Pride Of A Nation
A Rivers State-born Nigerian Cardiologist, Dr. Ovunda Nyeche makes the country proud as he shines at the 2026 World Heart Foundation excellence award
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
The number of Nigerians doing the country proud in their different fields of specialization keeps increasing, as a Rivers State born Consultant Cardiologist at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, RSUTH and Senior Lecturer in the College of Medical Sciences at Rivers State University, Dr. Ovunda Nyeche has done his home state and indeed the entire country proud outside the shores of Nigeria by being selected as one of the 25 emerging Cardiovascular Leaders globally for the 2026 World Heart Federation (WHF) Salim Yusuf Emerging Leaders Programme.
Dr. Nyeche’s selection into the prestigious international programme, which brings together promising cardiovascular leaders from around the world was formally recognized by the University on Friday, September 11, 2026 when he was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi.
Prof Zeb-Obipi while receiving Dr. Nyeche, commended him for making the University, the Teaching Hospital and the wider academic and medical community proud. He particularly commended the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH and the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences for their roles in mentoring Dr. Nyeche, from his days as a medical student through his development as Consultant and Lecturer.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Professor Chizindu Alikor congratulated Dr. Nyeche noting that the recognition represents an important milestone in his professional career while also bringing international visibility to the University and Teaching Hospital.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Professor Kenneth Ordu described the honor as a product of the strong academic and clinical collaboration between the College of Medical Sciences and the Teaching Hospital.
Tentacle gathered that the World Heart Federation Salim Yusuf Emerging Leaders Programme was established in 2014 by renowned Cardiologist and Former WHF President, Professor Salim Yusuf, with the objective of developing a global network of Cardiovascular experts committed to reducing premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases.
The programme is designed to equip emerging leaders with the advanced knowledge and skills in Cardiovascular health policy, health systems strengthening, implementation science research, advocacy, engagement with policymakers and other key stakeholders.
Tentacle further learnt that selection into the programme is highly competitive, with only 25 emerging Cardiovascular Leaders chosen each year from applicants worldwide. Candidates are assessed on the basis of their academic and professional accomplishments, leadership potential, creativity, commitment to cardiovascular health, and demonstrated capacity to make long-term contributions to the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease.
The 2026 programme is scheduled to take place in Florence, Italy with Menarini Foundation. It will focus on the theme: “Integrated Care of Cardiovascular Disease and Multiple Long-Term Conditions”.
Investigations revealed that the 2026 cohort comprises 25 emerging Cardiovascular leaders from 16 countries across six World Health Organization regions.
Since its establishment, Tentacle further gathered that the programme has contributed to the development of professionals working on major cardiovascular health priorities including hypertension, secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, tobacco prevention and control, access to essential cardiovascular medicines, stroke and heart failure.
“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,” the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof Alikor said.
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 contribution to cardiovascular research at RSUTH, including major work on Sports Cardiology, the research that is now forming the basis of policy documents 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 5–7 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.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Rivers State Branch, Prof. Ure Anabel Oparaodu on behalf of the entire members, has warmly congratulated Dr. Emmanuel Ovunda Nyeche who was past Assistant General Secretary on his selection as one of only two Nigerians for the 2026 World Heart Federation Salim Yusuf Executive Cardiovascular Science.
In a statement signed by Dr. Duukori ThankGod, Public Relations Officer, the NMA celebrates the remarkable achievement and wishes Dr. Nyeche continued success as he represents Rivers State and Nigeria on the global stage.
