BY BERNADETTE IDALU
BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has announced plans to revive the moribund Edo Pharmaceutical Company for the production of essential drugs by 2026, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.
The Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the Central Medical Stores in Benin City, said the move would make drugs more affordable for residents and boost healthcare delivery across the South-South region.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Okpebholo, Idahosa said the state government was determined to put the vandalized and abandoned facilities back to use.
He explained that the renewed focus on local drug production would align with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), aimed at attracting investment and expanding local manufacturing of medical products.
“The Governor is passionate about the welfare of Edo people. We inspected the state’s medical stores to ensure that all drugs supplied to hospitals are valid and safe for use. We also visited the pharmaceutical company vandalized during the EndSARS protests, and the government is committed to bringing it back to life,” Idahosa said.
He added that the plan would help reduce the cost of basic healthcare services and enhance the free malaria testing and treatment programme already in place across government hospitals.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, said the revival of the pharmaceutical company would form part of the state’s 2026 plan under the PVAC scheme.
According to him, the initiative would allow bulk purchases of medical supplies at lower costs, thereby making drugs more affordable.
“Federal medical centres and private pharmacies will also be able to buy from us. This is a win for everyone, especially the downtrodden,” he said.
Oshiomhole stressed that the project would promote local manufacturing of essential drugs like antimalarials and analgesics, generate employment, and support the state’s vision of affordable and accessible healthcare.
Executive Secretary of the Edo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, Pharmacist (Dr.) Kenny Okojie, assured that all drugs in government stores undergo regular date checks, with expired ones promptly removed.
She added that reviving the Edo Pharmaceutical Company would create jobs, ensure the steady supply of quality drugs, and generate revenue for the state.
Other officials on the inspection team included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Iyamu Andrew Ogbeide; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian and Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Pius Idele Alile.