, youth groups, and civil society for making the project a success.

The minister also applauded the NESREA DG for his role in promoting environmental sustainability in the country.

NESREA DG Urges Ogoni Communities To Protect New Water Projects is first published on The Whistler Newspaper