Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the donation of ₦100 million to the Nigerian Legion, doubling the state’s contribution for 2025, as he called for sustained welfare support for Nigeria’s veterans beyond annual ceremonial events.
The governor announced the donation at the 2026 Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund Launch held at Government House, Port Harcourt, stressing that the sacrifices of fallen heroes must be honoured through concrete, year-round interventions.
“It should go beyond coming here annually to do the emblem launching. It should extend to meaningful support for those still alive and appreciation of the dead through deliberate actions,” Fubara said.
Responding to concerns over an earlier pledge to employ 50 children of veterans, the governor explained that the delay was procedural, not a policy reversal, and urged the Legion to submit the required list for immediate action.
Fubara also assured that construction of the permanent Rivers State Nigerian Legion Secretariat would be completed before the end of 2026, while urging individuals and organisations to redeem pledges promptly to sustain veterans’ welfare programmes.
Earlier, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State Command, Kuu Aminikpo, commended the governor for his consistent support, describing the ongoing secretariat project as a landmark achievement.
The emblem launch formally marks activities ahead of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Ahoada Zonal Hospital Commissioned
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara inaugurated the ultramodern Ahoada Zonal Hospital, bringing an end to years of abandonment that spanned three successive administrations.
Visibly emotional at the event, the governor described the project as a difficult inheritance his administration chose to complete rather than abandon.
Now rebuilt as a 105-bed secondary healthcare facility, the hospital has been expanded to include specialised units such as surgery, radiology and intensive care, positioning it as a major referral centre for Rivers West Senatorial District.
Located in Ahoada Town, the hospital is expected to ease pressure on tertiary hospitals by serving residents of Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Emohua local government areas.
“This facility is part of our zonal hospital network designed to bring quality healthcare closer to rural communities,” Fubara said, adding that infrastructure development is meaningless without a healthy population.
He disclosed that the Bori Zonal Hospital is already operational, while those in Degema and Omoku will be completed and commissioned before March 2026.
Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, said healthcare demand in the zone has surged by nearly 200 per cent, with annual patient attendance rising from about 407,250 to nearly 1.2 million.
She added that deliveries have increased by 40 per cent, while skilled birth attendants have grown by 60 per cent, prompting the inclusion of a neonatal intensive care unit and modern delivery suites.
Dr. Oreh also announced a $1.5 million Primary Healthcare award won by Rivers State for 2023, 2024 and 2025, symbolically presenting the cheque to the governor.
Blessing Ibunge
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