As the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), embarks on a health survey in Ogoni, a Human and Environmental Rights activist, Chief Gbaranor Keeper, has applauded HYPREP’s health survey in Ogoniland noting that it should be properly conducted to determine the health status of the people, who had been exposed to hydro-carbon pollution for several years.
Speaking to our correspondent in Port Harcourt, Chief Keeper, who acknowledged that the survey was coming too late, however, said it is better late than never, noting that those who are still alive will benefit from the findings of the health survey.
”Any exercise carried out should be done thoroughly and should be able to really show the world actually what they are looking for and not taken haphazardly. The people have been exposed to Hydrocarbon pollution due to fifty years of oil production, it’s not a small thing.”
Also Read: Landlord in Etche LGA Detains Ex-Tenant’s Wife Over Unpaid N400,000 Debt
He emphasized that the health survey is necessary, called on the people to tone down their criticisms of HYPREP activities, and offered useful suggestions that would assist in ensuring that programmes and projects of HYPREP are properly executed for the benefit of the people.
”That survey is necessary because it was part of the cardinal recommendations by UNEP I would like my people to look at what HYPREP is doing, praise them where they have tried, and then show them any area where there are lapses, not blanket condemnation of the organization.”
Chief Keeper, a former chairman of the transition council of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), urged the management of HYPREP to accept criticisms in good faith and work towards improving its performance.
