Edo Governor Commissions Diaspora-Funded Dialysis and Diagnostic Centre

Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated a low-cost dialysis and diagnostic centre in Benin City, a project fully funded by Edo indigenes living in the diaspora under the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW).

The facility, which offers dialysis services at a subsidised rate of ₦60,000 per session, is aimed at improving access to life-saving kidney care for residents who would otherwise struggle with the high cost of treatment.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony through the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, the governor described the initiative as a strong complement to the state government’s health sector agenda, particularly in expanding affordable specialised care.

He assured the association that the state would provide the necessary regulatory and institutional support to ensure the centre operates in line with medical best practices and maintains high professional standards.

President of ENAW, Engineer Bose Ogbeifun-Oviasu, said the project was inspired by her personal experience caring for a sister who battled kidney disease for several years before her death, an ordeal that exposed the gaps in access to dialysis care.

She explained that the subsidised pricing model was made possible through collective contributions from Edo people abroad, driven by a shared commitment to ease the burden on low-income patients in need of consistent treatment.

Ogbeifun-Oviasu disclosed that similar dialysis centres have been completed in Okpella, Edo North Senatorial District, and are currently being equipped, while another facility is under construction in Ekpoma, Edo Central.

According to her, the centres reflect the power of purposeful collaboration between the diaspora and the home state, demonstrating how empathy, organised support, and visionary leadership can translate into sustainable healthcare solutions.