The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, has called on traditional rulers across the state to strengthen their role in promoting immunisation and improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent healthcare services within their communities.
Dr Oreh made the appeal yesterday, 1 December 2025, while addressing the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers during their combined 123rd and 124th General Meeting at the Council Secretariat.
She noted that as custodians of culture and trusted community leaders, traditional rulers are central to mobilising residents for key health interventions and ensuring that primary healthcare facilities are fully utilised.
Read Also:OPEC Urges Nigeria to Refine Locally
The Commissioner outlined the various community health programmes currently operating across the 23 local government areas and urged the monarchs to continue encouraging their subjects to access available services.
She also introduced them to the state’s new home-based care programme, which began in September and is already active in six LGAs: Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Andoni, Bonny, Emohua and Etche.
During an interactive session, the monarchs shared both commendations and concerns from communities as far as Degema, Khana, Obio/Akpor and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.
Dr Oreh said the feedback underscored the need for open communication, stressing the ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability and fairness in healthcare delivery.
She added that constructive engagement with the traditional institution would help build a more responsive and resilient health system for the state.
Dr Oreh expressed gratitude to Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Eze Chike Worlu-Wodo, the Council members.
Others included, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Charles Amadi, for their support and the platform to interact directly with the monarchs.
