Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding and improving healthcare delivery across the state, with particular emphasis on the wellbeing of women and children.
The pledge was made on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, during a meeting with UNICEF Country Director, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, and her delegation at Government House, Port Harcourt. The governor was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba.
Fubara said his administration is investing heavily in critical health infrastructure to ensure that residents across the state have access to quality and affordable care. “We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal Hospital will be commissioned in December, and others are near completion,” he stated.
Expressing appreciation for UNICEF’s longstanding partnership, the governor said his administration looks forward to even stronger collaboration. “We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in 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 foster communication and collaboration,” he added.
In response, UNICEF Country Director Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef reaffirmed the organisation’s continued support for Rivers State’s health programmes. She urged the government to prioritise the solarization of key health facilities, including the oxygen plant in Eleme Local Government Area and newborn care units, to guarantee uninterrupted services.
“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 remained effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized,” Abdelatef said.
She praised the Fubara administration’s leadership and noted that Rivers State stands out as a model of progress. “You can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase as an example of how things are working so that others can learn,” she added.
