By Simeon OSAJIE
The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Thursday said his administration remain firmly committed to building a stronger, more resilient and people-centred healthcare system that delivers quality healthcare to every adjacent regardless of where they live in the state.
Governor Okpebholo made the assertion during the official opening of the Edo Shine Primary Health Care (PHC) Summit 2026 with the Theme: “Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems to Accelerate Progress towards Universal Health Coverage and Improved Health Outcomes” which took place at Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, on Airport Road, Benin, the state capital.
The governor who was represented by Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, State Commissioner for Health, disclosed that the summit is not just another meeting, but a call to action; a deep, strengthening primary healthcare system to accelerate progress towards a broader health coverage and a group health outcome captures exactly where the future of healthcare lies.
According to him, “Around the world, countries that have achieved better health outcomes did so by investing in strong primary healthcare systems,” stating that “Primary healthcare remains the first point of contact for most of our citizens. It is where mothers receive maternal care, children are immunized, diseases are prevented, outbreaks are detected early, and communities receive life-saving healthcare close to home.”
Going further, he added: “As a government, we are investing in improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding our healthcare workforce, strengthening disease surveillance, embracing digital health solutions, improving quality care, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and working closely with development partners and communities to build a health system that is accessible, efficient, and sustainable. We are proud of the progress we have made, but we are also realistic enough to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done.
“We must continue to address workforce shortages, improve sustainability, financing, strengthening infrastructure, deepening community ownership, and ensure that no community is left behind. That is why this summit is so important. Over the next two days, some of the finest minds in healthcare policy, academia, development, governance, and community leaders will come together to share experiences, challenge old ways of thinking, and develop practical solutions that will shape the future of Edo primary healthcare.”
While encouraging everybody to participate actively, the governor urged on everyone to be bold in their ideas, honest in their decision, and practical in their recommendations. “Let this summit produce outcomes that will not remain on paper, but will translate into better healthcare for our mothers, our children, families, and every resident of Edo State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhai said as an Agency in collaboration with partners, we have taken clear steps to improve primary healthcare system for all, especially for women and children.
He said: “In times past, access to quality and affordable healthcare was a major challenge in many communities in our Local Government Areas, as many primary health care centres were in deplorable conditions, leading to avoidable health risks, recording increased morbidities and mortalities.
“Bridging this gap became very key and expedient for the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, to collaborate with the World Bank to implement the IMPACT Project; which stands for Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services.
“We are here today to highlight the progress recorded so far and the ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for our people. The improvements made thus far, must be sustained for the long term, ensuring that the people of Edo State continue to benefit from quality primary healthcare services.
“It is pertinent to know however, that it is one thing to count our gains now, and another to work towards its sustainability. That we have boosted the confidence of the populace through improved healthcare services in the State is a fact and we say no going back!
“We appeal that all hands be on deck as we work together to secure a future where Edo State’s health system continues to improve, ensuring that the people of Edo at all times, have access to quality healthcare.”
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Andrew Obi with the theme: “The Role of Strategic Leadership in UHC: From Policy to Local Action.”
The panel discussion with the topic: “High Level Leadership Dialogue; (i) Strategic for Sustainable Health Financing at the LGA Local, (ii) PHC System Governance in State and LGA Levels and (iii) Basic Primary Education: A Key Determination of Health” was moderated by Prof. (Mrs) Obarisiagbon, a professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of Benin (Uniben) Benin City.
The Panelist were drew from across the local government areas of the state. They are DC EDPHCDA, Algon Chairman, HOLGA Etsako East, MOH representing Egor LGA and WDC representing Ikpoba Okha local government area, etc.
At the end of the exercise, stakeholders signed the Edo State PHC Sustainability Commitment/Background Pictures followed by Presentation of Awards to the Top Three Performing LGA/Group Photograph.