Roli Mabo Foundation Revives Ubagboro Health Centre, Pushes Cluster Model for Riverine Are

The Roli Mabo Foundation officially launched the Ubagboro Community Health Centre today, transforming a long-neglected government facility into a fully functional healthcare hub for the community and surrounding riverine areas. The twin-building center, originally constructed by the Warri North Local Government Council in 2017 but left non-operational, is now ready to provide vital medical services to local residents.

Ade Mabo, founder of the Roli Mabo Foundation, said the reopening is part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare access in remote areas. “The solution to the healthcare problem in riverine communities is clusters,” Mabo said. He explained that building more primary healthcare centres across multiple communities will ensure timely access to care and the protection of lives.

According to Mabo, the master plan of the Roli Mabo Foundation is to establish clusters of healthcare centers throughout the region. “Many of these communities are remote with minimal government presence. By building centers in clusters, we ensure that people are seen, heard, and able to access basic care. This is how we help communities thrive,” he said.

The center now has essential medical equipment, a supply of medications, and trained personnel. Residents of Ubagboro have committed to covering the salary of one nurse, while the foundation will fund the other, creating a partnership model to ensure the facility’s sustainability.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Patrick Edun, Chairman of the Ubagboro Community Trust, welcomed the Foundation’s intervention. “This health centre is a testament to the philanthropic spirit of the Roli Mabo Foundation and its commitment to empowering communities,” he said. Edun added that the facility will help meet the health needs of the population, especially the most vulnerable, and contribute to the overall development of the community.

He also called for additional support from both government and non-governmental organizations to address other pressing community needs, including solar power, sand for housing, teachers’ quarters, canalization of hazardous creeks, and community empowerment programs.

Neighboring communities such as Aja-Solo, Ugbekoko, Obodo Flow Station, Obotie, Aja-Arun-Itameta, Omakiri, and others many of whom have benefited from Roli Mabo Foundation initiatives—were present at the opening ceremony.

A nurse working at the Ubagboro Health Centre expressed confidence that the fully equipped facility, with trained staff and essential medical supplies, would not only meet the healthcare needs of the Ubagboro community but also provide timely support to neighboring communities, improving access to care and promoting healthier lives across the region.

The Roli Mabo Foundation is widely recognized for its extensive humanitarian work across the riverine region, addressing critical gaps in healthcare, education, and social services.