According to a statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chikwudi, the oxygen plant was constructed through a partnership involving UNICEF, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Rivers State Government, the Canadian Government, and IHS Towers.

At the commissioning, Governor Siminalayi Fubara emphasized the state’s advancements in reconstructing, equipping, and staffing health facilities more effectively than ever before under his administration. He highlighted that healthcare services are now more accessible at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, contributing to a healthier society.

Fubara attributed these achievements to the past six months following the state’s liberation, despite the political crisis aimed at distracting his administration. He noted that the project aligns with his administration’s three-point agenda focused on healthcare, education, and agriculture.

“We might have had so many things in mind or written down before we came on board. But halfway through the journey, we found out that we need to redirect ourselves and understand the needs of our people. The need for quality education, affordable healthcare services, and food security became more pertinent. That is why we brought this three-point agenda,” Fubara stated.

The governor also mentioned that approximately 70 percent of the reconstruction and upgrading work on Zonal Hospitals in the state have been completed. These facilities now offer significantly improved conditions compared to before his administration took office. The investments in the health sector have provided compelling evidence to UNICEF and its partners, influencing their decision to establish the Medical Oxygen Plant in the state.

“They saw what we’re doing and believed it was right to partner with Rivers State. Let’s set the record straight: it is not our project. The PSA Oxygen Plant is a UNICEF project, supported by the Federal Government and other partners. The unique thing about this project is that it needed to be sited somewhere that people understand its need and are making positive investments in healthcare. That is why we gained that privilege,” Fubara explained.

He assured that the project will be protected and urged the people of Eleme and the Hospitals Management Board to do everything within their power to secure the plant. He also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, which is working to overcome the poor state of the economy it inherited.

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, described the event as a significant milestone in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and enhancing service delivery. She emphasized the crucial role of oxygen in medical care, especially in addressing global health challenges.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for a reliable and sustainable supply of medical-grade oxygen to support patients in respiratory distress and other medical emergencies. The PSA Oxygen Plant we are commissioning today represents a vital step forward in ensuring that our healthcare facilities are equipped to deliver timely and effective medical care to those in need,” Oreh stated.

She further detailed that the plant can fill 135 cylinders (20-liter bottles) in 24 hours, providing 720,000 liters of medical oxygen within the same time frame. This capacity ensures that 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50-60 COVID-19 patients can receive round-the-clock oxygen treatment simultaneously.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, expressed delight in handing over the PSA Oxygen Plant to the Rivers State Government, marking a significant step in the collective effort to improve health outcomes for the people of Rivers State.