BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured members of the Nigerian-American Nurses and Nursing Association (NANNNA) that the state remains safe, urging Nigerians in the diaspora to disregard negative perceptions about security in the country.
Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday in Benin City while receiving members of NANNNA, who were in Edo to support healthcare delivery and provide medical interventions in communities across the state.
The governor expressed appreciation to the nurses for travelling to Edo despite security concerns that could discourage Nigerians living abroad from visiting the country.
“Thank God you are here and you can see for yourselves the security situation in our state. Nigeria is very safe, and we are also trying to make Edo safer for our people to do business. It will be safer in the next few months,” Okpebholo said.
He assured NANNNA members of the state government’s continued support whenever they return to Edo for medical outreaches and other healthcare interventions.
The governor also urged the association to notify the newly established Edo Diaspora Agency ahead of future visits, saying the government would assist in reducing logistical challenges.
“Anytime you want to come, please notify us so that we can remove some of the burden from you in whatever way we can,” he said.
Okpebholo commended NANNNA for its contributions to healthcare delivery in Edo and Nigeria, describing the association’s grassroots interventions as commendable.
Speaking on the association’s activities, NANNNA Board Chairman, Grace Ogiehor-Enoma, said the organisation was committed to identifying and supporting struggling primary healthcare centres in members’ communities.
She explained that the association’s “Take Me to Your Village” initiative was designed to provide practical solutions to healthcare challenges at the grassroots rather than merely criticising government.
According to her, members visit communities to assess challenges facing primary healthcare centres and support selected facilities through adoption and other interventions.
“If the PHC in your village is falling down, you have to do it. That is why we say ‘Take Me to Your Village’ initiative, by adopting a PHC,” Ogiehor-Enoma said.
She also disclosed that her experience during the visit had strengthened her confidence in the security situation in Edo.
“I feel safe being in Edo. Last time, after work, I came in about 10:00 p.m.,” she said.
Ogiehor-Enoma thanked the Edo State Government and residents for their support, noting that the experience had helped challenge some of the negative perceptions about security in Nigeria.
