The Ora-Ekpen Association, a socio-cultural organisation of Owan indigenes in the diaspora, has intervened to revive the ailing General Hospital, Sabongida-Ora, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, following years of neglect and chronic underinvestment.

The association announced an initial ₦10 million intervention to kick-start the rehabilitation, restoration, and modernisation of the hospital, which has remained largely non-functional, forcing residents to seek medical care in distant towns.
In a statement jointly signed on Thursday by its National President, Mr. Desmond Alufohai, and National Secretary, Ms. Evelyn Aremu, the group said the funds would address urgent infrastructural and service gaps at the facility.
According to the statement, the intervention will cover the procurement of solar power panels, high-powered fans for patient wards, television sets for each ward, furnishings for doctors’ and nurses’ quarters, washing machines, and essential medical supplies.

The association noted that the current condition of the hospital reflects the consequences of prolonged neglect, citing dilapidated buildings, obsolete and inadequate equipment, unstable electricity and water supply, poor sanitation, and severe shortages of medicines and diagnostic tools.
“These conditions have severely limited the hospital’s ability to deliver safe, effective, and dignified healthcare,” the statement said.
“They compromise patient safety, weaken public confidence, and place enormous physical and emotional strain on healthcare workers.”

Describing the situation as both a public health and social equity concern, the association stressed the need for comprehensive rehabilitation and sustained investment to restore the hospital to acceptable standards.
“It is in this context that the Ora-Ekpen Association has resolved to contribute meaningfully to the restoration of the General Hospital in Sabongida-Ora, with the goal of improving access to quality healthcare and rebuilding community trust in the facility,” it added.
The group commended the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, for donating a 30KVA generator to the hospital, noting that the support would enhance service delivery once operations resume.

It also called on governments at all levels, community leaders, public officials, and well-meaning individuals—particularly sons and daughters of Ora community—to support the revival effort, emphasising that safeguarding public health is a collective responsibility.
“Only through sustained commitment and shared action can the General Hospital in Sabongida-Ora once again serve as a centre for healing, prevention, and community well-being,” the statement said.

The hospital was shut down after a rehabilitation project initiated during the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole was left uncompleted, forcing residents of Ora and neighbouring communities to travel to Auchi and Irrua for medical attention.
The Ora-Ekpen Association USA, Inc. is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organisation made up of descendants of Ora people living in the United States and Canada, committed to philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the Ora community.