Gov. Okpebholo Assures Diaspora Nurses of Edo’s Safety, Pledges Support for Healthcare Missions

By Rosemary Okoduwa

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

According to a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday in Benin City while receiving members of NANNNA, who were in the state to support healthcare delivery.

The Governor thanked the nurses for visiting Edo despite concerns that could discourage Nigerians in the diaspora from returning home, assuring them that the state was becoming increasingly safer.

He also pledged the state government’s support for future medical interventions by the association and urged members to notify the newly established Edo Diaspora Agency ahead of their visits to enable government to assist with logistics.

Okpebholo commended NANNNA for its contributions to healthcare delivery, particularly its grassroots interventions, noting that members were investing their resources to improve the lives of Edo people.

Speaking, NANNNA Board Chairman, Grace Ogiehor-Enoma, said the association’s “Take Me to Your Village” initiative was focused on identifying struggling primary healthcare centres and supporting them through adoption and other practical interventions.

Ogiehor-Enoma also expressed confidence in the security situation in Edo, saying her experience during the visit had challenged negative perceptions about safety in Nigeria.

“I feel safe being in Edo. Last time, after work, I came in about 10:00 p.m.,” she said, while thanking the state government and residents for their support.