AfriPulse
Persons living with disabilities in Ogoni communities are praising Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, the coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), as a transformative figure driving disability-inclusive cleanup efforts.
During an event marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Wiiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area, the group lauded HYPREP’s commitment to weaving social cohesion, human dignity, and peace-building into its Ogoni-wide projects, ensuring benefits reach every household, including those with special needs.
Professor Zabbey tied the event’s theme, ‘Fostering Disability-inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,’ directly to HYPREP’s core mission of fully integrating people with disabilities into cleanup planning and execution.
Over the last two years, HYPREP has shown dedication by prioritizing participation from this demographic, including approval for five targeted training programs they selected themselves, set to launch in January 2026.
Professor Zabbey emphasized: “These initiatives aim to equip you with relevant skills for more meaningful lives. We are confident these skills will empower personal growth and community development, so make good use of these opportunities.”
He commended their steadfast support and resilience amid hardships, urging unity and hope: “Your abilities matter, your voices count, and your future is essential to HYPREP. Speak more for us on your platforms with your intellect.”
Comr (Dr.) Baridapdoo Ngo Joy, President General and Founder of the Ogoni Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for backing Professor Zabbey and Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal for steady project leadership.
The group hailed Zabbey as the ‘Messiah of Inclusion’ for proving through actions that people with disabilities are equal partners entitled to dignity and priority, not mere charity recipients, redefining leadership via compassion in motion.
Dr. Baridapdoo declared: “Professor Zabbey, you have restored faith where despair once prevailed. Leadership shines through action, not position. We celebrate this new dawn of inclusion in Ogoni—and you as its champion.
In appreciation, Dr. Baridapdoo, joined by Comr Akpana Collins Gladdie, Rivers State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, presented a token to the HYPREP coordinator.
Attendees included Professor Damian Paul-Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services; the Khana CDO Unit Head; and Comrade Menele Nzidee.
Since taking office, Professor Zabbey appointed Barr. Stephanie Fiiwe as Desk Officer for Women and Youth to champion the project’s inclusivity policy, focusing on underserved groups like women, persons with disabilities, and diverse stakeholders.
You Might Be Interested In
Chidi Ugwu
Chdi Ugwu is a correspondent with Independent Newspapers.
Source: Independent.ng | Read the Full Story…
