Agency Says Successful Medical Mission Will Encourage More Diaspora-Funded Health Interventions Across Edo State
The Edo State Diaspora Agency (ESDA) has assured residents that more free medical outreach programmes will be organised across the state following the successful completion of its week-long healthcare mission in Uhunmwonde and Oredo Local Government Areas.
The Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Lauretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, gave the assurance during a free healthcare outreach held at the Oredo Local Government Council Secretariat in Benin City, saying the overwhelming turnout and positive impact of the programme had further strengthened the commitment of Edo indigenes in the diaspora to continue supporting healthcare initiatives in the state.
According to Dr. Ogboro-Okor, the medical outreach was funded by Edo sons and daughters living abroad as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for residents, particularly vulnerable and underserved communities.
She attributed the success of the programme to the support and enabling environment provided by the Edo State Government, which she said made it possible for the healthcare mission to reach hundreds of beneficiaries without major challenges.
The Director-General also commended Nurses Across The Borders (NAB) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) for partnering with the agency to deliver quality medical services during the outreach.
She explained that the programme went beyond routine medical consultations, with beneficiaries receiving treatment for various health conditions, medical screenings, health education, prescription medications and professional counselling.
Dr. Ogboro-Okor disclosed that patients diagnosed with conditions requiring specialist attention were referred to the Edo Specialist Hospital for further evaluation, treatment and follow-up care.
She further revealed that the Edo State Diaspora Agency has lined up additional programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents, including a skills acquisition and empowerment initiative scheduled to hold during the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Week.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, commended Edo indigenes in the diaspora for their continued commitment to supporting healthcare delivery and community development in the state.
He described the outreach as a demonstration of the positive impact that collaboration between government and citizens in the diaspora can achieve, assuring that the council would continue to support similar humanitarian interventions.
Iduseri added that the Edo State Government remains committed to improving the welfare of residents and has empowered all 18 local government councils to implement programmes that directly address the needs of their communities.
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed appreciation to the Edo State Diaspora Agency, its development partners and the Edo State Government for providing free medical care, describing the intervention as timely, impactful and life-changing.
They also offered prayers for members of the Edo diaspora community and all organisations that contributed to the successful implementation of the healthcare mission.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the African Coordinator of Women at the Well of Living Waters Charity Organisation, Mrs. Sarah Chukwuemeka (Decency), a delegation from the organisation led by Dr. Jessica Edmund, as well as officials of the Edo State Health and Sanitation Department.
