RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has called on wealthy Nigerians, corporate organisations and private investors to increase their investments in healthcare infrastructure to improve access to quality medical services across the country.
Pate appealed for the commissioning of the 62-bed Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea Medical Centre in Ewatto, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Monday, October 19.
The minister emphasised that government resources alone could not adequately address Nigeria’s growing healthcare needs, stressing the importance of partnerships between public institutions and private organisations.
He described the newly commissioned facility as an example of how private investment and philanthropy could complement government efforts to expand healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.
According to Pate, improved access to healthcare contributes directly to economic productivity, as healthier citizens are better positioned to work, pursue education and participate in national development.
He explained that farmers, teachers, children and other members of society benefit when essential medical services are readily available and affordable.
The minister commended Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea, his family and the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation for establishing the medical centre to serve residents of Ewatto and neighbouring communities.
He urged other financially capable Nigerians to support similar initiatives, including the construction of hospitals, provision of medical equipment and expansion of essential healthcare services.
Also speaking at the commissioning, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo praised the investment and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery.
The governor said his administration had recruited more than 2,000 healthcare workers and upgraded over 65 primary healthcare centres across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He urged the management and medical personnel responsible for operating the new facility to maintain high professional standards and provide quality patient care.
Okpebholo also appealed to residents to protect the hospital and its equipment against vandalism and other forms of damage.
The medical centre, established through the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation, is equipped with facilities intended to support emergency treatment, diagnostics and other medical services.
Earlier, the foundation had proposed a partnership with the Federal Government for the professional management of the facility, with the aim of ensuring effective operations and long-term sustainability.
Pate maintained that sustained investment from both public and private sectors would be essential to expanding healthcare access, improving medical infrastructure and building a healthier Nigerian population.
The commissioning represents a further effort to bring medical services closer to rural communities that have historically faced difficulties accessing specialist healthcare.
