The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is expanding its sustainable livelihood program by sponsoring 19 Ogoni youths for a specialised six-week Cabin Crew training course in Lagos.
Thie six-week programme is a core component of HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood mandate, designed to transition the region’s youth from an oil-impacted economy to high-demand professional sectors.
During an orientation session held on Monday, Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey congratulated the beneficiaries, describing the opportunity as the “beginning of a new chapter” in their professional lives.
He noted that the initiative is part of a “gentle revolution” in Ogoniland, aimed at replacing environmental degradation with sustainable human capacity development.
“This training will contribute to the economic impact HYPREP is pushing, positioning the region on the national and global map,” Zabbey stated.
He urged the participants to act as ambassadors of the Ogoni clean-up and to view themselves as “carriers of hope” for their communities.
The programme follows a successful first phase where 30 Ogoni youths were trained in various aviation roles.
Support leads, including Engr. Ehioze Igbinomwanhia and Mrs. Josephine Nzidee (Head of Sustainable Livelihood), emphasised that the programme is rigorous, noting that certification is strictly merit-based and dependent on passing the final examinations.
Director of Technical Services Prof. Damian-Paul Aguiyi reminded the trainees of the long-term value of the skill.
“Whatever you acquire is yours; nobody can take it away from you,” he said, encouraging them to focus entirely on the six-week curriculum.