Environment Minister Praised By NESREA DG For Landmark Ogoni Clean-Up Achievements

The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Innocent Barikor, has lauded the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for his unwavering commitment to the cleanup of Ogoni land, according to iReporter Online.

Prof. Barikor made these remarks on Thursday during the commissioning of newly completed water facilities in the Ogoni communities of Bodo, Uegwure-Boue, Taabaa, and Eteo, spanning Gokana, Khana, Tai, and Eleme LGAs in Rivers State.

“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,” Prof. Barikor said, according to iReporter Online.

He also commended the Project Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nennibarini Abbey, calling him a game-changer in the region’s restoration efforts.

“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 the improvement of the livelihood of the people.”

The NESREA DG added, “We have never had it so good before and I believe if we continue to have him at the helm of affairs here, we are going to have more and more of these projects that are critical to the livelihood of Ogoni people.”

He urged the Ogoni people to cherish and protect the projects, stating, “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,” according to iReporter Online.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Environment reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to restoring Ogoni land, emphasizing that access to clean water is a fundamental human right.

He called on residents to take ownership of the facilities to guarantee their sustainability and praised the combined efforts of HYPREP, partners, traditional leaders, youth groups, and civil society for the project’s success.

The Minister also applauded NESREA DG Prof. Innocent Barikor for his role in promoting environmental sustainability, describing him as an exemplary Ogoni son.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”