Business mogul commissions hospital in home town

A 62-bed ultramodern medical centre built by Dr. Leemon Ikpea has been commissioned in Ewatto Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Ikpea said the medical centre was equipped with modern facilities to provide healthcare services to the people.

He urged community leaders, residents and security agencies to take collective responsibility for protecting the hospital, its equipment and buildings against damage and vandalism.

Ikpea said the facility belonged to the community and should be treated as a collective asset, stressing that its protection would ensure its continued availability for healthcare delivery.

Edo Governor Okpebholo said the investment demonstrated the importance of private sector participation in strengthening healthcare delivery.

He commended Ikpea for the initiative and urged other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate his example by investing in projects that would improve the welfare of residents.

According to him: "Government alone cannot do it, we need private-sector partners and other individuals to complement public sector investments.

"I charge the management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and the medical professionals who will serve here to uphold the highest standards of patient care.

"To the people of Ewatto, protect this facility and make good use of it. Let it become a place of hope and healing.’’

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, thanked the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation for investing in healthcare infrastructure to serve the people of Ewatto and surrounding communities.

Pate said a healthy population was better positioned to contribute to economic growth.