Benin Port: Edo NLC Hails Obaseki on Emergence of Preferred Bidder, Mota Engil Africa

•Obaseki prioritising investment in health sector, says commissioner

The Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State Chapter, has applauded the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on the emergence of a preferred bidder for the development of the Benin Port.

In a statement, Edo NLC Chairman, Odion Olaye, while hailing Obaseki for the ambitious endeavour, said the project would open up various sectors of the state’s economy and provide thousands of jobs for Edo people, thus leading to a viral and productive economy.

He noted, “We salute Your Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, on the remarkable achievement of the emergence of Mota Engil Africa, as the preferred bidder for the Benin Port Project.

“After a 75-year journey fraught with obstacles, the Benin Port Project is now poised for initiation, thanks to Your Excellency’s visionary leadership.

“This ambitious endeavor is set to revolutionise the state’s economy, serving as a game-changer that propels Edo to new heights.

“This momentous milestone fills us with immense joy and pride. It will open up various sectors of the State’s economy and provide thousands of jobs for our people, thus leading to a viral and productive economy.

“The implications are significant, with the potential to foster economic growth, attract investments, and create wealth for the people of Edo. We have closely followed every step you have taken to realise this project and commend your unwavering dedication and perseverance in overcoming challenges.”

Olaye added, “The NLC eagerly anticipates the commencement of this transformative endeavor, which holds the promise of a prosperous future for Edo State. Once again, congratulations to Your Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the people of Edo on this remarkable achievement.”

Meanwhile, Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, has said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led state government was prioritising investment in the healthcare sector, focusing on the primary healthcare system, in order to improve the health expectancy of Edo citizens and enhance access to quality and efficient healthcare services.

The Commissioner, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the government had introduced the state’s Health Insurance Scheme to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditure and is strengthening the primary healthcare system to bring healthcare closer to the people.

He noted that the upgrade and revamp of health institutions in the State including the Stella Obasanjo and the Edo Specialist Hospitals and other reforms in the healthcare sector were aimed at repositioning the State as the healthcare hub of the nation.

According to him, “One of the key sectors that this government focuses on is the health sector because it’s a developmental programme and to carry this out, the governor has instituted reforms to improve the health expectancy of Edo citizens and improve their access to quality health care.

“Specifically, the Edo Health Insurance Scheme was launched for Edo State citizens to reduce the out-of-pocket health expenditure in the State. Before now, Edo State had one of the highest out-of-pocket expenditures in the whole country.”

Alli added, “Coming to secondary and tertiary healthcare, we have the infrastructure upgrade in Edo Specialist Hospital which has been completed. The facility is well-equipped and has been running for the past four years now, providing quality services. It’s a multi-specialist hospital, and it’s able to provide a different range of services to our citizens.”