RSPHCMB to Rehabilitate Ogu, Bolo Primary Health Centres, Equip New Ele Facility

The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) has announced plans to rehabilitate the Ogu and Bolo Primary Health Centres in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, and also furnish and equip the new Primary Health Centre currently under construction in Ele upon its completion.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Chituru Adele, made the announcement during the state flag-off of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration held at the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Council Secretariat.

Speaking on the 2026 theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”, Dr. Adele said the campaign underscores the need for governments, healthcare providers, families and communities to reinforce proven interventions that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully and give every child a healthy start in life.

He explained that the challenge is not a lack of awareness about breastfeeding, but the need to consistently provide mothers with accurate information, counselling and support throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.

Adele also highlighted the health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, noting that it promotes recovery after childbirth and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

“Breastfeeding also benefits mothers by aiding recovery after childbirth and reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. I urge mothers to seek guidance from our health facilities”, he said.

Reiterating the Rivers State Government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, Adele disclosed that rehabilitation work has commenced at the Ogu and Bolo Primary Health Centres.

He further pledged that the Board would furnish and equip the new Primary Health Centre in Ele upon completion, adding that the RSPHCMB would continue its phased rehabilitation of primary healthcare facilities across the state to improve access to quality healthcare services.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Chief Vincent Nemieboka, described healthcare as a key priority of his administration.

He highlighted the council’s investments in maternal and child health programmes, routine immunisation campaigns, HIV prevention initiatives and the construction of new primary healthcare centres.

Chief Nemieboka appealed to the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board to strengthen its partnership with the Council in improving healthcare infrastructure across the local government area, expressing confidence that such collaboration would expand residents’ access to quality healthcare services.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, represented by Dr. Hope Avunda, urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the event with their families and communities.

He called on all stakeholders to continue supporting government efforts to strengthen proven breastfeeding practices, and ensure that every mother receives the support she needs and every child enjoys a healthy start in life.

The event brought together government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders committed to strengthening primary healthcare and promoting optimal breastfeeding practices across Rivers State.

A key highlight of the ceremony was a baby shower organised for breastfeeding mothers, during which the First Lady of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Boma V. Nemieboka, presented gift items in support of maternal and child health.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board for the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to practising exclusive breastfeeding.

• Oyiri is the Information/Public Relations Officer, RSPHCMB