The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has called on professors who recently concluded their sabbatical engagements with the Project to continue offering professional and academic support towards the successful implementation of HYPREP’s mandate.
Prof. Zabbey made the appeal during a Thank You Visit by six professors who had been on sabbatical with HYPREP and were rounding off their specialised research and professional development programmes at the Project Coordination Office in Port Harcourt.
Describing their contributions as invaluable, the Project Coordinator expressed appreciation for their dedication and impact on the Project’s activities.
“We appreciate your various efforts and contributions to the success of the Project. We have mixed feelings as you prepare to leave because you have all been very supportive. Most importantly, you made personal contributions towards advancing the Project,” Prof. Zabbey said.
He urged the professors not to disengage completely from the Project, noting that their expertise remains vital.
“Please, do not abandon the Project. We still expect you back to contribute and add value to what is being done here. Your involvement reflects diversity, cooperation, and progress,” he added.
Prof. Zabbey described the 2025/2026 batch of sabbatical professors as an exceptional group, stressing that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) constructed by HYPREP would continue to require strong academic input.
He further noted that the Ogoni cleanup represents a rare opportunity for environmental restoration and socio-economic transformation, urging all stakeholders to play their roles to ensure the opportunity is not wasted.
“This cleanup is an opportunity we should not miss. Government has given us an uncommon opportunity that some people are joking with,” he stated.
Highlighting the achievements of the Project, Prof. Zabbey said HYPREP is making steady progress in mangrove restoration, land and shoreline remediation, potable water provision, and sustainable livelihood programmes. He added that the Project has also created jobs, provided academic scholarships, and offered training in areas such as Theatre Arts, Cabin Crew services, Mechatronics, Software Development, Cyber Security, GIS, and Commercial Driving, describing these interventions as signals of an economic rebirth in Ogoniland.
He expressed optimism that if at least 30 percent of beneficiaries effectively utilise the skills acquired, it would significantly impact community and national development.
The Project Coordinator also shared insights from his previous research work to reinforce the possibility of restoring degraded ecosystems and improving the quality of life of affected communities.
Earlier, the leader of the visiting team, Professor Adaubobo Ibitoru Hart, thanked Prof. Zabbey and the entire HYPREP management for the opportunity to serve as sabbatical professors.
“We have come to say thank you to the Project Coordinator and all those who worked with us during this period. We had a good experience and appreciate the leadership and support we received,” Prof. Hart said.
She assured that the professors would continue to support HYPREP even after the conclusion of their sabbatical.
“We are happy to have been part of a project where steps are taken in the right direction. We will continue to do our best to support the Project Coordinator and the success of the Project,” she added.
The sabbatical programme, which forms part of HYPREP’s town-and-gown initiative, allows professors to take an authorised break from teaching and administrative duties to focus on specialised research, creative activities, and professional development that benefit the Project. The initiative is designed to promote intellectual renewal and enhance long-term effectiveness in addressing environmental remediation and sustainable development challenges.
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