An oil services tycoon, Chief Leemon Ikpea, has built a 62-bed hospital worth N2.2 billion in Ewatto, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Ikpea, a philanthropist and founder of the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation, said the hospital was built to improve access to healthcare for residents of Ewatto and neighbouring communities.
The medical centre, which was commissioned on Monday, October 19, 2026 and named after the founder, was built at an estimated cost of N2.227 billion.
The facility is equipped with modern medical equipment and is expected to reduce the difficulties faced by residents who had to travel considerable distances to access healthcare, particularly during emergencies.
The centre will provide a range of services, including emergency and urgent care, maternal and child health, diagnostic and laboratory services and general medical care.
Speaking at the commissioning, Ikpea said that the project was conceived in response to the healthcare challenges faced by Ewatto and the surrounding communities.
Ikpea said, “I firmly believe that one of the most meaningful legacies any individual can leave behind is an institution that continues to improve and preserve human lives long after the individual is gone. It is my sincere hope that this medical centre will become such a legacy.”
He added, “We are particularly encouraged by the continuing efforts of both the Federal and Edo State governments to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to healthcare services. We hope that this facility will become a valuable partner in those efforts.”
Ikpea said the centre would provide healthcare and create opportunities for medical professionals to work and train, adding that it was intended to ensure mothers, children and elderly people could access timely medical attention without travelling long distances, while emergencies receive prompt care.
Acknowledging the contributions of the Federal and the Edo State Governments, Ikpea urged the residents of Ewatto and the neighbouring communities to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, commended Chief Ikpea, saying his life as a philanthropists was exemplified by the lives he had touched.
He praised Ikpea for the “extraordinary healthcare investment he brought to his people.”
The Minister of Health, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, commended Chief Ikpea for complementing the government’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare, describing the medical centre as a significant contribution to healthcare delivery in the community.
The Onojie of Ekpoma Kingdom, His Royal Highness Barrister Antony Ehiozojie Abumere II, congratulated Ikpea on the establishment of the medical centre, describing it as a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of the people of Esanland.
Also, the Onogie of Igueben, HRM Ehiogie Eluojierior, commended Ikpea’s achievements and the human investment initiatives of his foundation across Edo State, urging other capable individuals to emulate his efforts in providing healthcare facilities.
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