Chief Dr. Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, the Chairman Managing Director of Lee Engineering Group and founder of the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation, has marked the beginning of an important new project in his hometown of Ewatto, situated in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. The groundbreaking ceremony for a new modern health facility was held recently, highlighting Dr. Ikpea’s commitment to improving healthcare services in his community.
This new facility is set to include 62 beds, providing a significant upgrade to local healthcare options. Dr. Ikpea emphasized that this initiative is part of his broader effort to give back to society, particularly focusing on the needs of rural communities that often lack access to quality medical care. During the ceremony, he spoke about his personal motivation for the project.
Dr. Ikpea, who is also known as the Adolor of Ewatto, shared that his life experiences, including the loss of his mother 50 years ago and his father over 40 years ago, have deeply influenced his decision to improve healthcare in his hometown. He observed that there was a critical lack of adequate health facilities in Ewatto, forcing residents to travel long distances to seek medical attention. By establishing this new health center, Dr. Ikpea aims to alleviate this burden and offer much-needed medical services locally.
The new health facility, which will be funded entirely by Dr. Ikpea, is planned to be equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. It will include an administrative block and a theatre, ensuring that it meets modern healthcare standards.
Dr. Ikpea expressed his belief that the completion of this project will not only address local health needs but also stimulate economic development in Ewatto. He anticipates that the presence of a high-quality health center will attract visitors from neighboring cities and towns, potentially leading to the development of additional infrastructure such as hotels and businesses.
At the ceremony, Dr. Ikpea appealed to the residents of Ewatto to provide a supportive and friendly environment for the construction workers. He stressed the importance of community cooperation to ensure the project is completed on time. Additionally, Dr. Ikpea requested prayers from his community for the success of the project and for his family’s well-being.
Surveyor Anthony Igini, who is overseeing the construction, provided details about the facility. The health center will feature wards for children, men, women, maternity, and emergencies, with a total of 62 beds. Igini assured that the project is expected to be completed within eight months.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his wife, Professor Reuben A. Eifediyi, the Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Hospital, and traditional rulers such as HRH Osagie Ikhumhen JP, the Onojie of Ewatto Kingdom, HRH Ehizojie Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma Kingdom, and HRH Ehizojie Aluojierior II, the Onojie of Igueben. Their presence underscored the significance of the project for the local community and its leaders.
