Oil Resumption: HYPREP Trains Ogoni Youths in Mechatronics Skills

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has begun training 100 Ogoni youths in mechatronics to provide alternative livelihoods, in line with the United Nations Environment Programme’s report on Ogoniland.

HYPREP said the initiative aims to equip youths with high-demand technical skills, particularly in the oil and gas sector, ahead of the planned resumption of oil exploration in the region.

Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey shared this on Tuesday during the orientation and flag-off ceremony at the Onshore and Offshore Institute, Department of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt. Represented by the Director of Technical Services, Prof. Damian Paul-Aguinyi, Zabbey explained that the training is part of HYPREP’s commitment to move Ogoni youths from basic skills acquisition to advanced, industry-relevant competencies.

“We promised to transition from low-level to high-end skills for our people, and we are delivering on that promise,” he said. “The world is moving toward innovation, technology, digital profiling, and leadership. This programme ensures our people receive top-quality training through a carefully selected contractor in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt.”

Zabbey emphasised that the programme combines academic instruction with hands-on industry exposure and encouraged participants to fully engage with the opportunity.

“This is the perfect time to gain industry-specific skills aligned with the renewed oil and gas activities in Ogoniland under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Opportunities will arise, but your dedication to learning and practical sessions is key,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, praised President Tinubu for supporting HYPREP and ensuring tangible benefits for Ogoni communities, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole. He urged trainees to leverage the programme to strengthen their technical capabilities and prepare for future opportunities.

“This training is a strategic investment in both your future and the sustainable development of Ogoniland. Mechatronics is at the forefront of modern engineering and manufacturing, providing skills that are globally relevant and economically empowering,” Georgewill said. He encouraged the youths to approach the programme with discipline, seriousness, and curiosity.

The training facilitator, Mr. Makozi Samuel, Managing Director of Competent Samco Technical Nigeria Limited, said the four-week programme combines theory and practical sessions. Trainees will spend two weeks in classroom and laboratory learning before moving to the company’s facility at the Trans Amadi Industrial Layout for hands-on industrial exposure.

Samuel noted that the programme is designed to enhance the youths’ ability to develop creative solutions for engineering challenges, manage team projects in a digital oil and gas environment, and adhere to safety, environmental, and ethical standards.

“The industrial exposure bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, improving operational efficiency and preparing you for future roles in the sector,” he said.