By Agbongiasede Gloria
The Edo State Community and Social Development Agency (Edo-CSDA), which is saddled with overseeing the implementation of the State’s COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme (EDOCARES), has commissioned a newly renovated primary health care centre and a water scheme in Obozogbe-Nugu Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area in the State.
The newly elected Vice Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Midwest Ogbebor, who spoke on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the State Government for the transformative initiatives of the duo facilities, emphasizing the positive impact they would have on the health and social lives of residents in the Community.
Appreciating the State Government, the Enogie of the Community, HRH. Evans Igbinige Omobuogbe, also commended the stakeholders who played vital roles in making the projects a reality, pledging judicious use of the facilities.
Dr. Osamuyi Igbinosun, the PHC Coordinator for Orhionmwon Local Area, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, lauded the quality of equipment in the Primary Health Centre, likening it to a general hospital. He pledged to mobilize additional healthcare workers to ensure the Community receives effective and comprehensive healthcare services.
Barr. Imoudu Lounge, the Operations Manager of Edo-CSDA, on behalf of the Managing Director, CSDA, Engr Osarume Osazuwa, congratulated the people of Obozogbe-Nugu on successfully completing their micro-projects, including the PHC renovation and the water scheme. He highlighted the importance of the projects, which according to him, are targeted to address the aftermath of the pandemic, particularly in the critical areas of health, water and education.
He elaborated on the Community-Driven Development approach (CDD) employed in the EDOCARES programme, where communities choose, partially fund, and execute their preferred micro-projects. He disclosed that the Government contributes 97%, while the Community chips in 3%. “Obozogbe-Nugu Community, during a participatory rural appraisal exercise, identified the renovation of the PHC and water supply as their top priorities. An eight-member Committee was duly elected by the Community to oversee the project,” he added.
He encouraged the Community to establish a maintenance committee to ensure the longevity of the facilities, and concluded by expressing gratitude to the State Governor for approving the disbursement of funds to Obozogbe-Nugu for the successful implementation of the micro-projects.
In attendance was Chairman of the Community Project Management Committee (CPMC), Mr. Kingsley Osagie, who praised the State Governor and the Secretary to the State Government for bringing healthcare closer to the community. He noted that previously, residents had to travel to Oben Community for medical treatment, which sometimes resulted in unfortunate consequences.
Other Committee members also expressed their gratitude to the Edo State Government and the Agency’s dedicated team for their contributions to the success of the micro-projects in the Community. The event also had in attendance, residents of the Community whose joy knew no bounds.
