Remodeling Edo For Greatness: SHINE Agenda To The Rescue (2) - By Richard Eweka

 

In just over a year, a tangible sense of optimism has returned to Edo State. Under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the state has witnessed a shift toward "practical governance", a style defined by visible, high-impact projects rather than mere rhetoric. Central to this transformation is the SHINE agenda, a strategic road map designed to touch every corner of the state’s three senatorial districts.

A NEW DAWN FOR HEALTH

Under the SHINE agenda, healthcare has emerged as a primary pillar of the administration. Recognizing that a healthy populace is the backbone of economic productivity, Governor Okpebholo has prioritized the sector by wooing private investment, upgrading derelict infrastructure, and aggressively expanding the state’s health insurance coverage.

Upon assuming office on November 12, 2024, the Governor inherited a healthcare system in crisis, facilities were dilapidated, equipment was obsolete, and a severe brain drain had left hospitals understaffed. "We are rebuilding a collapsed system from the ground up," the Governor noted, signaling the start of a massive recovery effort.

BRIDGING  THE MANPOWER GAP 

A hospital is only as good as its personnel. To address the acute shortage of medical professionals, the Okpebholo administration embarked on a massive recruitment drive, employing over 2,000 qualified healthcare workers. These professionals, ranging from doctors, nurses to laboratory scientists and other healthcare officials have been deployed across the state to restore quality service delivery to public institutions.

REVITALIZING INFRASTRUCTURE

From Grassroots to Specialized Care, the Gov Okpebholo administration’s policy is rooted in the "trinity" of healthcare: access, equity, and sustainability.

Primary Healthcare (PHC): The government recently announced the completion of 60 new PHCs, marking a significant milestone in its goal to deliver 146 modern facilities statewide. 

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, noted that these centers are not just brick-and-mortar structures but are fully equipped hubs designed to bring quality care to the grassroots.

THE UDOMI HEALTH HUB

To position Edo as a destination for health tourism, the Governor secured legislative approval in May 2025 for the Edo State College of Nursing, Health Sciences, and Technology in Udomi, Esan Central. Simultaneously, work is also progressing on a new 150-bed Edo Specialist Hospital in the same region, which the Governor personally inspects to ensure adherence to international standards.

NATIONAL OBSTETRICS FISTULA CENTER

In a historic move for the South-South region, Governor Okpebholo facilitated the establishment of the National Obstetrics Fistula Center. By providing 25 hectares of land and a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), the administration revived a project that had been stalled for two years, offering a lifeline to women suffering from childbirth-related complications.

STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS AND UPGRADES

The fight against preventable diseases has also seen a boost. Through a partnership with the Islamic Development Bank’s Lives and Livelihoods Fund (IsDB LLF), the state is providing free malaria testing and treatment for the next two years across all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Furthermore, the administration has focused on modernizing existing facilities: The Central Hospital Annex was relocated to a more conducive, spacious facility at the Oredo Clinic along Sapele Road. Also, modern ultrasound machines have been procured and distributed to all 18 LGAs to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Also, critical infrastructure, including industrial transformers and air conditioning units, has been installed at the Edo Specialist Hospital to ensure a stable environment for surgeries and patient recovery.

HEALTH INSURANCE: ENSURING NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND

Affordability remains a major barrier to healthcare in Nigeria. To combat this, the Okpebholo administration has enrolled over 300 highly vulnerable individuals and a growing number of pensioners into the Edo State Health Insurance Commission. By digitalizing insurance data and establishing a responsive customer support policy, the state is moving steadily toward the goal of Universal Health Coverage.

THE "SHINE" ON RURAL COMMUNITIES

The "Health" component of the SHINE agenda is perhaps most visible in rural areas. Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, describes this as a "grassroots-driven revolution." The model encourages a "sustainable social investment" approach, where the government and diaspora networks collaborate to subsidize medical plans for rural dwellers.

A LEGACY IN THE MAKING

Governor Okpebholo’s approach is holistic, it addresses the emergencies of today, while building the systems of tomorrow. By focusing on long-term institutional strength rather than short-term political gains, the administration is fostering a resilient healthcare ecosystem.

With community trust growing and national partners lending their support, Edo State is rapidly becoming a blueprint for healthcare transformation in Nigeria. The SHINE agenda isn't just a slogan; for the people of Edo, it is the light at the end of a long tunnel.