… Reaffirms commitment to healthcare service delivery
BY EGHOSA EMILY
The Edo State Government has commissioned newly built public toilets for residents of the Oregbeni buffer zone and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Shopping Complex in Benin City.
The project, executed by the Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC), is aimed at addressing sanitation challenges and improving living conditions in the area.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Managing Director of ESDPC, Barr. Osarenren Folarin Okogbuwa, said that the project was in line with the state government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises of providing essential amenities to the people.
He explained that the facilities were built to solve the long-standing problem of inadequate sanitation and to provide residents with convenient access to water, washing, and toilet facilities.
According to him, “The Governor has magnanimously seen the need for you, the people, to have your public toilet. Hence, the construction of the FHA Housing Shopping Complex toilet for all of you in this buffer zone and complex.”
He acknowledged the difficulties residents had faced in the past, such as travelling long distances to access water and toilet facilities.
He noted that the project, which includes a borehole for steady water supply, demonstrates the government’s commitment to citizens’ welfare.
Barr. Okogbuwa appealed to the community to take ownership of the facilities and maintain them properly.
“When you maintain it, it gives us in government the motivation to do more. The government is not happy when these facilities are provided, but not well maintained,” he said.
He further explained that the facility has separate sections for males, females, and urinals.
Responding on behalf of the residents, Chief Emeka Lewis expressed gratitude to the state government and assured the ESDPC of the community’s readiness to maintain the facilities.
Highlight of the event was the official commissioning of the facilities by Barr. Okogbuwa.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government, through the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC), has reaffirmed its commitment to providing accessible healthcare services to residents across the state.
This assurance was restated during a 5-day stakeholders’ engagement held across the three senatorial districts of Edo State.
The meeting was convened to pave the way for the revalidation of beneficiaries’ data under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) programme.
Speaking at the sessions, the Director-General of EDOHIC, Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, represented by the Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Omonigho Trinitas, underscored the importance of active participation by partners at the community, facility, and government leadership levels.
She explained that the validation exercise is essential to ensuring that resources are well targeted, services reach those most in need, and the healthcare system is further strengthened.
“A key requirement for the revalidation exercise is the linking of beneficiaries’ National Identity Numbers (NIN). This will establish a more accountable, transparent, and sustainable foundation for health financing in Edo State,” she stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Gideon Iraoya, Medical Officer of Health for Egor Local Government Area, assured participants of EDOHIC’s commitment to the exercise and urged stakeholders to sensitize and mobilize their communities to take part in the process.
Community leaders, including the Ogida of Evbogida, Chief Osaruyi Ogida, and Chief Oviawe Erhun of Eguediaken community, praised the initiative and pledged their support and mobilization efforts towards the success of the revalidation exercise.
