Health
Okpebholo’s Achievements in Edo Health Sector: A New Era of Healthcare Development
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
31 Aug 2025 01:24 AM
Since assuming office on November 12, 2024, Governor Monday Okpebholo has made significant strides in transforming the health sector in Edo State, aligning with his administration’s five-point SHINE agenda, which prioritizes Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Education.
In less than a year, his government has initiated impactful projects and policies aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality for Edo residents.
Below is a detailed report of his key achievements in the health sector, and drawing from recent development.
One of the standout achievements of Governor Okpebholo’s administration is the allocation of substantial funds to bolster healthcare infrastructure.
In the 2025 Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo, the governor earmarked N63.9 billion for health initiatives and an additional N1.8 billion for the Health Insurance Scheme. These funds are designed to improve access to quality healthcare and ensure affordability for residents across the state.
A flagship project under this initiative is the N2.5 billion investment for the construction of a state-of-the-art Paediatric Centre at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Commended by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Edo State branch, this project is expected to enhance child healthcare delivery not only in Edo but across the South-South region, serving over eight states. Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, praised the governor’s vision, noting that the centre will significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality rates.
Additionally, Okpebholo’s administration has committed to renovating the Resident Doctors’ Quarters in Ezoti, Benin City, and has paid the Medical Residency Training Fund to support members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD).
These efforts aim to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals, ensuring better service delivery.
Governor Okpebholo has prioritized innovative healthcare programs to address specific medical needs.
His administration launched the first Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre in South-South Nigeria, offering specialized care for women suffering from this condition. Additionally, the government introduced a two-year free malaria treatment program, a significant step toward combating one of the region’s most prevalent diseases.
These initiatives reflect Okpebholo’s commitment to improving the well-being of Edo residents, particularly vulnerable populations.
On November 19, 2024, Governor Okpebholo swore in Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as the Commissioner for Health, tasking him with addressing the sector’s challenges and driving reforms to create a “vibrant, efficient, and effective healthcare sector.”
Dr. Oshiomhole, a medical professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s in Public Health from Tulane University, brings significant expertise to the role. The governor assured the commissioner of full support to ensure success in tackling longstanding issues in the state’s healthcare system.
Okpebholo’s healthcare initiatives have garnered praise from key stakeholders. The NMA Edo State branch lauded his N2.5 billion investment in UBTH, describing it as a “major step toward improving medical services.” Similarly, Dr. Ugbodaga highlighted the governor’s broader healthcare vision, including a N1 billion donation for kidney transplant services at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the construction of 24 housing units for doctors to enhance emergency healthcare delivery.
These collaborative efforts underscore Okpebholo’s belief in partnerships between state, federal, and local governments to achieve sustainable healthcare outcomes.
Beyond infrastructure and programs, Okpebholo’s administration has taken proactive steps to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem.
The government has initiated supportive supervision of primary healthcare facilities to ensure quality service delivery across the state. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address systemic challenges and improve health outcomes for Edo residents.
Governor Okpebholo’s achievements in the health sector within his first six months in office demonstrate a clear commitment to his campaign promise of prioritizing healthcare.
His administration’s focus on infrastructure, specialized care, and professional support has laid a strong foundation for a healthier Edo State. As he stated during the 2025 budget presentation, “The health of a state and the well-being of its people are proportional to its productivity. Health is wealth.”
As Edo State marks its 34th anniversary, Governor Okpebholo continues to call for unity and collaboration among residents and stakeholders to sustain these gains. With ongoing projects and a clear roadmap, the health sector under his leadership is poised for transformative growth, promising a brighter and healthier future for the people of Edo State.
In less than a year, his government has initiated impactful projects and policies aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality for Edo residents.
Below is a detailed report of his key achievements in the health sector, and drawing from recent development.
One of the standout achievements of Governor Okpebholo’s administration is the allocation of substantial funds to bolster healthcare infrastructure.
In the 2025 Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo, the governor earmarked N63.9 billion for health initiatives and an additional N1.8 billion for the Health Insurance Scheme. These funds are designed to improve access to quality healthcare and ensure affordability for residents across the state.
A flagship project under this initiative is the N2.5 billion investment for the construction of a state-of-the-art Paediatric Centre at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Commended by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Edo State branch, this project is expected to enhance child healthcare delivery not only in Edo but across the South-South region, serving over eight states. Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, praised the governor’s vision, noting that the centre will significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality rates.
Additionally, Okpebholo’s administration has committed to renovating the Resident Doctors’ Quarters in Ezoti, Benin City, and has paid the Medical Residency Training Fund to support members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD).
These efforts aim to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals, ensuring better service delivery.
Governor Okpebholo has prioritized innovative healthcare programs to address specific medical needs.
His administration launched the first Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre in South-South Nigeria, offering specialized care for women suffering from this condition. Additionally, the government introduced a two-year free malaria treatment program, a significant step toward combating one of the region’s most prevalent diseases.
These initiatives reflect Okpebholo’s commitment to improving the well-being of Edo residents, particularly vulnerable populations.
On November 19, 2024, Governor Okpebholo swore in Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as the Commissioner for Health, tasking him with addressing the sector’s challenges and driving reforms to create a “vibrant, efficient, and effective healthcare sector.”
Dr. Oshiomhole, a medical professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s in Public Health from Tulane University, brings significant expertise to the role. The governor assured the commissioner of full support to ensure success in tackling longstanding issues in the state’s healthcare system.
Okpebholo’s healthcare initiatives have garnered praise from key stakeholders. The NMA Edo State branch lauded his N2.5 billion investment in UBTH, describing it as a “major step toward improving medical services.” Similarly, Dr. Ugbodaga highlighted the governor’s broader healthcare vision, including a N1 billion donation for kidney transplant services at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the construction of 24 housing units for doctors to enhance emergency healthcare delivery.
These collaborative efforts underscore Okpebholo’s belief in partnerships between state, federal, and local governments to achieve sustainable healthcare outcomes.
Beyond infrastructure and programs, Okpebholo’s administration has taken proactive steps to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem.
The government has initiated supportive supervision of primary healthcare facilities to ensure quality service delivery across the state. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address systemic challenges and improve health outcomes for Edo residents.
Governor Okpebholo’s achievements in the health sector within his first six months in office demonstrate a clear commitment to his campaign promise of prioritizing healthcare.
His administration’s focus on infrastructure, specialized care, and professional support has laid a strong foundation for a healthier Edo State. As he stated during the 2025 budget presentation, “The health of a state and the well-being of its people are proportional to its productivity. Health is wealth.”
As Edo State marks its 34th anniversary, Governor Okpebholo continues to call for unity and collaboration among residents and stakeholders to sustain these gains. With ongoing projects and a clear roadmap, the health sector under his leadership is poised for transformative growth, promising a brighter and healthier future for the people of Edo State.
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