Sabongidda-Ora (Edo), Feb. 5, 2026 (NAN) The Ora-Ekpen Association, a socio-cultural group of Owan indigenes in diaspora has commenced the rehabilitation of the Sabongidda-Ora General Hospital in Owan West Local Government area in Edo.
This is contained in statement by the association’s National President and Secretary, Dr Desmond Alufokhai and Mrs Evelyn Aremu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
The duo who announced the group’s initial donation of N10 million in respect of project said that the Ora-Ekpen Association was committed to the comprehensive rehabilitation, restoration, modernisation of the hospital.
They also said that the association was committed to ustained investment in the hospital to meet the minimum standard expected of a modern health facility.
According to them, the initial donation is meant for the immediate procurement of some critical items, which include solar power panels and high-powered fans for patient wards.
‘’Part of the funds will also be utilised for the procurement of television sets for each ward, adequate furnishings for doctors’ and nurses’ quarters, procurement of washing machines, and essential medical supplies.’’
They noted that the present state of the facility reflected the consequences of prolonged neglect and chronic underinvestment.
‘’Presently, the hospital is characterised by dilapidated infrastructure, outdated and inadequate medical equipment, inconsistent electricity and water supply, poor sanitation, and acute shortages of essential medicines and diagnostic tools.
“These deficiencies have significantly constrained the hospital’s capacity to provide safe, effective, and dignified care to the community it serves.
“The prevailing conditions compromise patient safety, erode public confidence, and impose undue physical and emotional strain on dedicated healthcare professionals.
“Beyond an infrastructure challenge, the situation constitutes a broader public health and social equity concern, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation, modernisation, and sustained investment to restore the hospital to the minimum standards expected of a modern facility.
“It is in this regard that Ora-Ekpen association have resolved to contribute meaningfully to the restoration of the hospital with the objective of improving access to quality medical care and restoring community pride and confidence in the facility,” Alufokhai and Aremu said.
The President and Secretary of the association however commended the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, for donating a 30KVA generator to the hospital, noting that it would significantly supports the delivery of essential services.
They further emphasised the shared responsibility of governments, institutions, and communities to safeguarding public health as resilient and sustainable societies.
“Ora-Ekpen Association, USA, inc. hereby calls on all stakeholders, particularly the sons and daughters of Ora, community leaders, public officials, and well-meaning partners, to support this vital healthcare institution.
“Collective action and sustained commitment are essential to ensuring that the General Hospital in Sabongidda-Ora can once again fulfill its mandate as a centre for healing, prevention, and community well-being,” the appealed.
While underscoring the importance of resilient and inclusive health systems, they appealed to the government to renew and sustain investment in healthcare infrastructure, strengthen the health workforce, and improve access to essential medicines and vaccines.
The Ora-Ekpen Association USA, Inc. (OAU) is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organisation which comprised of descendants of Ora residing in the United States and Canada.
The Association is non-political and non-religious and is committed to philanthropic service aimed at improving the quality of life of Ora people.
Ora-Ekpen is comprised of six clans (Ohia, Ovbiokhuarin, Evbiobe (Sabongidda-Ora), Uhonmora, Oke-Ora, and Eme-Ora) located in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Sabongidda-Ora general hospital has been shut down following failure by the Adams Oshiomhole led administration to complete the rehabilitation of the facility.
As a result, residents of the locality and other adjoining communities seeking medical attention either travel to Auchi, or Irru to obtain same. (NAN)
