The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has inaugurated a 14-member Technical Planning Committee to oversee the take-off and operationalisation of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The inauguration, held at HYPREP’s Corporate Headquarters in Port Harcourt, comes as construction work on the 100-bed medical facility reaches 76 percent completion.
HYPREP Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, described the specialist hospital as one of the critical recommendations made by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to address the long-term public health needs of the Ogoni people.
“The inauguration of this Technical Planning Committee has become a spigot to enable the Project Coordination Office to meet its set timelines for the operationalisation of the facility,” Zabbey said.
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He noted that the hospital project is part of broader UNEP-recommended actions, including soil and groundwater remediation, mangrove restoration, shoreline cleanup, potable water provision, capacity building, and the creation of alternative livelihood opportunities.
“This committee has been carefully constituted with multidisciplinary experts to provide professional guidance on the operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the hospital,” he said.
“Your expertise and experience will be essential in shaping the hospital’s framework, services, and overall direction to ensure it serves the best interests of the Ogoni people and contributes to the national public health landscape.”
The committee is also tasked with developing a comprehensive operational roadmap, proposing an efficient management structure, and aligning the hospital with national and international healthcare standards.
On his part, the chairperson of the committee, Christie Mato, commended HYPREP for the initiative and promised to bring on board her team’s collective expertise to deliver a hospital that is functional, accessible, and sustainable.
“We understand the weight of the responsibility before us, and we are determined to ensure the hospital is not only functional but meets the highest standards of healthcare delivery,” Mato said.
Other members of the committee include:
2. Prof. Charles Tobin-West
3. Prof. Vincent Ndemyor
4. Prof. Rosemary Ogu
5. Prof. Kennedy Nkporbu
6. Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara
7. Dr. Lebatam Ndegwe
8. Dr. Leziga Kinanen
9. Dr. Tombar Gbereol
10. Dr. William Mube
11. Dr. Leziga Ndii
12. Dr. Richard Okoye
13. Representative from Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd.
14. Representative from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The committee is expected to submit its report in four months for review by HYPREP Management and eventual presentation to the governing council for final approval.
