CMD Alikor Presents Honoree to RSU Vice-Chancellor, Describes Him as “Focused and Future Leader in Cardiovascular Science”_
PORT HARCOURT* – Consultant Cardiologist at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, RSUTH, and Senior Lecturer at Rivers State University, *Dr. Ovunda Emmanuel Nyeche*, has emerged as one of only two Nigerians selected globally for the prestigious *Salim Yusuf Emerging Leaders Programme* in Cardiovascular Science.
The Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, *Prof. Chizindu A. Alikor*, led a delegation of senior hospital staff on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University *Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi* to formally present Dr. Nyeche and celebrate the achievement.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Alikor said the *Salim Yusuf Emerging Leaders Programme*, instituted by the World Heart Federation, is a highly competitive global initiative aimed at developing the next generation of cardiovascular experts in research, health policy, implementation science and advocacy.
“Every year, 25 experts are selected worldwide from hundreds of applications. This year, several people applied globally. Nigeria produced two, and one of them is our own *Dr. Ovunda Nyeche* from Rivers State University and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital,” the CMD announced.
Prof. Alikor described Dr. Nyeche as a focused, cerebral and deeply committed academic who has distinguished himself in both clinical service and research.
The CMD highlighted Dr. Nyeche’s key contributions to cardiovascular research at RSUTH, including major work on *Sports Cardiology* * —research that is now forming the basis of policy document both at the Rivers State Ministry of Health and Ministry of Sports.
“Dr. Nyeche is not just a clinician. He is research-oriented and already mentoring a new generation of young academics. We have entrusted six young doctors to him for mentorship. Our expectation is that in the next 5 to 7 years, they will emerge as strong specialists who will continue to lift the name of Rivers State University and RSUTH,” Prof. Alikor stated.
He added that as part of the award, Dr. Nyeche will join 24 other global leaders for advanced training, collaboration, and networking abroad.
“We believe you will go, learn, and return to become a strength in raising many others. This award is not just for you, it is for Rivers State University and for RSUTH,” the CMD told the honoree.
The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, *Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi* in his response, commended Dr. Nyeche and described him as “very competent, smart and an excellent academic.”
He noted that the achievement brings pride to both the university and the Teaching Hospital, stressing that the name of RSU is attached to RSUTH and that such global recognitions help to upgrade the visibility of the institution.
“We congratulate Dr. Nyeche. This is a remarkable achievement and we are proud of him. The university and the Teaching Hospital must continue to work together to produce more scholars of this calibre,” the VC said.
The delegation from RSUTH included *Dr. Simeon Amadi*, ACMD 2, RSUTH; *Dr. Boma Orupabo Oyan*, Head of Cardiology Department, RSUTH and *Dr. Harold Chris Biriowu*, President, Association of Resident Doctors, RSUTH.
