The Late Augustus Aikhomu Foundation has proposed 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, aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.
The proposal was presented when the Board of Trustees of the Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in Abuja.
Led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Engineering, Dr. Leemon Ikpea, the delegation explained that the partnership would ensure professional management and long-term sustainability of the health facility located in Idumu-Iyase, Ewatto, in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The medical centre, built by the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation (ALIF), is a legacy healthcare project designed to improve access to quality medical services for residents of Ewatto and neighbouring communities.
Presenting the proposal, Dr. Ikpea stated that the Foundation is seeking a public-private partnership arrangement under which the hospital would be managed by a designated Federal Government medical institution, while ownership of the facility would remain with the promoter. The arrangement, he said, is intended to guarantee clinical excellence, efficient administration, and sustainable operations.
The facility features 62 beds, male, female and paediatric wards, operating theatres, an accident and emergency unit, labour and post-natal wards, diagnostic services 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 in 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 stated that 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.
