Fubara Reaffirms Drive to Improve Health Care for Women and Children in Rivers State

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has renewed his promise to strengthen health services across Rivers State, with a clear focus on women and children. The pledge was made on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, when UNICEF Country Director Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her team visited Government House in Port Harcourt.

The governor spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, according to a statement signed by Juliana Masi, head of information and public relations in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Fubara said the state will keep funding key health projects so people can get good care close to home. He noted plans for new hospitals and said work is moving fast. “We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.

“We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society.

“We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he added.

The UNICEF Country Director pledged continued support for the state’s health programmes and urged the government to protect key facilities from power failures by using solar power.

She noted the success of the oxygen plant at Eleme and asked that it be solarised to keep it running without interruption. “Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.

“I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she stressed.

The governor and UNICEF agreed to keep working together to expand services for mothers, babies and children and to use partnerships to improve health outcomes across the state.