The Hydrocarbon Air pollution Remediation Challenge (HYPREP), beneath its livelihood programme, has engaged youths of Ogoniland in coaching on business diving and underwater welding.
The coaching is being held on the Subweb Technical Coaching Academy in Eleme Native Authorities Space of Rivers State.
The Challenge Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, stated the initiative, focused at ex-artisanal refiners, gives a possibility for them to transition from casual and dangerous actions to authorized, secure, and sustainable employment.
Talking throughout an orientation train for the trainees, Zabbey famous that unlawful artisanal refining poses severe environmental and well being dangers. He added that the United Nations Atmosphere Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland clearly outlines the devastating impacts of illicit refining on soil, water, and air high quality, in addition to its long-term penalties on public well being and livelihoods.
Zabbey defined that the livelihood restoration initiative is designed to equip beneficiaries with expertise, safeguard the atmosphere and public well being, and guarantee environmental sustainability for the way forward for Ogoniland.
He urged the trainees to see the programme as a stepping stone to constructing reputable and rewarding careers.
“The talents you’ll purchase in business diving and underwater welding are extremely specialised and in demand, each domestically and internationally. Due to this fact, it is a chance to redefine your future and contribute to nationwide growth.
“At the moment’s orientation programme is a essential part of the coaching schedule. It is going to offer you important info on security requirements, expectations, self-discipline, and the coaching construction. A robust understanding of those components is essential to attaining a profitable and impactful coaching final result,” Zabbey stated.
He additionally inspired the trainees to turn out to be ambassadors of change of their communities by elevating consciousness in regards to the risks of environmental air pollution and artisanal refining.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Mamba Underwater Diving Companies, the facilitators of the coaching, Chief Lubabari Baaba, counseled HYPREP for its dedication to equipping Ogoni youths with high-demand expertise.
He suggested the trainees to be disciplined and intentional about their participation within the programme.
Talking on behalf of the management of Ogoni ex-artisanal refiners, Dr. Elvis Ikoma urged beneficiaries to take the coaching significantly, warning in opposition to a return to unlawful refining actions.
“All these efforts by the federal government are to present you an alternate supply of livelihood. If you don’t take it significantly and return to vandalism or artisanal refining, the federal government will apply strict measures,” he warned.
Blessing Ibunge
Times Nigeria