The Federal Government (FG) has restated its commitment to improving public health in Ogoniland with the inauguration of a 14-member Technical Planning Committee (TPC) for the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), is a key component of the government’s response to health challenges in the region, as outlined in the UNEP Report.
Speaking at the inauguration in Port Harcourt, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, described the hospital as central to the Federal Government’s healthcare efforts in Ogoni.
He said the committee would help ensure the timely and effective operationalization of the hospital, which is currently 76% complete. The facility will include Oncology, Ophthalmology, Dental, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Emergency units.
Zabbey noted that the committee was carefully selected to include experts from multiple fields.
Their mandate is to create a roadmap for hospital operations, focusing on sustainability, compliance with health standards, and effective management. The team has four months to complete its assignment.
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Chairperson of the committee, Prof. Christie N. Mato, commended HYPREP for the initiative and pledged the committee’s commitment to delivering on its task. She described the hospital as a beacon of hope for the Ogoni people.
14-members of the TPC include, Prof. Christie N. Mato as Chairperson, Prof. Charles Tobin as West, Prof. Vincent Ndemyor, Prof. Rosemary Ogu, Prof. Kennedy Nkporbu, and Mr. Legborsi Pygbara.
Others include, Dr. Lebatam Ndegwe, Dr. Leziga Kinanen, Dr. Tombar Gbereol, Dr. William Mube, Dr. Leziga Ndii, Dr. Richard Okoye, Representative, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and Representative, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The committee’s report will be reviewed by HYPREP management and submitted to the Governing Council for approval. Prof. Zabbey urged stakeholders to continue supporting HYPREP as it accelerates the Ogoni cleanup in line with the Federal Government’s directive.
