The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) has announced plans to rehabilitate the Ogu and Bolo Primary Health Centres and furnish the new Primary Health Centre under construction in Ele, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, upon its completion.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Chituru Adele, disclosed this during the state flag-off of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration held at the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Council Secretariat.
Speaking on the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” Adele said the campaign highlights the need for governments, healthcare workers, families and communities to strengthen proven interventions that support successful breastfeeding and improve child survival.
He noted that while awareness of breastfeeding is widespread, mothers require sustained counselling and support throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period to achieve optimal breastfeeding outcomes.
Adele also highlighted the health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, including faster recovery after childbirth and a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, urging women to seek guidance from healthcare professionals.
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Reaffirming the state’s commitment to quality primary healthcare, he said rehabilitation work had commenced at the Ogu and Bolo Primary Health Centres, while the Board would furnish and equip the new Ele Primary Health Centre after its completion. He added that the Board would continue rehabilitating primary healthcare facilities across Rivers State in phases.
Earlier, Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Chief Vincent Nemieboka, described healthcare as a priority of his administration, citing investments in maternal and child health, routine immunisation, HIV prevention programmes and the construction of new primary healthcare centres. He called for stronger collaboration with the RSPHCMB to further improve healthcare infrastructure in the council area.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Hope Avunda urged participants to promote exclusive breastfeeding in their communities and support government efforts to ensure every child has a healthy start in life.
The event attracted government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. A major highlight was a baby shower for nursing mothers, during which the wife of the Ogu/Bolo Council Chairman, Boma V. Nemieboka, presented gift items to beneficiaries, who expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged to practise exclusive breastfeeding.
