Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has received an Award of Excellence in Hydrocarbon Remediation from the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
The award was presented during the Faculty’s 7th Annual Conference 2026, themed “Science Re-Imagined: Leveraging Technology & Innovation for a Sustainable Future.”
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Science Re-Imagined: The Ogoni Cleanup Experience,” Prof. Zabbey highlighted how HYPREP is redefining environmental science through practical, community-driven and technology-based remediation projects. He emphasised the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to tackling complex environmental challenges.
According to him, the conference theme aligns with HYPREP’s implementation strategies across its core projects, including mangrove restoration, shoreline remediation, land remediation and innovative environmental research under the Ogoni Cleanup Programme. He noted that these initiatives are not only restoring degraded ecosystems but also creating enduring knowledge legacies and added value for affected communities.
Prof. Zabbey outlined several “Science Re-Imagined” initiatives undertaken by HYPREP. These include the integration of indigenous knowledge with scientific methods in mangrove restoration; the use of growcoon biodegradable bags instead of plastics for planting mangroves; the application of indigenous microbes to produce biofertilizers for enhancing soil fertility and crop yields in NOSDRA closed-out sites; and the reintroduction of bloody cockle culture to restore seafood resources in Ogoni creeks.
He also highlighted the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), designed as a repository for the extensive data generated from the Ogoni Cleanup Programme and a hub for cutting-edge research in environmental remediation and management. Additionally, HYPREP has developed manuals on sustainable mangrove management and restoration to guide long-term conservation efforts.
The Project Coordinator stressed that community inclusion remains central to HYPREP’s sustainability strategy. Through training programmes and direct involvement in mangrove planting, community members are given a sense of ownership and responsibility in protecting restored ecosystems.
He advocated for “community science,” which empowers non-scientists with the knowledge and tools to collect useful environmental data and influence policy decisions. According to him, science becomes truly reimagined when it is domesticated and communicated in clear, accessible language, with minimal use of technical jargon.
Prof. Zabbey further challenged researchers and academic institutions to align with global environmental stewardship goals by conducting eco-friendly studies with minimal environmental impact. He underscored the need for inclusivity, innovation, community-driven monitoring systems, and expanded internship and hands-on training opportunities for students.
“Our clarion call today to all scientists and students is to re-imagine science by undertaking innovative, interdisciplinary and solution-oriented research for development, and by creating knowledge products that will advance environmental sustainability,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Mr. Roland Ngbor, Head of Administration at HYPREP, also received an Award for Excellence in Administration at the conference.
Earlier, Prof. Zabbey and members of the conference planning committee paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchuku, ahead of the event.
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