The Rivers State Government has commended the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation for sustaining two decades of free medical missions that have reached thousands across the Niger Delta.

At the Foundation’s 44th outreach held in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, described the intervention as a vital support to public healthcare delivery.

“Living in good health is truly transformational,” he said. “When people are healthy, they are more productive, can pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of society.”

The Foundation’s Chairman, Dr. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, said the initiative, which began in 2005, has so far reached over 190,000 people in Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. Services include surgeries, dental and eye care, counselling, and the distribution of medicines at no cost.

She called attention to underutilised and neglected primary healthcare centres, urging greater collaboration with the private sector and civil society. “Our missions are not a substitute for systemic reform but a vital complement to ongoing efforts,” she said. “Organisations like ours should be empowered to help run these centres year-round.”

The five-day exercise, held in partnership with the Dr Henry Wordu Foundation, began on September 22 and will close on September 25. Beneficiaries included patients who received surgical treatment and reported restored sight, relief from long-term pain, and renewed health.

The event was attended by senior health officials, including representatives of the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu. The Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr Dawari George, as well as traditional rulers and community leaders, were also present.

Co-sponsor, Chief Dr Henry Wordu, pledged continued support, describing the collaboration as “a model of community-driven healthcare.”

Marking twenty years since its first mission in Abonnema in 2005, the Foundation noted that the demand for free healthcare remains high. Dr Lulu-Briggs highlighted that more than 76 per cent of Nigerians pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses, while less than 7 per cent are covered by insurance.

Quoting World Health Organisation Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, she added: “Health is not a reward for development; it is a prerequisite. Health is not a cost; it’s an investment. Health is a pathway to security, prosperity and peace.”

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