"Universal Health Coverage Begins At The Grassroots" — Etsako East Council Chairman Sunny Ekpeson Delivers Inspiring Keynote At Edo SHINE PHC Summit 2026 [SEE PHOTOS]

The newly elected Executive Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, delivered a compelling and thought-provoking keynote address at the Edo SHINE Primary Health Care (PHC) Summit 2026, where he passionately advocated for stronger local government participation in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The summit, organized by the Edo State Government through the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with development partners including the World Bank, brought together top government officials, health experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on the theme: "The Role of Strategic Leadership in Universal Health Coverage: From Policy to Local Action."

Addressing the distinguished audience, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson emphasized that Universal Health Coverage is not merely a government policy but a shared community responsibility, stressing that local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people and must therefore play a central role in healthcare planning and implementation.

He noted that local councils possess firsthand knowledge of the unique health challenges facing their communities and are best positioned to improve access to primary healthcare services, sanitation, immunization, maternal and child healthcare, and public health education.

In one of the most impactful moments of his address, the Etsako East Chairman called on the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency to institutionalize consultation with all Local Government Councils before taking critical decisions affecting primary healthcare delivery.

He further advocated for greater local government input in the recruitment of healthcare personnel, arguing that involving local authorities would ensure that qualified individuals from host communities are given opportunities to serve where they live.

According to him, employing residents within their local communities will strengthen healthcare delivery, enhance rapid emergency response, build trust between health workers and residents, and guarantee that life-saving services remain accessible whenever they are needed.

"When local governments are carried along in decision-making and empowered to contribute meaningfully, our healthcare system becomes stronger, more responsive, and more sustainable," he emphasized.

Sunny Ekpeson concluded by reminding participants that Universal Health Coverage begins at the grassroots, urging policymakers to transform health policies into practical community actions through inclusive leadership, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

His keynote address received warm applause from participants and reinforced the growing recognition of local governments as indispensable partners in building a resilient and people-centered healthcare system.

The Edo SHINE PHC Summit 2026 featured high-profile dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, alongside development partners such as the World Bank, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other international health organizations.

Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson's address has since been hailed as a strong call for inclusive governance, grassroots empowerment, and a renewed commitment to ensuring quality healthcare reaches every community across Edo State.

"Healthy People, Wealthy Edo."

Agbukor Lucky Apeakhuye,
Media Aide to the Edo ALGON Chairman & Etsako East Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson on Politics and Strategic Development