The Edo State Government has commenced the construction of a proposed two-storey General Hospital in Iguobazuwa, headquarters of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, in a move aimed at expanding access to secondary healthcare services across the state.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa performed the foundation-laying ceremony on Friday, October 30, 2026, on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The project is expected to serve residents of Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East and neighbouring communities, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to Benin City for specialised medical attention and referrals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Idahosa described the hospital as a major investment in the health and well-being of Edo residents, saying it reflected the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to bringing essential public services closer to communities.
He said the facility, when completed, would provide modern secondary healthcare services and serve as a referral centre for patients from primary healthcare facilities across the area.
According to him, its location in the heart of Iguobazuwa would improve access to medical attention, particularly during emergencies.
The proposed two-storey hospital is designed to accommodate essential facilities, including a pharmacy, mortuary and residential quarters for medical personnel.
Idahosa explained that the provision of staff accommodation would support round-the-clock healthcare delivery by making it easier for doctors, nurses and other health workers to remain available for patients.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for approving the project, noting that its benefits would extend beyond the present generation.
The deputy governor said the administration’s SHINE Agenda prioritised access to quality and affordable healthcare, adding that the Iguobazuwa project was part of efforts to translate that commitment into infrastructure at the grassroots.
The Chairman of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Anthony Osarobo, commended the governor for the initiative, describing it as a timely response to healthcare needs in the area.
Also present were the Governor’s Special Adviser on Riverine Communities, Robert Okubo; the member representing Ovia South-West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Sunday Aghedo; and the Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, Professor Ikponmwonsa Omorodion.
The officials welcomed the project, highlighting its potential to improve healthcare access, particularly for indigenous and riverine communities that face difficulties reaching major medical facilities.
Speaking at the event, Omorodion said the hospital would help reduce referrals to general hospitals in Benin City by providing a secondary healthcare facility closer to residents.
He explained that the centre would receive patients referred from primary healthcare facilities, potentially improving access to timely treatment and reducing pressure on existing hospitals.
The project contractor, identified as AIROS Synergy Nigeria Limited in Edo State’s public project records, is expected to deliver the facility according to the approved specifications.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the commencement of a project that the state government says will strengthen healthcare delivery in Ovia Federal Constituency and surrounding communities.
Upon completion and commencement of operations, the hospital is expected to provide residents with improved access to medical services and reduce the challenges associated with travelling long distances for treatment.
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