Edo State Governor His. Excellency Senator Monday Okphebholo has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening primary healthcare.
Speaking at the PHC Summit held at Victor Uwaifo Hub, Benin City on Thursday, 23rd July 2026, the Governor, who was ably represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Edo State, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, declared the summit open. He stated that “Primary healthcare is the foundation of a resilient, equitable, and responsive healthcare system, and his administration remains committed to building a resilient, people-centered healthcare system that delivers quality and accessible healthcare services to every Edo resident.”
The event was attended by top government officials, including the the Governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Honourabe Commisioner for Health Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole; Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani; Former Deputy Chief of Staff Edo State, Hon. Pius Alile; Chairmen of the 18 LGAs across Edo State; the Special Adviser to the Edo State Government on Health; Dr. Andrew Iyamu; the EDSPHCDA Board Chairman, Dr. Odiase Ehiabhi; EDSPHCDA Executive Secretary, Dr. Coulson Osoikhia; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio; the Chairman of the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board, High Chief Abudu Godwin Ugbesia, JP; the Task Team Lead (TTL World Bank), Dr. Onoriode Eziri; the Assistant National IMPACT Project Manager, Dr. Zarah Haruna; Edo State Portfolio Focal Person for the World Bank, Mr. Kizito Okphebolo; the Edo State IMPACT Project Manager, Dr. Osayomore Idemudia; the Obadolaye of Benin Kingdom, Chief Victor Uzamere; Medical Officers of Health, Edo State IMPACT Project Implementation Unit; among other top dignitaries, healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, academics, religious leaders, community leaders, civil societies, and other stakeholders from within and outside Edo State.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Osoikhia, emphasized the need to sustain the gains already achieved, address existing gaps, and chart a sustainable future for primary healthcare in Edo.
During his keynote address, the Algon chairman of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Sunday Akiotu Ekpetika, stated that “universal health coverage is not just a national responsibility but also a community responsibility. At the heart of that responsibility is the local government, which is closest to the people.” He emphasized that the Local Government should be carried along for an effective primary healthcare delivery.
A keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Ifeanyi Andrew Obi, University of Benin, on “The Role of Strategic Leadership in Universal Health Coverage: From Policy to Local Action”.
A major highlight of the Edo PHC Summit 2026 was the panel session moderated by Prof. (Mrs) Otaniyenwa Obarisiagbon, Centre Leader, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), University of Benin and former Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA. The panel brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, local government, and community sector to examine critical strategies to strengthen the health workforce, improve service delivery, and ensure sustainable primary healthcare at the grassroots.
Discussion centered on three critical areas:
- Strategies for sustainable health financing at the LGA level
- Governance of the PHC system across state and local government structures
- The role of basic primary education as a key determinant of health
Another highlight of the summit was the presentation of awards to outstanding local governments for excellence in primary healthcare performance. Etsako Central Local Government Area (LGA) emerged as the overall best-performing LGA, while Akoko-Edo emerged second, and Owan East LGA came in third place.
The Local Government Council bosses pledged to strengthen and sustain primary healthcare services by signing the Edo State Primary Healthcare (PHC) Sustainability Commitment at the end of the Edo PHC Summit.