On Friday, women from Alakahia Community, home to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), staged a protest at the hospital, alleging marginalization by the Federal Health Institution.

The women, dressed in black, gathered at the hospital entrance as early as 5:30 am, carrying placards and calling for urgent action from UPTH regarding the community’s concerns.

They voiced frustrations over the hospital’s lack of attention to local employment and advancement opportunities for their people.

Mrs. Awuri Uche Rose, leader of the protest, expressed disappointment in UPTH’s response to their repeated appeals, noting that qualified members of the community were not being employed, while local women were relegated to casual roles without promotion.

“We, the women of the host community, are here to demand our rights,” Rose said. “We need job opportunities, university admissions, and contracts for our children. We have sent numerous letters to the university and hospital management, but no one has listened. Casual workers from our community have been here for over 10 years without any advancement. This is unfair.”

The protesters urged UPTH to provide direct employment opportunities, ensure admission for their children at the University of Port Harcourt, and implement meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the community.

In response, University of Port Harcourt Vice Chancellor Prof. Princewill Georgewill addressed the women, acknowledging their demands. He assured them that the university management would make efforts to address their concerns.

“They have requested employment, university admissions for their children, and support for widows,” Georgewill said. “I have asked them to submit a list. While we may not be able to fulfill all their requests, we will do what we can within university policies and regulations.”

The protest underscores ongoing tensions between the Alakahia community and UPTH, as residents continue to push for fair treatment and opportunities.