In a historic event held on Monday, the 20th of November 2023, under the supervision of Prof. Faith Osadolor, the Solicitor General of Edo State, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing took place between the Edo State Government and Aigbojie Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation as well as PSHAN to construct 18 state-of-the-art Primary Health Care Facilities (PHCs) across the state.
Representing the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Osarodion Ogie (Esq) stated that “the MOU signing was the beginning of greater things to come for primary healthcare as the construction of 18 facilities would improve the quality of care at the Facilities.
He told the group that the state government is rebuilding the School of Health Technology that would train men and women that would work at the facility. He urged them to go on a tour of some of the newly renovated facilities as well as the school of health technology to have a feel of the quality of work ongoing.
While speaking at the event, Dr. Samuel Alli, the Edo State Honorable Commissioner for Health, expressed gratitude to the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and PSHAN for meticulously selecting the 18 PHCs earmarked for construction. He highlighted the symbolic nature of the signing, which amounted to a collective commitment to revitalize and upgrade PHCs throughout Edo.
Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), extended a warm welcome to guest and attendees. He recognized and appreciated Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki’s unwavering support and visionary approach, noting that the Governor’s dedication has laid the groundwork for a new era in primary healthcare in Edo State.
Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, provided an insightful overview of the foundation which she stated was established to improve lives of the people through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare.
She added that “as a foundation, it is their intent to construct 23 PHCs in Nigeria, with 18 PHCs designated for Edo State”. This public-private partnership intervention holds significant potential for fortifying the health system and addressing existing gaps.
Adding to the discourse, Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the Managing Director/CEO of PSHAN, emphasized the necessity of having a model PHC in each of the 18 local government areas.
This, she asserted, would create a tangible impact at the grassroot level, providing perpetual technical support. Drawing on PSHAN’s successful engagements in states like Rivers, Delta, and Bauchi, she stressed the importance of a collaborative effort in Edo State, leveraging public-private partnerships to successfully implement the planned renovation of the PHCs.
The MD affirmed that Pilot PHCs for construction, include Atoruru PHC in Sabongida Ora LGA, Idunmungha PHC in Uhunmwode LGA, Uteh PHC in Iwogban, and Evbuodia PHC in Oredo LGA.
Led by the Edo State Honourable Commissioner for Health Dr Samuel Alli and the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA Dr Omosigho Izedonmwen the guest took a tour to the newly renovated Aruogba PHC, Oredo LGA where the were taken on a tour of the facility by the medical officer of health, Dr. Igbinobaro and the head nurse in charge of the facility, Flora. They later proceeded to the School of Health Technology, Sapele Road where construction work is currently underway.
