The Ogoni People Assembly, OPA, has conferred its prestigious award on the Chief Security Officer of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, Cdr. Osemudiamen Owns Izokpu.
The honour, tagged: ‘Ogoni Symbol of Security Award’s, was presented to Mr Izokpu who is becoming the second person to be decorated with such high-profile award after the late gallant DPO Bako Amgbashim.
Speaking shortly after the award presentation, the OPA leader, Reverend Probel Williams, said Mr Izokpu deserved the recognition for his security roles in the ongoing clean-up of the Ogoni land.
Mr Williams said: “OPA considers commander Izokpu befitting of this award, second after the late Bori DPO, as a result of his demonstrable security capability style which he is able to deploy and the tact in handling complex and fragile Ogoni environment, such that has ensured appreciable conduciveness for a smooth Ogoni cleanup exercise.
“The Naval commander since his introduction to manage the security of the Ogoni clean up programme, has without a sound of gun or act of military force, been able to galvanize all interest groups and persons to peacefully own the project to success.
“The present security team under Mr Izokpu at HYPREP, unlike what was obtainable in the past, has been very civil and professional, showing great respect/understanding in dealing with citizen rights, particularly in the face of peaceful protest by different groups with one demand or the other, to the project office in Port Harcourt.”
The OPA leader added that the award, apart from showing the appreciation of Ogoni people, “OPA views it as a spur and to further demonstrate our confidence and ability in commander Izokpu to do more in ensuring the peace, stability and successful implementation of all aspects of the Ogoni clean up programme”.
