The Ora-Ekpen Association, a socio-cultural organisation of Owan indigenes in the diaspora, has reaffirmed its commitment to the comprehensive rehabilitation, restoration, modernisation and sustained investment in the Sabongidda-Ora General Hospital in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The association made this known in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mr. Desmond Alufohai, and National Secretary, Mrs. Evelyn Aremu, announcing an initial donation of ₦10 million to kick-start the intervention.
According to the statement, the funds will be deployed for the immediate procurement of critical items, including solar power panels and high-powered fans for patient wards, aimed at improving comfort and ensuring uninterrupted basic services.
The association added that the donation will also cover the purchase of television sets for each ward, adequate furnishings for doctors’ and nurses’ quarters, washing machines, and essential medical supplies to enhance service delivery.
Ora-Ekpen Association lamented that the current state of the Sabongidda-Ora General Hospital reflects years of neglect and chronic underinvestment, resulting in deteriorating infrastructure and poor working conditions.
It noted that the facility is plagued by dilapidated buildings, obsolete and insufficient medical equipment, irregular electricity and water supply, poor sanitation, and severe 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 statement said.
It explained that the prevailing conditions not only compromise patient safety but also erode public confidence in the healthcare system and place immense physical and emotional strain on healthcare workers.
“Beyond an infrastructure challenge, the situation constitutes a broader public health and social equity concern, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation, modernisation and sustained investment to restore the hospital to the minimum standards expected of a modern health facility,” the association stated.
The group said its intervention is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare while restoring community pride and confidence in the facility.
The association also commended the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, for donating a 30KVA generator to the hospital, noting that the gesture would significantly support the delivery of essential health services.
It further emphasised the shared responsibility of governments, institutions and communities in safeguarding public health as a foundation for resilient and sustainable societies.
“Ora-Ekpen Association USA, Inc. calls on all stakeholders, particularly sons and daughters of Ora, community leaders, public officials and well-meaning partners, to support this vital healthcare institution,” the statement appealed.
It stressed that collective action and sustained commitment are critical to ensuring that the Sabongidda-Ora General Hospital can once again fulfil its mandate as a centre for healing, prevention and community well-being.
The association also urged government at all levels to renew and sustain investment in healthcare infrastructure, strengthen the health workforce, and improve access to essential medicines and vaccines.
Ora-Ekpen Association USA, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt organisation made up of descendants of Ora communities residing in the United States and Canada. The association is non-political and non-religious, and is dedicated to philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of the Ora people.
Ora-Ekpen comprises 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 was shut down following the failure of the Adams Oshiomhole-led administration to complete its rehabilitation.
As a result, residents of Ora and neighbouring communities in need of medical care are forced to travel long distances to Auchi and Irrua to access healthcare services.
