The Rivers Government has commended the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) on its health initiatives and support for Ogoni people.
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP Project Coordinator, in statement on Saturday, said Dr Adaeze Oreh, the Commissioner for Health in Rivers, paid a courtesy visit to HYPREP office in Rivers.
Oreh, who applauded HYRPREP health initiatives, expressed the government’s readiness for more partnerships with the project.
“It is essential to emphasise that the Rivers Ministry of Health is keen to work with HYPREP to ensure that the people of Ogoniland are not left behind in our broader pursuit of health for all Rivers people which is a key component of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara’s healthcare agenda for the state.
“The main purpose of this visit is initially to express our gratitude to HYPREP for the commendable work being done to support the health and development of the people of Ogoni land.’’
She said that the visit was to also strengthen partnership and to foster deep relationship between HYPREP and the state government.
“In alignment with the Rivers Government’s health agenda, one of our key pillars is ensuring accessibility to quality healthcare for our people.
“Accessibility encompasses both geographical and financial aspects; HYPREP’s soon-to-be-commissioned cottage and specialist hospitals in Ogoni land will greatly improve access to quality healthcare services in the area.
“From the Rivers Government’s side, through the Ministry of Health and the Hospital’s Management Board, we are committed to assisting HYPREP in ensuring these facilities deliver the quality services envisioned.
“Regarding the specialist hospital, we await the strategic and operational framework from HYPREP’s Governing Council.
“Once outlined, we will align closely to support its successful operation,” she said.
Responding, Zabbey said that the visit signified a shared vision towards actualising comprehensive health interventions in Ogoniland.
“We greatly value this collaboration as HYPREP alone cannot fully address the healthcare needs of Ogoniland.
“Since the facilities are ultimately owned by the state government, collective involvement is critical to achieving our shared goals.
“From the outset, the Ministry of Health has been an integral stakeholder in our framework.’’
He revealed that HYPREP was building two health facilities; strengthening administrative and healthcare systems to enhance COVID-19 responses.
“We have strengthened four hospitals in Ogoniland and are currently developing the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the Bodo Cottage Hospital.”
Zabbey appealed for the support of the Rivers Ministry of Health to undertake the unveiling of a comprehensive public health study in Ogoni land which is to take place in 2025.
He added that the study, led by the World Health Organisation, was expected to last for three years and equally explore the relationship between hydrocarbon contamination and public health outcomes.
The HYPREP coordinator said that the ongoing medical outreach programmes in Ogoni revealed a notable prevalence of visual impairments among residents and appealed to the commissioner to consider deploying eye care specialists to address the challenges.
“It is important to note that the hospitals in Ogoni are open to everyone and the positive impacts of these initiatives will extend beyond Ogoni.’’
Zabbey expressed optimism that by February, Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, also the Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, would commission two major water schemes which would enable the Bori Water Project to supply potable water to seven communities.
“By the end of 2025, we anticipate that about 70 additional communities in Ogoni will have access to potable water.
“We remain focused on our mission to deliver sustainable, effective public health and development solutions for Ogoni and the surrounding communities,” he said.
