The Federal Government on Friday assured of its readiness to hasten Ogoniland clean up project as part of efforts to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of Ogoni people.
To demonstrate its commitment to environmental remediation process in the Niger Delta region, the government also inaugurated the Second Governing Council of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project and the Board of Trustees of Ogoni Trust Fund.
President Muhammadu Buhari , who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mutapha, inaugurated the council and board in Abuja.
The president, who noted that since the flag-off of the project in 2016, some milestones and timelines could not be accomplished due to some challenges, assured Ogoni people that the government would still achieve its goals through responsive initiatives.
Buhari recalled that the Federal Executive Council recently approved the award of contracts for six water supply schemes at an estimated cost of about N6.05bn as a means of providing potable water to the impacted communities in Ogoniland.
According to him, the approval is a demonstration of its commitment to improving their socio-economic conditions.
This is even as he said that the remediation of polluted lands was in progress in various parts of Ogoniland and that he had directed a further restructuring of HYPREP in order to create an environment for a structured and focused delivery.
Buhari expatiated: “The Minister of Environment has informed me that remediation of polluted land is progressing in various parts of Ogoniland and I have approved his request to further rejig and restructure HYPREP.
“Your appointment therefore is part of this deliberate effort and I hope that you will live up to expectation accordingly”, the President added.
He also charged the newly inaugurated members of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees to deliver on their mandates to proof to the people that his administration is totally committed to making Ogoniland cleaner for healthy living and productivity.
