To promote inclusivity and economic growth, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has initiated a sustainable alternative livelihood program, offering financial support to 40 Ogoni women in community markets.
This program, designed to bolster small businesses in Ogoni communities, has allocated N4,000,000 in its pilot support scheme for nano enterprises across four local government areas, as stated by the HYPREP Project Coordination Office (PCO). This strategic initiative acknowledges the crucial role small businesses play in driving economic activity and fostering sustainable livelihoods at the community level.
During the event in Wiiyaakara, Khana LGA, Project Coordinator Professor Nenibarini Zabbey highlighted that beyond financial aid, HYPREP aims to “create an environment where local businesses can prosper and innovation can thrive, enhancing beneficiaries’ ability to climb the income ladder while inspiring others to follow suit.”
Professor Zabbey reassured that HYPREP will continue to involve all Ogonis, regardless of their status, emphasizing that empowering women to manage successful businesses will ultimately lead to stronger and more resilient communities.
The PCO underlined that by empowering these market women, HYPREP continues to prioritize inclusive participation in the project’s implementation process and invest in the future of Ogoniland. The selection process was transparent and inclusive, with beneficiaries chosen on the spot in local markets across the four LGAs.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to HYPREP, promising to use the funds wisely. Participants who had previously received training in local enterprise development were awarded certificates of participation.
Last year, HYPREP provided business support funds to 60 Ogoni small business owners as part of its sustainable alternative livelihood initiative aimed at boosting the local economy.
