By Kingsley Ohens

EWATTO, EDO STATE — October 19, 2026

Ewatto in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State on Monday witnessed what may become one of the most significant milestones in its healthcare history as Chief Dr. Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, CON, FNSE, JP, formally delivered an ultra-modern medical centre to the people, turning a long-held philanthropic vision into a healthcare facility designed to save lives and bring quality medical services closer to the grassroots.

The commissioning of the Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea Medical Centre attracted the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Edo State, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor; members of the Edo State Executive Council; lawmakers; traditional rulers; healthcare professionals; political leaders; religious leaders; community leaders and other distinguished guests.

The gathering provided a rare convergence of government, philanthropy and community leadership around a project that has placed Ewatto on the map of private investment in healthcare.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo commended Chief Ikpea for deploying his personal resources towards a project that directly addresses one of the most important needs of the people — access to quality healthcare.

The governor described the facility as an investment in human life and community development, noting that its impact would extend beyond Ewatto to neighbouring communities whose residents can now access modern medical services closer to home.

Okpebholo said the intervention was particularly significant because healthcare challenges are often more pronounced in rural communities, where residents may have to travel considerable distances before accessing specialised medical attention.

He disclosed that his administration had recruited more than 2,000 healthcare workers and upgraded over 65 primary healthcare centres across Edo State, while also pursuing the construction of a 150-bed specialist hospital as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

The governor, however, stressed that government cannot shoulder the entire responsibility of providing healthcare to a growing population without meaningful participation from the private sector and individuals with the capacity to contribute.

He therefore urged other philanthropists, corporate organisations and private investors to emulate Chief Ikpea by directing resources towards projects that improve the quality of life of citizens.

He also charged the management of the medical centre and its medical personnel to maintain professionalism, efficiency and high standards of patient care, while appealing to residents to protect the facility and its equipment so that it can serve generations to come.

Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who represented the Federal Government at the commissioning, equally described the medical centre as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and a practical demonstration of how private philanthropy can complement government efforts.

The minister congratulated Chief Ikpea, his family and the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation, describing the initiative as an investment in the health and productivity of the community.

Pate noted that a healthy population provides the foundation for economic development, as people who are healthy are better positioned to contribute to agriculture, education, commerce, industry and other productive sectors.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening primary healthcare, improving hospital services and expanding health insurance coverage, while highlighting the Basic Health Care Provision Fund as one of the mechanisms being deployed to improve access.

The minister, however, echoed the governor’s call for greater private-sector participation, stressing that Nigeria’s healthcare needs are too enormous for government alone.

He urged wealthy Nigerians, corporate organisations, businesses and development partners to invest in healthcare infrastructure, equipment and services, noting that such interventions could expand access, reduce pressure on public hospitals and strengthen the country’s health system.

For Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea, the commissioning represented the fulfilment of a vision rooted in concern for the welfare of the people.

The philanthropist said the project was conceived after recognising the difficulties residents of Ewatto and neighbouring communities often face in accessing functional and quality healthcare.

He said the centre was established to contribute to a system where access to medical care would not be determined by geographical location or financial circumstances.

Ikpea said the completion of the facility was only the beginning, stressing that effective management, adequate staffing, proper maintenance and sustained functionality would determine its long-term impact.

He expressed the hope that the centre would provide timely medical attention to mothers, children, elderly residents and patients requiring urgent and specialised care.

He also pledged continued support for its development while welcoming partnerships with government agencies, medical institutions, development organisations and other stakeholders.

The philanthropist appealed to the people of Ewatto to take ownership of the facility by protecting its equipment, maintaining a clean environment and respecting the medical personnel working there.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Edo State Chapter, Dr. Andrew Eigbedion, also commended Chief Ikpea for the initiative, expressing confidence that the facility would provide substantial healthcare benefits to Ewatto and neighbouring communities.

ESV Tony Okonigene, National Secretary of the Late Augustus Aikhomu Foundation, described the centre as a one-stop healthcare facility, highlighting its modern infrastructure and sophisticated medical equipment, including CT scanning and echocardiography machines.

He noted that the combination of modern equipment and patient accommodation would enhance the facility’s capacity to provide comprehensive medical services and reduce the need for patients to travel elsewhere for specialised treatment.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation, Hon. Matthew Egbadon, described the commissioning as a major milestone in the foundation’s commitment to human development, education, healthcare, skills development, social welfare and community advancement.

Egbadon recalled that the foundation was established by Chief Ikpea in 2012 with a philosophy centred on investing in people and supporting initiatives capable of producing sustainable development.

The commissioning also witnessed the presence of other notable personalities, including senior government officials, members of the state executive council, traditional rulers from Esan communities, representatives of the Federal Government and healthcare institutions, political leaders, community stakeholders, religious leaders, friends and associates of Chief Ikpea, who joined the people of Ewatto to celebrate the landmark project.

The facility, built and donated through Chief Ikpea’s philanthropic commitment and the institutional platform of ALIF, represents a significant private-sector intervention in grassroots healthcare.