By Joy Omagha Idam
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 not to be discouraged from visiting the state because of reports of insecurity in some parts of the country.
Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday in Benin City while receiving members of NANNNA, who visited Edo State as part of efforts to support healthcare delivery and strengthen interventions in primary healthcare facilities.
The governor commended the association for coming to Edo despite concerns about security, noting that their visit was evidence that the state was safe for visitors, residents and businesses.
“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 of the state government’s continued support whenever members of the association return to Edo to undertake medical interventions and other humanitarian activities.
The governor also encouraged members of the diaspora to liaise with the newly established Edo Diaspora Agency before visiting the state, saying the government would assist in reducing some of the logistical challenges associated with their programmes.
“Now that we have the Edo Diaspora Agency, anytime you want to come, please notify us so that we can remove some of the burden from you in whatever way we can.
“We can support you as a government because you are using your money to work for the people, so we should also support you,” he said.
Okpebholo praised NANNNA for its contributions to healthcare development in Edo State and Nigeria, describing its interventions in the health sector as commendable and impactful.
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 the communities of its members.
Ogiehor-Enoma explained that the initiative, known as the “Take Me to Your Village” programme, was designed to provide practical solutions to grassroots healthcare challenges rather than merely criticising government efforts.
According to her, members visit their communities to identify challenges confronting primary healthcare centres and subsequently 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,” she said.
She also expressed confidence in the security situation in Edo following her experience during the visit, saying she felt safe moving around the state.
“I feel safe being in Edo. Last time, after work, I came in about 10:00 p.m.,” Ogiehor-Enoma said.
She thanked the Edo State Government and residents for their support, adding that her experience in the state had helped to dispel some of the negative perceptions about security in Nigeria.
The NANNNA delegation’s visit further underscored the importance of diaspora partnerships in strengthening healthcare delivery and addressing challenges at the grassroots.
Source: Office of the Governor, Edo State — Friday, August 21, 2026.