HYPREP Expands Public Health Interventions, Deploys Five Ambulances to Improve Emergency Care in Ogoni
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has strengthened emergency healthcare delivery in Ogoniland with the donation of five ambulances to key public health facilities, in a move aimed at improving response to medical emergencies, strengthening referral systems and ensuring timely access to lifesaving care for communities in the region.
The ambulances were donated to Bori Zonal Hospital, Terabor General Hospital, Eleme General Hospital, Bodo General Hospital and Kpite Primary Health Care Centre. The presentation took place at the General Hospital, Nchia, Eleme.
Speaking at the event, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, said the gesture was part of the Project’s broader public health strengthening interventions designed to address persistent health challenges in Ogoni.
He noted that the ambulances would significantly enhance emergency response at the community level while supporting efficient patient referrals to higher-level facilities.
Prof. Zabbey explained that the donation underscores HYPREP’s commitment to working in synergy with existing government structures, policies and expertise to achieve sustainable public health outcomes in line with directives of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Environment.
He added that HYPREP would continue to collaborate with the Rivers State Government and local government councils in Ogoni to ensure effective implementation of its programmes.
“HYPREP remains open to collaborations and partnerships across various thematic areas of our mandate. Such collaboration is essential to ensuring the Project’s overall success, sustainability and credibility,” he said.
The Project Coordinator highlighted other ongoing public health interventions by HYPREP, including a comprehensive public health study being conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation (IARC-WHO), the construction of the 100-Bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the 40-Bed Buan Cottage Hospital, periodic medical outreaches and the strengthening of existing health facilities across Ogoniland.
He disclosed that HYPREP has upgraded facilities such as Bori General Hospital, Terabor General Hospital, Eleme General Hospital and Kpite Primary Health Care Centre through the installation of critical medical equipment, including X-ray systems, digital ultrasound machines, chemical pathology analysers, haematology analysers, microbiology laboratory equipment, theatre equipment and surgical instruments.
According to him, the Project has also supplied hospital furniture, patient support equipment and essential clinical accessories to theatre rooms and laboratories to promote safe workflows and adherence to sterilisation protocols. In addition, renewable energy support has been provided to Nonwa, Onne, Kwawa and K-Dere Primary Health Care Centres, as well as Bodo General Hospital, with the installation of 36-kilowatt solar power systems at each facility.
Prof. Zabbey further revealed that HYPREP’s 2026 policy thrust is focused on completing and operationalising key infrastructure projects, including the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the Buan Cottage Hospital and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration.
He said the Project is also prioritising environmental sustainability, functionality of its facilities and economic rebirth through increased stakeholder engagement with visible and measurable impact on the daily lives of Ogoni people.
He commended the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, for the consistent support of the Ministry towards the success of HYPREP’s public health interventions.
In her acceptance speech, Dr Oreh described the donation as a clear demonstration of HYPREP’s commitment to addressing critical community needs beyond environmental remediation.
She noted that the ambulances would strengthen referral pathways and ensure the efficient transfer of patients to facilities where specialised care is available.
“The donation of these five ambulances shows that HYPREP’s support for the health sector goes beyond equipping facilities to building responsive and resilient health systems,” she said, while assuring of the Rivers State Government’s continued collaboration with HYPREP.
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Goodwill messages were delivered by HRM King (Dr) Philip Osaro Obele, Oneh-Eh Eleme XI; Rt. Hon. Emma Deeyah, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund Inc.; Engr. Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, Project Support Lead, Renaissance Africa Energy Company/JV; and Chief (Hon.) Obariollormate Ollor, Chairman, Eleme Local Government Area, who all described the initiative as life-saving and people-centred.
The event was attended by members of HYPREP’s Governing Council and Board of Trustees, the Zonal Representative Council, officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, hospital management authorities and other stakeholders. Earlier, Prof. Zabbey led the Commissioner on an inspection tour of the 40-Bed Buan Cottage Hospital in Khana Local Government Area.
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