The Edo State Diaspora Agency, in partnership with Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations (NIDO) Europe and Nurses Across Borders, has commenced the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Ugomoson Primary Healthcare Centre in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.
The intervention, which forms part of activities marking the 2026 Edo Diaspora Week, also featured a free medical outreach that provided healthcare services to residents of Ugomoson and neighbouring communities.
The rehabilitation project is aimed at improving access to quality primary healthcare in rural communities by upgrading the health facility and enhancing the delivery of essential medical services.
As part of the outreach, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals offered free medical consultations, health screenings, treatment and health education to hundreds of beneficiaries.
Residents of the community welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for a healthcare facility that serves several communities but has suffered years of neglect.
Secretary of the Ugomoson Community, Ogbemudia Igbinosun, said the rehabilitation would improve healthcare delivery and reduce the burden on residents who often travel long distances to access medical care.
“With what we are seeing here today, if they tell you that this building was here two, three months ago, you will not believe it. Though it’s not a modern building, but at least the renovation is quite amazing ”
Officials of the Uhunmwode Local Government Council and the Edo State Ministry of Health inspected the ongoing rehabilitation works to assess the progress of the project.
Chairman-elect of Uhunmwode Local Government Council, Austin Imafidon, commended the collaboration between the Edo State Diaspora Agency and its international partners, describing it as a practical demonstration of how strategic partnerships can complement government efforts in improving healthcare infrastructure.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, also praised the initiative, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services across Edo State.
He noted that partnerships with diaspora organisations remain critical to expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
Director General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Loretta Ogboro-Okor, said the Ugomoson Primary Healthcare Centre project represents the first phase of a broader intervention designed to mobilise the expertise and resources of Edo indigenes in the diaspora towards sustainable community development.
She explained that beyond infrastructure rehabilitation, the agency is focused on fostering long-term partnerships that will strengthen healthcare delivery, build local capacity and encourage greater diaspora participation in the development of rural communities across the state.
“We need to show them that the money they brought is doing all of these. They have said that this is phase one; phase two, phase three will also come. So what they have done is to adopt the Ugomoson Primary Healthcare Centre; every year it will keep on adding,” She said.
The Ugomoson Primary Healthcare Centre rehabilitation is expected to improve access to essential health services for residents of the community and surrounding settlements while serving as a model for future diaspora-led healthcare interventions in Edo State.
