The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women across medicine, governance, business, and all sectors by fostering an environment conducive to their success.
While opening the Medical Women’s Association Week 2025 at the Nigerian Medical Association House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday 5 November 2025, Rivers State Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Nma Odu praised the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) as a beacon of professional excellence, compassion, and national development
Prof. Odu who spoke on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, vowed sustained backing for programs that build capacity, foster mentorship, and ensure no woman is excluded from achieving excellence.
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“As women in medicine, you stand at the intersection of science and service.”
“I commend the Rivers State Branch for your advocacy, mentorship, and community outreach. You are not only saving lives; you are shaping the future of healthcare in our state and nation,” Prof. Odu said.
The week’s theme, “Empowering Women in Medicine and Building Capacity for Impact,” was described by the deputy governor as timely amid rapid global changes.
She stressed that true empowerment goes beyond access to opportunities to arming women with knowledge, confidence, and tools to lead, innovate, and inspire.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health Dr. Adaeze Oreh, in her keynote address, highlighted stark disparities in the sector. Women comprise 67–70% of the global health workforce, yet most are relegated to low-status, informal, and poorly paid roles, with scant representation in leadership.
Dr. Oreh cited World Health Organization figures estimating that essential services delivered by women benefit some 5 billion people worldwide, generating an annual economic value exceeding $3 trillion.
MWAN Rivers State Branch President Dr. Cecilia Leloonu Nwibubasa outlined the week’s goals: harnessing the unique skills and passions of female medics to enhance population health.
“We do this selflessly, passionately, and intentionally, weaving our mission into every facet of our work,” she said.
