The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) will carry out a three-year bio-monitoring study in Ogoniland, Rivers State. The study aims to assess the health impacts of the ongoing environmental restoration efforts as the clean-up of oil-polluted sites continues.
Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, shared the news during a visit from a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), led by its Pro-Chancellor, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, in Port Harcourt on Friday. Zabbey emphasized that HYPREP will collaborate with local universities throughout the duration of the study.
He stated, “In the coming months, WHO will begin a three-year bio-monitoring project in Ogoniland. From the start, we’ve stressed the importance of partnering with local universities, and UNIPORT will play a central role in this research.”
While HYPREP’s main focus is the clean-up of Ogoniland, Zabbey pointed out that the project is also designed as a model for other regions in Nigeria grappling with similar oil pollution issues.
Zabbey expressed appreciation for the visit, stating that it served as a significant motivation for the entire HYPREP team. He also revealed that, as part of its broader mission to improve the livelihoods of the Ogoni people, HYPREP has already provided clean drinking water to 30 communities, with plans to expand this to 60 more communities within the year. Additionally, the project has been strengthening public health systems, having upgraded four hospitals and planning to enhance four more in the next year.
The construction of the Bua Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital is also underway. Zabbey highlighted the significance of the specialist hospital, particularly its oncology unit, aimed at addressing the high levels of carcinogenic contaminants in Ogoniland due to prolonged exposure to hydrocarbon pollution, as identified by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Zabbey also discussed ongoing environmental restoration efforts, with a special focus on mangrove conservation and changing the behavior of those who rely on them for their livelihood. To support this, he announced the creation of a Chair for Wetland Research at the University of Port Harcourt.
Earlier, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa commended HYPREP’s achievements, noting that the agency’s success has gained international recognition. He proposed that HYPREP should become a permanent agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment, given that pollution and remediation issues extend beyond Ogoniland, affecting other parts of the Niger Delta and even northern Nigeria. Ohuabunwa also expressed his intention to propose a bill for the permanent establishment of HYPREP in the National Assembly.
Additionally, the Pro-Chancellor announced that UNIPORT would be celebrating its 50th anniversary and sought Zabbey’s support for the creation of a N10 billion endowment fund, emphasizing the vital role of corporate social responsibility in supporting both the university’s growth and the ongoing clean-up efforts.
