A 14-member Technical Planning Committee has been inaugurated for the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital, affirming The Federal government’s commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare in Ogoni through the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, speaking at the event which was held at the Project Coordination Office (PCO) of HYPREP, today, stressed that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital is a vital component of the Federal Government’s public health initiative, implemented through the Project, noting that the inauguration of the Technical Planning Committee would enable it to meet the timeline for the operationalisation of the facility.
Furthermore, Prof. Zabbey emphasized that the strengthening of public hospitals and the construction of the Buan Hospital and the Ogoni Specialist Hospital by HYPREP are part of the larger effort to address public health concerns and reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment through HYPREP to the continuous implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report.
Speaking on the constitution and mandate of the committee, the PC noted thus:
‘’This Committee has been carefully constituted with multidisciplinary experts to provide professional guidance on the operationalization and long-term sustainability of the hospital, ensuring that all plans and activities are aligned with healthcare standards, policies and regulatory frameworks.
‘’The Committee is further tasked with developing a comprehensive operationalization roadmap that takes into consideration an efficient management and governance structure, ensuring the facility meets both national and international standards in public health service delivery’’
He expressed confidence in the expertise and experience of the members and urged them to work assiduously within the four months of their assignment to provide professional insights and recommendations to ensure that OSH serves the best interests of the Ogoni people and contributes to the overall public health landscape in Nigeria.
The PC called for continuous support for HYPREP as it is accelerating the Ogoni Cleanup in line with the Presidential directive as espoused by the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of the HYPREP Governing Council. He acknowledged the high expectations of stakeholders and assured them that the Project was being implemented with the utmost sense of duty and transparency.
Professor Christie N Mato, who is the Chairperson of the Committee, commended HYPREP for the initiative, describing it as a very important task. Prof. Mato expressed the Committee’s commitment to delivering on its task, stating that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital stands as a beacon of hope to every Ogoni person.
The Committee is expected to submit its detailed findings and recommendations which will be reviewed by the HYPREP Management and thereafter presented to the Governing Council for final consideration and approval.
Instructively, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital is at 76% completion. The facility is expected to have various units such as Oncology, Ophthalmology, Dental, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Emergency. The Committee’s scope will include providing further details on medical services, specialized units, and technical capabilities.
The members of the Committee are:
- Prof. Christie N Mato- Chairman
- Prof. Charles Tobin-West
- Prof, Vincent Ndemyor
- Prof. Rosemary Ogu
- Prof. Kennedy Nkporbu
- Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara
- Dr. Lebatam Ndegwe
- Dr. Leziga Kinanen
- Dr. Tombari Gbereol
- Dr. William Mube
- Dr. Leziga Ndii
- Dr. Richard Okoye
- Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited Representative
- UNEP Representative.
