Newsworth | Danjuma Amodu | January 15, 2026
In a powerful demonstration of commitment to improving lives beyond environmental clean-up, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) handed over five brand-new ambulances to five public health facilities across Ogoni; Bori Zonal Hospital, Terabor General Hospital, Eleme General Hospital, Bodo General Hospital, and Kpite Primary Health Care Centre, marking a decisive step towards building resilient, responsive healthcare systems in the region.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at General Hospital, Nchia, Eleme, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, said the ambulances are designed to tackle public health challenges head-on, enhance emergency medical response at community level, strengthen patient referral pathways, and ensure timely access to life-saving care for Ogoni residents.
“This donation goes far beyond vehicles,” Prof. Zabbey emphasised. “It represents HYPREP’s resolve to work hand-in-hand with existing government structures, policies, and local expertise to achieve sustainable public health outcomes in Ogoni.
We will continue to partner with the Rivers State Government and local government councils to implement our projects, guided by the directives of the Federal Ministry of Environment.”
He added that HYPREP remains open to collaborations across thematic areas of its mandate, insisting that partnership is key to ensuring the Project’s long-term success, sustainability, and credibility.
HYPREP BROADER HEALTH INTERVENTION PORTFOLIO
Prof. Zabbey took the opportunity to outline HYPREP’s wider public health interventions currently under way:
Ongoing Public Health Study – This is undertaken by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation (IARC-WHO), providing critical epidemiological data to inform future health programming.
Construction of the 100-Bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the 40-Bed Buan Cottage Hospital – flagship infrastructure projects aimed at decentralising specialist care.
Periodic Medical Outreaches – bringing preventive and curative services directly to communities.
Strengthening of key health facilities – includes Bori, Terabor, Eleme, and Kpite through installation of critical medical equipment such as X-ray systems, digital ultrasound, chemical pathology analysers, haematology analysers, microbiology laboratory equipment, theatre equipment, and surgical instruments.
Provision of hospital furniture, patient support equipment, and essential clinical accessories – to ensure safe workflows and sterilisation protocols in theatres and laboratories.
Renewable Energy Support – Installation of 36-kilowatt solar power systems at Nonwa, Onne, Kwawa, K-Dere Primary Health Care Centres, and Bodo General Hospital ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical care services.
POLICY THRUST FOR 2026: IMPACT-FIRST INFRASTRUCTURE
Prof. Zabbey announced that HYPREP’s policy thrust for 2026 centres on completing and operationalising key infrastructure projects including the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the 40-Bed Cottage Hospital, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration while embedding environmental sustainability into every facility’s design and operation.
“We aim to support efforts towards economic rebirth through increased stakeholder engagemen with visible, measurable impact in the daily lives of the Ogoni people,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Dr Adaeze Oreh, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, for her consistent support towards HYPREP’s public health interventions.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Adaeze Oreh hailed the ambulance donation as a testament to HYPREP’s holistic approach moving beyond land remediation to directly address the health and wellbeing of Ogoni communities.
“The donation of these five ambulances demonstrates that HYPREP’s focus on supporting the health sector goes beyond equipping and furnishing facilities,” she said.
“It extends to building responsive and resilient systems through effective and efficient patient transfers, strengthening our referral pathways so patients can move seamlessly from primary to secondary and tertiary care.” She added.
Dr Oreh pledged continued collaboration between the Rivers State Government and HYPREP to ensure all public health initiatives align with community needs.
In his goodwill message, HRM King (Dr) Philip Osaro Obele, Oneh-Eh Eleme XI; described the ambulance donation as “life-saving” and “people-sensitive intervention”.
Earlier, Prof. Zabbey had escorted the Honourable Commissioner on an inspection tour of the 40-Bed Buan Cottage Hospital in Khana Local Government Area, underscoring HYPREP’s hands-on approach to project oversight.
PROF. ZABBEY HONOURED FOR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP
In a separate ceremony held at HYPREP’s Coordination Office in Port Harcourt, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey was presented with an award by Super 93.3 FM, Port Harcourt, in recognition of his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contributions to environmental remediation and sustainable development in Ogoniland.
Segun Owolabi, Business Manager of Super 93.3 FM, said the award celebrates Prof. Zabbey’s impact-driven approach and dedication to turning policy into tangible improvements for communities.
A recipient of the ASLO 2022 Ruth Patrick Award and numerous other accolades for his contributions to science and community service, Prof. Zabbey dedicated the honour to the entire HYPREP team.
“HYPREP is not about one person, it is about a collective mission,” he said.
“This recognition belongs to every staff member, partner, and community stakeholder who has stood with us.
We remain committed to delivering a sustainable clean-up programme in Ogoni, one that serves as a template for remediating other polluted regions across Nigeria.”
In Ogoni today, ambulances roll. Hospitals rise. Solar panels power clinics. Likewise, Prof. Zabbey’s leadership an̈d HYPREP are not just celebrated, but it’s felt.
Because in HYPREP’s world, remediation doesn’t end with clean soil. It begins with healthier people.
