The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commenced the training of 100 Ogoni youths in mechatronics, aiming to provide alternative livelihoods and equip them with high-demand technical skills in line with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland.
The initiative was launched at the Onshore and Offshore Institute, Department of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, during an orientation and flag-off ceremony. Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP Project Coordinator, represented by the Director of Technical Services, Prof. Damian Paul-Aguinyi, said the programme is part of HYPREP’s commitment to transition Ogoni youths from low-level skills to industry-relevant, high-end competencies.
“We made promises to move from low-level skills to high-end skills for our people, and we are not cutting any corners,” Zabbey said. “This training aligns with innovation, technology, digital profiling, and leadership. We partnered with the University of Port Harcourt to ensure the best training experience for our people.”
The four-week programme combines academic learning with practical industry exposure, preparing participants for the anticipated resumption of oil and gas exploration in Ogoniland under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Zabbey urged trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that hands-on experience would be a key part of their development.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative for both the Ogoni community and Nigeria’s broader technological and industrial landscape. “Mechatronics is at the heart of modern manufacturing and engineering. You are gaining skills that are globally relevant and economically empowering,” he said.
The programme, facilitated by Competent Samco Technical Nigeria Limited, includes two weeks of intensive classroom and lab training, followed by industrial exposure at the Trans Amadi Industrial Layout. Participants will develop creative solutions to engineering challenges, manage team projects, and adhere to safety and ethical standards in a modern oil and gas environment.
This initiative positions Ogoni youths to participate meaningfully in future oil and gas activities while fostering local capacity development and sustainable livelihoods.
