Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has assured Nigerians in the diaspora that the country remains safe in spite of security challenges.

The governor gave the assurance on Friday in Benin when he received, as a courtesy, members of the Nigerian-American Nurses and Nursing Association (NANNNA), who travelled to Nigeria to support healthcare delivery in Edo.

He expressed appreciation for their commitment and commended the group for leaving the comfort of their homes abroad and travelling to Nigeria at a time when negative reports about insecurity could discourage international visitors.

He thanked God for their arrival in Nigeria, pointing out that Nigeria is still safe and that his administration is working hard to make Edo safer.

“It will be safer in the next few months,” he said. 

Mr Okpebholo said the state government would give necessary support to the organisation’s activities whenever they returned to the state.

“Now that we have the Edo Diaspora Agency, anytime you want to come, please notify us so that we can remove some of the burdens 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.

He thanked the organisation for its intervention in the state health sector, describing it as commendable.

Earlier, the board chairman, NANNNA, Grace Ogiehor-Enoma, said part of the association’s mission was to identify and support failing primary healthcare centres in members’ communities.

Ms Ogiehor-Enoma explained that the initiative, known as the “Take Me to Your Village” programme, was designed to provide practical solutions to healthcare challenges at the grassroots rather than simply complain about government shortcomings.

According to her, members of the association visit communities, identify problems affecting primary healthcare facilities and intervene by adopting and supporting such facilities.

“If the PHC in your village is falling down, you have to do it. That is why we say the ‘Take Me to Your Village’ initiative involves adopting a PHC.”

Ms Ogiehor-Enoma, however, expressed concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, noting that her personal experience during the visit gave her greater confidence in the safety of Edo.

“I feel safe being in Edo. Last time, after work, I came in about 10:00 p.m.,” she said.

She expressed appreciation to the state and the people of Edo for their support, adding that the experience had helped challenge some of the negative perceptions about security in Nigeria. 

(NAN)