The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Dr. Adaeze Oreh, says the current administration under Governor Sim Fubara considers healthcare an integral part of governance.
Oreh disclosed this at a one-day lecture organized by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Rivers State University, with the theme “Health Communication: Bridging Policy, Public Engagement, and Crisis Response.”
According to Oreh, the current administration’s achievements are evident in the approval of the Rivers State Health Insurance Scheme, the sensitization and enlightenment of workers, and the adequate handling of health crises such as cholera and Lassa fever outbreaks, which were curtailed in their early stages. She also highlighted efforts in tackling misinformation and disinformation to prevent unnecessary fear among the public.
She stated that illness knows no party affiliation, emphasizing that the state government’s health initiatives are for all Rivers people, regardless of political loyalty. She stressed that the Rivers State Primary Health Board operates an open-door policy, allowing citizens to make inquiries or complaints about healthcare services. This, she said, has increased public trust in medical personnel at these facilities. Through campaigns against self-medication, more citizens now visit clinics for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than resorting to self-medication.
Oreh, who was the guest lecturer, further added that strategic communication is an essential tool for achieving the goals and objectives of Governor Sim Fubara’s administration. She noted that communication is key to health promotion, emphasizing that “there is no health without communication.
Rivers Health Commissioner Dr. Adaeze Oreh at the event
On his part, the Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chizindu Alikor, hailed Governor Sim Fubara for improving healthcare in the state, emphasizing efforts to ensure that the people of Rivers have access to adequate medical services.
Also speaking, the former Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, encouraged students to read widely and not limit themselves to academic books alone. She also advised them to pursue professional courses and remain adaptable to change. Drawing from her extensive experience in communication and media, Mrs. Semenitari urged them to strive for excellence.
Regarding health communication, Ibim emphasized the need for proper information management to ensure effective healthcare services. She further cautioned students, as the future of the communication and media industry, against spreading unverified news. Instead, she advised them to verify information with reputable health organizations such as WHO and NCDC to ensure accurate reporting.
Convener of the event and senior lecturer in the Faculty of Communication Studies, Dr. Sarah Chidiebere Joe said the event reflects the university’s dedication to building strong connections between the academic community and professionals in the field, ensuring that classroom learning is closely linked to real-world practice.
She also said engaging with professionals from the health sector, media industry and policymaking bodies ensures that students receive theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to real-world health communication challenges and solutions.
According to her, as an educator, she is committed to imparting theoretical knowledge and cultivating real-world applications of each course she teaches. She added that her goal has always been to provide her students with a learning experience that transcends the classroom and shape their future as development communication practitioners.
Dr. Sarah Chidiebere Joe delivering her welcome address at the event
The highlights of the event included scholarship awards for 13 faculty students. The State Health Commissioner pledged to cover tuition for five students, while the Chief Medical Director committed to sponsoring two. Media professional Charles Opurum promised to fund the tuition of the top-scoring student in Health Communication, and Rt. Hon. Obarijima Waite offered to purchase master’s application forms for five final-year students pursuing further education. Additionally, an Award of Excellence in Health Communication was presented to Dr. Adaeze, while Dr. Joseph Ille, Mrs. Isokpehi Christy, and Hon. Obarijima Waite received Humanitarian Awards for their contributions to Health Communication in Rivers State.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh receives Award of Excellence from the Vice Chancellor, RSU Prof. Nlerum Okogbule
The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule; the Dean of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Richard Amadi; the Head of the Department of Development Communication Studies, Dr. Itieke Harry; as well as faculty staff and students.”
