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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the 105-bed Zonal Hospital in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, charging residents to protect the facility from vandalism and ensure it serves generations to come.
Speaking at the inauguration on Friday, Fubara described the hospital as a major investment in healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of people in the Orashi region, saying his administration remains committed to improving access to quality medical services across the state.
The governor said the Omoku Zonal Hospital is one of three zonal hospitals in Rivers West Senatorial District, alongside those in Ahoada and Degema, noting that while the Ahoada facility had been inaugurated, the Degema hospital was at the furnishing stage.
He said healthcare remains one of government's core responsibilities, stressing that healthy citizens are more productive and better positioned to contribute to the state's development.
Fubara explained that the hospital would not only serve residents of Omoku but also cater to people in Egbema, Ndoni and neighbouring communities, including parts of the Ahoada axis.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to take ownership of the facility by protecting it against theft and vandalism.
According to him, those responsible for safeguarding the hospital would be held accountable if public assets were destroyed.
The governor noted that the hospital was strategically located in the state's oil and gas hub, making it critical to the healthcare needs of residents and workers in the area.
He 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 Fubara for expanding healthcare infrastructure and completing key 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 project long desired by the people, adding that its completion had restored confidence among communities in the area.
The monarch also praised the governor for establishing the Omoku Zonal Hospital, saying the facility would address growing healthcare needs in the oil-producing region, where hydrocarbon activities pose significant health risks.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the 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 Fubara administration's sustained investment in the health sector had significantly improved healthcare delivery across Rivers State.
