Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the remodeled Ahoada Zonal Hospital, formally ending years of abandonment and restoring a major healthcare facility that had suffered neglect across three successive administrations.

Now rebuilt as a 21st-century ultramodern medical centre, the Ahoada Zonal Hospital is set to deliver vital secondary healthcare services to rural and semi-urban communities across Rivers West Senatorial District.

The 105-bed facility was significantly expanded beyond its original scope to accommodate specialised units, including surgery, radiology and intensive care, positioning it as a major referral centre within the zone.

Located in Ahoada Town, the hospital is expected to reduce pressure on overstretched tertiary institutions by providing advanced diagnostic and treatment services closer to residents of Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Emohua Local Government Areas.

Governor Fubara, who expressed visible emotion at the commissioning, described the project as a difficult inheritance his administration deliberately chose to confront rather than abandon.

He said the completion of the hospital reflects his government’s belief that the true test of leadership lies in safeguarding the health and survival of the people.

“This afternoon, we are here again to do one of the unusual things. I was really touched and emotional when the contractor took us down memory lane. This was not just a project we inherited; it was one my predecessor also inherited,” the Governor said.

Governor Fubara explained that the Ahoada facility is part of a broader network of zonal hospitals designed to bring world-class healthcare services closer to rural populations.

According to him, the hospital now serves as a critical link between primary healthcare centres at the grassroots and distant teaching hospitals, ensuring faster access to specialised care.

He stressed that investments in roads, housing and other physical infrastructure would amount to little without a healthy population to utilise and sustain them.

The Governor reiterated that good health remains the foundation upon which productivity, prosperity and social stability are built.

“I believe that instead of everyone running to BMH, once you cannot immediately access the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, the closest option should be here. Your health is important to us, and no matter how much wealth you have, you need good health to enjoy it,” he said.

Governor Fubara disclosed that the state’s healthcare expansion programme is progressing steadily, noting that the Bori Zonal Hospital is already operational.

He assured that the remaining zonal hospitals in Degema and Omoku would be completed and commissioned before the end of March 2026.

Commending the Ministry of Health, the Governor praised the hospital’s wellness-focused architectural design and reaffirmed that access to affordable, quality healthcare remains one of the most impactful interventions government can deliver at the local level.

“What we have done here today is to reaffirm that the well-being of our people is the top priority of this government. Our duty goes beyond roads and housing; even those who live in these houses must have access to quality healthcare,” he added.

Responding to community requests, Governor Fubara confirmed that work on the Port Harcourt Road, including a bridge, is ongoing, with an additional 900 metres under consideration. He also said reports on the Ahoada Campus of Rivers State University would be reviewed before further decisions are taken.

The Governor further urged the people to sustain their grassroots political structures to ensure a decisive victory for President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State during the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said the completion of the hospital comes at a time of unprecedented demand for healthcare services across the zone.

She revealed that health facility attendance in the area has surged by nearly 200 per cent, rising from about 407,250 to almost 1.2 million patients annually.

Dr. Oreh added that deliveries have increased by 40 per cent, while the number of skilled birth attendants have grown by 60 per cent, prompting the expansion of the hospital to include a neonatal intensive care unit and modern delivery suites.

She described the facility as a cornerstone of the presidential initiative to transform emergency obstetric and newborn care in Rivers State, particularly in four high-burden local government areas, including Ahoada West and neighbouring Emohua. She further announced the $1.5 million Primary Healthcare award won by the State for 2023, 2024 and 2025 and symbolically handed the cheque to the governor at the commissioning event.

On his part, Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Mr. Solomon Abuba Ochoma, described the hospital as a clear demonstration of strengthened grassroots governance.

He noted that the commissioning marked Governor Fubara’s third visit to the LGA and assured that the council would mobilise local structures to ensure the facility is properly utilised, protected and sustained for the benefit of the people.