Kingsley Ohens reporting 

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has commended Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea, CON, for the establishment and donation of the Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea Ultramodern Hospital at Idumu-Iyase, Ewatto, in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State, describing the project as an outstanding demonstration of philanthropy, patriotism and commitment to humanity.

The NMA made its position known in a congratulatory letter dated October 18, 2026, signed by its Edo State Chairman, Dr Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, in which the association congratulated the business leader and philanthropist on the successful completion of the facility, which was built entirely from his personal resources and donated to the government for the benefit of the people.

The association described the project as a lasting legacy that would benefit present and future generations, particularly communities in Ewatto and other parts of Esan South-East, noting that Ikpea’s intervention exemplifies the significant contribution individuals and members of the diaspora can make towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure and advancing community development.

According to the NMA, its recent visit to the facility ahead of its official commissioning afforded the association the opportunity to appreciate the scale of the investment and the thoughtfulness behind the project.

The association highlighted the hospital’s impressive infrastructure and array of modern medical equipment, including CT, mammography, X-ray, echocardiography and ultrasound machines, as well as high-technology laboratory equipment, neonatal incubators and advanced delivery equipment.

It further noted that the provision of residential accommodation for healthcare personnel and two heavy-duty electricity-generating sets demonstrated Ikpea’s understanding of the operational requirements of a modern healthcare facility and the need to provide the supporting infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery.

The NMA expressed confidence that the hospital has the potential to significantly transform healthcare delivery in Ewatto and surrounding communities, including Ohordua, Ewohimi, Emu and Okhuesan, while also serving patients from other parts of Edo State who require advanced diagnostic, maternal, neonatal and specialist healthcare services.

The association particularly welcomed the prospect of the management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) taking over the facility as one of its outreach centres, noting that such an arrangement could bring specialist healthcare closer to underserved communities, strengthen continuity of care between community-based and tertiary healthcare services, and create opportunities for specialist outreach, clinical training and improved patient outcomes.

It urged relevant authorities to work collaboratively towards establishing a sustainable operational framework capable of preserving the quality, purpose and long-term impact of the investment.

While commending the initiative, the NMA also called on the Edo State Government to urgently complete the access road linking Idumu-Iyasele with the Igueben and Udo communities, stressing that a properly maintained road would be critical to the effective utilisation of the facility, timely movement of patients, emergency referrals and seamless linkage of its services with Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.

The association also advocated the provision of a dependable solar energy system to complement the existing generating sets, enhance energy resilience and support uninterrupted operation of sensitive diagnostic and life-support equipment.

The NMA stressed that the sustainability of the hospital would depend not only on its impressive infrastructure and sophisticated equipment but also on adequate staffing, effective maintenance, regular provision of essential medical consumables and the operation of the facility to standards commensurate with the quality of the investment.

It described Ikpea’s intervention as a significant contribution to the advancement of healthcare in Edo State and called on the government, ISTH management and other stakeholders to ensure that the facility fulfils its intended purpose and delivers meaningful healthcare benefits to the people.

The association’s commendation comes ahead of the official commissioning of the Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea Ultramodern Hospital on Monday, October 19, 2026, by the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, alongside the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

The NMA said the project provides an enduring example of private-sector philanthropy in support of public healthcare and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships among government, healthcare professionals, private citizens and the wider Nigerian society in advancing the nation’s healthcare system.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Eigbedion, on behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the NMA, Edo State Branch, once again congratulated Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea on what he described as a monumental achievement, expressing the hope that the hospital would fulfil its promise as a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery and remain for generations a testament to Ikpea’s generosity, vision and commitment to humanity.

The letter was signed by Dr Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch.