06/21/2025
*Edo Govt Commends ENAW on Inauguration of Dialysis and Diagnostic Centre, Urges Increased Diaspora Investment*_âŚfacility to boost healthcare access, create jobs and spur infrastructure growth â Dr. Lorreta Ogboro-Okor_*By Violet Obamwonyi & Precious Nwaeke*The Edo State Government has lauded the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) for establishing a state-of-the-art Dialysis and Diagnostic Laboratory Centre in Benin City, calling it a milestone in diaspora-driven development and a beacon of hope for improved healthcare delivery in the region.The commendation was made on Friday, 13th June 2025, during a facility tour led by Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, the pioneer Director General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency together with team. Expressing her gratitude on behalf of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Ogboro-Okor emphasized the administrationâs dedication to fostering stronger ties with Edo indigenes abroad and supporting their efforts to invest back home. She highlighted the significance of the new centre, noting its advanced medical technologies and strong community impact.Furthermore, the Director General reiterated the Governmentâs commitment to partnering with diaspora-led initiatives, urging more Edo people in the diaspora to emulate ENAWâs impactful investment in the healthcare and community development. According to Dr. Ogboro-Okor, âI would like to acknowledge the pivotal role of the Edo people in the diaspora for funding this centre. On behalf of the state Government, Senator Monday Okpebholo, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for this wonderful edifice.âShe added, âI have always told people that the people in the diaspora have been working, both at the national and sub-national level. The establishment of this Dialysis and Diagnostic Centre by ENAW is a true testament to the unwavering commitment of Edo people in the diaspora to the development of our state.â âThis facility will not only deliver vital healthcare services but will also create employment and stimulate infrastructural development in our local communities.â âWith its latest equipment and efficient turnaround times for diagnostic results, this Centre sets a new benchmark for healthcare delivery in Edo State.âAssuring them of the Governorâs support for the continued success of the Dialysis Centre, she mentioned, âWe will work with the Centre to ensure it operates with no interruptions.âWhile praising the initiative, the Director General also acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly with power supply, stressing on the need for a comprehensive solution to some of the challenges faced by the Centre.She appealed, âReliable electricity is critical for life-saving dialysis treatment. Given its importance, efforts are ongoing to secure power from the Benin Electricity Development Corporation (BEDC) and secure further funding and expand the reach of dialysis.ââWe vow to continue working with the relevant authorities to address these concerns,â she assured.Leading the team on the guided tour, Engr. Mrs. Bose Oviasu, the first female National President of ENAW, acknowledged the collaboration of the diaspora in funding the facility. She reiterated her long-term goal of establishing dialysis centres across all three senatorial districts of Edo State as part of her campaign promises, thus facilitating easy access to dialysis treatment for residents and alleviating the need for long travels to other states for such medical services. Engr. Oviasu detailed the facility's features, which include a 12-unit dialysis wing equipped with cutting-edge Fresenius Medical Care machines such as the 6008 CAREsystem, 5008S CorDiax, and 4008S Classix, emphasizing that the Centre is designed not only to serve kidney patients but also provide general diagnostics to the people. According to the President, âThe Centre offers a wide range of laboratory services at heavily discounted rates with patients paying just 40% of the actual cost, which is far less than what they ought to pay. This is a full-blown laboratory set up by ENAW in Edo state. We urge Edo people to own thia facilities and take advantage of the quality care it provides.âShe continued, âOur vision is facilitate accessibility, we are already planning similar projects in Okpella, Igueben or Irrua.â âThis facility belongs to all Edo people and we encourage everyone to utilize and protect it.âShe also acknowledged the vital role played by other diaspora contributors, including Mrs. Abiewense Osaigede, who donated solar panels to bolster the facilityâs energy supply and emphasized the need for a more stable power infrastructure, particularly during the wet season when solar efficiency may wane. âThe support we have received is commendable but we must do more to ensure sustainability,â she concluded.