HYPREP Expands Peacebuilding Drive, Trains 500 Additional Ogoni Youths as Civil Security Personnel

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has intensified its peacebuilding and community empowerment efforts in Ogoniland with the commencement of training for an additional 500 newly engaged Civil Security personnel at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The latest batch brings to 1,000 the total number of Ogoni youths recruited under the initiative, following the Federal Government’s approval to increase the number of Civil Security personnel from the initial 500 to 1,000. The expansion underscores government’s commitment to deepening community participation, strengthening local security architecture, and safeguarding critical national assets in the region.

The Civil Security initiative is designed not only to create sustainable employment opportunities for Ogoni youths but also to enhance the protection of public infrastructure and HYPREP project sites across the four Ogoni local government areas. Beneficiaries are expected to undergo structured orientation and capacity-building programmes to equip them with the discipline, skills, and community engagement strategies required for effective service delivery.

Officials say the programme aligns with HYPREP’s broader mandate of fostering stability as a foundation for environmental restoration and socio-economic development in Ogoniland. By engaging youths directly in protecting remediation sites and other critical facilities, the project aims to promote a sense of ownership while discouraging vandalism and unrest.

Beyond youth engagement, HYPREP has continued to implement complementary peacebuilding strategies, including the organisation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training sessions for Ogoni traditional rulers and community leaders. The ADR initiative is intended to strengthen local conflict resolution mechanisms, reduce tensions, and promote dialogue-based solutions within communities.

Stakeholders have described the multi-pronged approach as a strategic investment in peace, noting that sustainable development and timely project execution thrive best in a secure and harmonious environment.

With the expanded Civil Security corps and ongoing community-based peace initiatives, HYPREP is reinforcing the principle that environmental remediation, infrastructure development, and lasting prosperity in Ogoniland are deeply rooted in peace, collaboration, and collective responsibility.