By Pius Dukor
As part of its core mandates, which include the clean up of oil polluted sites, provision of portable drinking water, among others, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has concluded a livelihood training programme for youths in Ogoni, with some earning automatic employment with Dana Airline.
In a speech at the weekend at Wiiyaakara, project coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Neeniibari Zabbey, explained that the livelihood training is a critical component of the clean up, adding that
the collaboration with Dana Airline has created an open door in the areas of skills acquisition, experience and employment in the aviation industry.
He added that it is a chance to showcase dedication and passion where 19 Ogonis have been certified by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The project coordinator expressed optimism over the process, noting that it was fair and transparent, while thanking the Minister of Environment for support. “Cabin crew members are ambassadors of the people as they make passengers comfortable” he said.
In a goodwill message, His Majesty, Gbenemene Suanu Baridam, stated that this opportunity will give youths the opportunity to work in the aviation industry and contribute their quota to the development of Ogoni.
“Sponsoring a cabin crew recruitment exercise as a way of giving back to the community and empowering the youth is a commendable initiative by HYPREP in Ogoni land. By providing opportunities for local youth to join the cabin crew, HYPREP is not only supporting the professional development of individuals but also contributing to the economic empowerment and growth of the community.
“By sponsoring the recruitment exercise, HYPREP is investing in the future of the community,” he explained.
Baridam said that linking the recruitment exercise to the environmental remediation efforts of HYPREP can help raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability among the youth. This can inspire a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment, creating a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who can actively contribute to the preservation of Ogoni land, he said, while thanking HYPREP for this initiative, and adding that they should look beyond Dana Air and seek partnership with other airlines.
He tasked NNPC to pay their part of the contribution to HYPREP so that they can be able to do more for the people, especially the pursuit of oversea education of Ogoni people.
A member of the HYPREP Governing Council, Comrade Celestine Akpobari, reminded the people that it was the struggle, agitation and sacrifice that gave birth to the clean up, while further commending HYPREP.
He however observed that the Ogonis have a better story to tell in the film industry, as he urged Ogoni people to pray for the coordinator.
He further tasked the Federal Government to also put in their part of contribution to the clean up so that HYPREP can also venture into Nollywood and those who want to school outside Nigeria can have the opportunity, but stressed that the electrification project should reach every community.
In his contribution, representative of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Egnr. Clark Ekiyokenegha Didi commended HYPREP for the laudable efforts in training the youth in the aviation industry, pointing out that livelihood is one of the key recommendations of UNEP report.
He however noted that Ogoni people are yet to understand and know what HYPREP is doing due to inadequate publicity, and called for more information dessimination. “We want to see the products of HYPREP everywhere not only in the airline,” he said.
Earlier, Katheryn Tsaro Lademo, CEO of Cabin Training Institute, maintained that they want more Ogonis to be in the available industries hence she was convinced to seek HYPREP collaboration where Ogoni sons and daughters can venture into the cabin crew job placement. “Those trained will be employed by Dana with some of the best pilots in the world” she stated.
Dana Airline’s Human Resources manager, Emegha Clinton, said there lot of positions, not only cabin crew, while urging youths to seek more skills that will secure them jobs in the industry.
One of the successful candidates and winner of the recruitment exercise, Oyeomah Constance, thanked HYPREP for the training and the employment opportunity in the aviation industry.
