Aikhomu Foundation Seeks FG Partnership On 62-Bed Edo Hospital

The Late Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu Foundation has sought a strategic partnership with the federal government for the operation and management of a newly completed 62-bed state-of-the-art medical centre in Edo State, in a move aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.

The proposal was presented on Friday when the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, at his office in Abuja.

The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Engineering, Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea, said the partnership would ensure professional management and long-term sustainability of the health facility located in Idumu-Iyase, Ewatto, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Built by the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation (ALIF), the medical centre is a legacy healthcare project designed to improve access to quality medical services for residents of Ewatto and neighbouring communities.

Presenting the proposal, Ikpea explained that the Foundation was proposing a public-private partnership under which the hospital would be managed by a designated federal government medical institution while ownership of the facility remains with the promoter.

According to him, the arrangement is intended to guarantee clinical excellence, efficient administration and sustainable operations of the hospital.

The facility comprises 62 beds, male, female and paediatric wards, operating theatres, an accident and emergency unit, labour and post-natal wards, diagnostic facilities including X-ray and CT scan units, physiotherapy services, ambulances, consultants’ offices, administrative buildings, standby power supply, restaurant and laundry services.

Doctors’ residences and a police post are also under construction.

During the visit, the Foundation formally invited the Health Minister to the official launch of the Late Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu Foundation and the public presentation of the biography of the late Chief of General Staff, Admiral Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu.

The event is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State.

Professor Pate was also invited to commission and officially receive the 62-bed medical centre on behalf of the Federal Government as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in Edo State and across the country.

The Board said the establishment of the Late Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu Foundation is aimed at preserving the legacy of the late elder statesman while advancing initiatives in healthcare, education, leadership development and community advancement.

Other members of the delegation included the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Reuben Eifediyi; Secretary of the Board, ESV Tony Okonigene; and Professor Bolaji Babatunde, Special Assistant (Technical) to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.