The Gbenemene of Kaani Clan, Ogoniland, Dr O.P. Agara, has urged members of the House of Representatives Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities to support legislation establishing the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) as a full-fledged agency and strengthen safeguards against renewed oil pollution.
Agara made the call in a royal welcome message to the committee, led by Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Deekor, during its oversight visit to Ogoniland on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to inspect HYPREP projects. He described the visit as an opportunity to assess progress in environmental restoration, identify outstanding challenges and advance the long-term aspirations of the Ogoni people.
The traditional ruler, a former Director-General of the Pollution and Environmental Bureau of Old Rivers State and lead negotiator for the Ogoni side during the 2000 Federal Government-Shell re-entry negotiations, said the visit came at a significant time in Ogoniland’s history. According to Agara, the visit came 10 days before the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Environment Programme’s visit to Nigeria and subsequently Ogoniland on October 24, 2006. He said the restoration journey had been shaped by years of advocacy, sacrifice, dialogue and collective determination.
Highlighting HYPREP’s interventions, Agara said the projects had renewed hope for improved access to clean water, electricity, better livelihoods, skills development and environmental recovery. He also highlighted the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and alternative livelihood programmes, alongside reported signs of aquatic recovery. He commended HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, and his team for their efforts, while stressing the need for sustained, transparent and accountable implementation.
Agara paid tribute to Ogoni leaders and activists, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, Timothy Naakuu Paul Birabi, Edward Kobani and Albert Tombari Baddey, who championed the struggle for environmental justice. He said their sacrifices, alongside those of ordinary citizens, imposed a continuing responsibility on government and institutions to protect community rights, rebuild livelihoods and ensure that future generations inherit a safer homeland.
The monarch also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Ogoni Clean-up Project, the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoniland and other development initiatives. He stressed that sustainable restoration required more than completing projects, calling for continued funding, stronger institutional coordination, public-health protection, biodiversity recovery and measures to prevent fresh contamination.
He urged the committee to consider a durable legal framework for HYPREP, with clearly defined responsibilities, sustainable funding, effective oversight and institutional continuity beyond individual administrations. He also called for stronger legislative and regulatory safeguards against oil repollution, insisting that environmental remediation must be protected from renewed contamination and that polluters should be held responsible in accordance with applicable law.
Agara further encouraged the lawmakers to explore the tourism, cultural heritage and economic potential of Bodo Creek and the Ogoni Clean-up Monument at Tekuru Waterside, Gbere Zorkpan/Gbene Akpa Bay, Sugi Village. In the welcome message signed by Teeh (Prince) Kabari OP-Agara, scion and scribe of the Gbenemene, the monarch urged Ogoni sons and daughters to receive the delegation with unity and hospitality. He expressed hope that the visit would strengthen environmental restoration, reconciliation, sustainable development and lasting peace across Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.
For further updates, on Ogoniland biodiversity recovery,please visit www.hyprep.gov.ng
