Former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, made a significant statement to the incumbent governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, asserting himself as the current political leader of the state. This declaration took place during the commissioning ceremony of a Comprehensive Primary Health Centre in Ndoni, located in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state. The health facility was constructed and generously donated to the Rivers State government by the Pamo Educational Foundation (PEF), which was founded by Odili and his family.
During his speech, the former governor expressed his appreciation for Governor Fubara’s commitment to defending the interests of the people of Rivers State. He praised the governor for his swift and efficient execution of governance, emphasizing that the time for politics had passed. Odili acknowledged the alignment of Governor Fubara’s administration with President Tinubu’s government, particularly in the areas of education, agriculture, and now healthcare. He conveyed the sentiments of the Rivers people, stating that they regarded Governor Fubara as their political leader. They pledged their unwavering support, promising to follow him wherever he went and stand by him in his decisions. Odili encouraged the governor to remain focused and resolute, knowing that his people were firmly behind him.
Odili went on to explain that his motivation to initiate the construction of the health centre stemmed from the absence of a healthcare facility in the Ndoni district for the past three years. Witnessing this gap, he felt compelled to take action and address the pressing need for accessible healthcare services.
Governor Fubara, during the commissioning ceremony, extended his gratitude to Odili for embarking on and successfully completing a project that would greatly benefit the people of the Ndoni community. He acknowledged the former governor as a private individual who utilized his personal resources, rather than government funds, to construct the facility for the welfare of his people.
In his welcome speech, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd), a community leader, emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in revitalizing the healthcare sector, particularly in rural areas. He expressed the appreciation of the Ndoni community for Governor Fubara’s visit and thanked him for appointing Dr. Adaeze Oreh, a member of the community, as the State’s Commissioner for Health.
The commissioning of the Comprehensive Primary Health Centre not only highlighted the collaborative efforts of the private and public sectors but also underscored the dedication of individuals like Dr. Peter Odili in ensuring the well-being of their communities. It served as a testament to the importance of accessible healthcare services and the positive impact they can have on the lives of the people they serve. With committed leaders like Governor Fubara and the support of the people of Rivers State, it is hoped that the region will continue to progress in various sectors and witness significant improvements in the overall quality of life for its residents.
