Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the 105-bed Omoku Zonal Hospital in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, urging residents and community leaders to protect the facility against vandalism and ensure it serves present and future generations.
Fubara made the call on Friday during the inauguration of the hospital, describing the project as a major investment in healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of residents in the Orashi region.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services across Rivers State, stressing that healthcare remained one of the government’s core responsibilities.
The governor said the Omoku facility was one of three zonal hospitals in Rivers West Senatorial District, alongside those in Ahoada and Degema.
According to him, while the Ahoada hospital had already been inaugurated, the Degema facility was at the furnishing stage.
Fubara explained that the Omoku Zonal Hospital would serve not only residents of Omoku but also communities in Egbema, Ndoni and neighbouring areas, including parts of the Ahoada axis.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to take ownership of the facility by protecting it from theft, vandalism and other forms of abuse.
The governor warned that individuals and communities entrusted with safeguarding public facilities would be held accountable if such assets were destroyed.
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He noted that the hospital was strategically located within the state’s oil and gas hub, making it particularly important to the healthcare needs of residents and workers in the area.
Fubara also assured the people that his administration would consider additional requests presented by the community before the expiration of its tenure.
In his remarks, the Oba of Ogba Land, His Eminence, Dr. Nwachukwu Obuoha Obi III, commended the governor for expanding healthcare infrastructure and completing major road projects in the area.
The traditional ruler said the recently completed 33.5-kilometre Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway had transformed the area by improving transportation and enhancing security.
He described the road as a long-standing demand of the people, adding that its completion had restored confidence among communities in the area.
The monarch also commended Fubara for establishing the Omoku Zonal Hospital, saying the facility would help address the growing healthcare needs of the oil-producing region, particularly amid health concerns associated with hydrocarbon activities.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Nwachukwu, said the 105-bed hospital was designed to serve residents of Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Emohua and parts of Ikwerre Local Government Area.
He added that the sustained investment of the Fubara administration in the health sector had significantly improved healthcare delivery across Rivers State.
