Okpebholo Assures Diaspora Nurses of Edo’s Safety

Edo Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured members of the Nigerian-American Nurses and Nursing Association (NANNNA) that the state remains safe despite reports of insecurity in parts of Nigeria.

Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday in Benin while receiving members of NANNNA, who travelled to Nigeria to support healthcare delivery in Edo.

The governor thanked the group for coming to the state despite security concerns that could discourage people living abroad from travelling to Nigeria.

“Thank God you are here and you can see for yourselves the security situation in our state. Nigeria is very safe, and we are also trying to make Edo safer for our people to do business. It will be safer in the next few months,” he said.

He also assured the organisation of the state government’s support whenever its members return to Edo for medical interventions.

The governor urged members to notify the newly established Edo Diaspora Agency ahead of their visits so the government could help reduce some of the logistical challenges they might face.

“Now that we have the Edo Diaspora Agency, anytime you want to come, please notify us so that we can remove some of the burden from you in whatever way we can.

“We can support you as a government because you are using your money to work for the people, so we should also support you,” he said.

The governor commended NANNNA for its contributions to healthcare delivery in Edo and Nigeria, describing the association’s intervention in the health sector as commendable.

Speaking on the group’s activities, NANNNA Board Chairman Grace Ogiehor-Enoma said the association was committed to identifying and supporting struggling primary healthcare centres in members’ communities.

Ogiehor-Enoma said the initiative, known as the “Take Me to Your Village” programme, was designed to provide practical solutions to healthcare challenges at the grassroots rather than merely criticising government.

She said members visited communities to identify challenges affecting primary healthcare centres and support selected facilities through adoption and other interventions.

“If the PHC in your village is falling down, you have to do it. That is why we say ‘Take Me to Your Village’ initiative, by adopting a PHC,” she said.

Ogiehor-Enoma also said her experience during the visit had strengthened her confidence in the security situation in Edo.

“I feel safe being in Edo. Last time, after work, I came in about 10:00 p.m.,” she said.

She thanked the state government and residents for their support, saying the experience had helped challenge some of the negative perceptions about security in Nigeria.