The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme (HYPREP) has tasked the 500 beneficiaries of its N1 million postgraduate scholarship award with pursuing high-quality research programmes that address environmental challenges and shape Ogoniland’s future.
HYPREP’s Project Coordinator (PC), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, delivered the charge at the 3rd scholarship award ceremony in Port Harcourt.
No fewer than 300 Master’s degree and 200 Doctoral degree scholars benefited from the gesture. It is part of the human capacity-building (livelihood component) in the United Nations Environmental Cleanup (UNEP) report and recommendations on the Ogoni cleanup.
Earlier, the consultant who handled the screening and selection process for HYPREP disclosed that over 2000 people applied for the grant, 1,500 participated in the first selection test, and 500 qualified after the final screening.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the PC told them that the fund is not for funfair or jollification, but a reminder of the role they have to play and the future they owe Ogoniland, the people, and posterity as young professionals.
He urged them to leverage the ongoing Ogoni cleanup exercise and produce quality, publishable research that addresses critical environmental, intellectual, and leadership needs in the area.
He said, ‘… beyond the grant, this intervention is also about renewing hope and the future we are co-creating in Ogoni. Today, I want to have a candid conversation with you, beyond the grant, this intervention is also about renewing hope and the future we are co-creating in Ogoni.
‘As you may already know, education gives you knowledge, but it also places a responsibility on you to use that knowledge to improve society.
‘I encourage you to see this scholarship as a call to service. As researchers in different fields, you must understand that you play an important role in shaping Ogoni’s future.
The Ogoni community looks to you for ideas, leadership, and solutions to the challenges facing our people.
‘You are expected to question old and unsustainable ways of doing things, develop new ideas, innovate, create opportunities, and help build a society where the next generation can live in peace and sustainable economic prosperity.
‘It is in recognition of this responsibility that HYPREP is investing in your education and professional development.’
Further, Zabbey gave a deeper reason for spending the huge amount on the Scholars, saying, ‘This scholarship intervention is one way HYPREP is contributing to that objective by building human capacity, expanding opportunities, and preparing our people to participate across different sectors of the economy.
‘The programme was conceived and is being implemented to reinforce the role of researchers and intellectuals as drivers of development. Through these efforts, HYPREP has become a major contributor to the region’s transformation and an important partner in shaping our communities’ future.’
Speakers at the ceremony praised HYPREP under the current Administration for its commitment to implementing UNEP report recommendations and the Agency’s mandate.
At the event, Prof. Barinedum Nwibere, a member of the HYPREP Governing Council, charged the people of Ogoni to shun baseless, unconfirmed, and destructive criticisms of HYPREP and instead ask meaningful questions to address their confusion about the Agency’s activities.
In response, some beneficiaries thanked HYPREP and its managers for their transparency and sincerity in handling the Scholarship screening process, and urged them to maintain the standard.
A postgraduate student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (Mathematics Education), Mrs Uloma Celestine-Gbara from Boa Community, Gokana Local Government Area, who benefited from the gift, expressed gratitude to HYPREP and assured that the fund she received would go a long way in defraying her academic expenses, including payment of tuition fees, engaging in research work, and publishing some of her ready articles.