A philanthropist and the founder of the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea has donated a 62-bed medical centre to Ewatto community in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State to boost access to healthcare in the area and the neighbouring communities.
The medical centre which was inaugurated last week and named after the founder was built at an estimated cost of N2.227 billion.
The facility is equipped with modern medical equipment and is expected to reduce the difficulty that the residents faced by having to travel considerable distances to access healthcare particularly during emergencies.
The centre is equipped to provide a range of services including emergency and urgent care maternal and child health diagnostic and laboratory services pharmacy services general medical care preventive healthcare specialist and referral care and community health outreach.
During the ceremony Ikpea said he conceived the project in response to the healthcare challenges that residents of Ewatto and the surrounding communities faced.
He said: ‘I firmly believe that one of the most meaningful legacies any individual can leave behind is an institution that continues to improve and preserve human lives long after the individual is gone. It is my sincere hope that this Medical Centre will become such a legacy.’
The philanthropist said the initiative complemented rather than substituted for government to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
He added: ‘We are particularly encouraged by the continuing efforts of both the Federal and Edo State governments to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to healthcare services. We hope that this facility will become a valuable partner in those efforts.’
Ikpea said the centre would provide healthcare and create opportunities for medical professionals to work and train adding that it was intended to ensure mothers children and elderly people could access timely medical attention without travelling long distances while emergencies receive prompt care.
Acknowledging the contributions of the Federal and the Edo State governments Ikpea urged the residents of Ewatto and the neighbouring communities to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
During the inauguration Governor Monday Okpebholo hailed Ikpea saying his life as a philanthropist was exemplified by the lives he had touched.
The governor hailed the philanthropist for the ‘extraordinary healthcare investment’ he brought to his people.
He said: ‘You have demonstrated that your true success is not measured by what you have achieved but by the lives you have touched. You built more than hope; you have brought quality healthcare closer to the people.’
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate patted Ikpea on the back for complementing the government’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.
The minister described the medical centre as a significant contribution to healthcare delivery in the community.
In a goodwill message the Onojie of Ekpoma Kingdom His Royal Highness Antony Ehiozojie Abumere II congratulated Ikpea on the establishment of the medical centre describing it as a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of the people of Esan land.
Abumere noted that the project reflected the values of compassion and communal responsibility praying for God to grant Ikpea greater wisdom strength and long life to continue serving humanity
Also in a message by its Managing Director Tony Okonigene Peacton Global Ventures Limited the contractor that handled the project said it reflected the philanthropist’s commitment to the improvement of health and wellbeing of the Esan people.
The company added that the medical centre would improve access to healthcare help save lives and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Also the Onogie of Igueben HRM Ehiogie Eluojierior applauded Ikpea’s achievements and the human investment initiatives of his foundation across Edo State urging other capable individuals to emulate his efforts in providing healthcare facilities.
Established in 2012 by Ikpea ALIF has pursued programmes in education social welfare skills and community development.