The Rivers State Government has reinforced its strategic alliance with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to significantly improve public health standards across Ogoniland. This renewed commitment focuses on mitigating the long-term health impacts of environmental degradation in the oil-rich region.
Ambulance Handover Marks Critical Step
On 14 January 2026, a major milestone was achieved with the formal handover of five fully-equipped ambulances donated by HYPREP. The vehicles were allocated to key healthcare centres in communities heavily affected by oil exploration: Bori General Hospital, Eleme General Hospital, Kpite Primary Health Centre, Terabor General Hospital, and Bodo General Hospital.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, who presided over the ceremony, stated that the donation represents a vital enhancement for emergency medical response capabilities. She emphasized that the initiative moves beyond mere environmental cleanup to directly confront the health crises faced by residents.
Holistic Approach to Remediation and Health
Dr. Oreh clarified that hydrocarbon pollution remediation is a multi-faceted challenge. "It is not just about the environment," she said. "With these ambulances, HYPREP is helping to build a resilient and responsive health system, enabling the swift transfer of patients to facilities where specialised medical care is available."
She commended HYPREP for aligning its projects with global goals on climate protection and sustainability, while simultaneously addressing the urgent, localized needs of Ogoni people. The Commissioner further reaffirmed the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration's dedication to supporting HYPREP's programmes for lasting community impact.
HYPREP's Broader Health Interventions
Professor Nenibari Zabbey, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, explained that the ambulance provision is designed to maximize the utility of existing health infrastructure and improve grassroots emergency response. "These vehicles will guarantee swift emergency responses at the community level, reinforce the patient referral system and provide timely access to life-saving care," he stated.
Prof. Zabbey connected this effort to the foundational United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland, which advocates for robust public health measures alongside environmental restoration. He also detailed other significant health projects underway:
- An ongoing health impact study conducted by the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
- The near-completion of a 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital.
- The construction of a 43-bed Cottage Hospital in Buan.
"All these efforts are designed to bring both basic and specialised healthcare services within reach of the people," he added. The Project Coordinator stressed that sustainable health outcomes depend on strong synergy with government institutions, policies, and local expertise.
The handover event was attended by prominent figures, including the Chairman of the HYPREP Board of Trustees, Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah; the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor; and the King of Eleme Kingdom, HRM Dr. Phillip Osaro Obele. Their presence underscored the broad-based support for this critical partnership aimed at healing Ogoniland.
