Edo Assembly Dep EDOHERMA: Chief Whip, Dr. Edosa Bags Foundational Award for Pivotal Role in Healthcare Reform

In a strong endorsement of his influence on Edo State’s healthcare reforms, the member representing Oredo West Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Health, Edo State House of Assembly, Dr Richard Edosa, has been honoured with a Foundational Award by the Edo State Health Regulatory Agency (EDOHERMA).

The award, presented on Tuesday in Benin City, recognises Dr Edosa’s instrumental role in championing the legislation that led to the establishment of EDOHERMA, a statutory body designed to strengthen healthcare regulation, standards and monitoring across the State.

Presenting the award, the Chief Executive Officer of EDOHERMA, Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide, commended the lawmaker’s commitment and leadership throughout the legislative process. She noted that his strategic interventions were critical in navigating divergent interests and ensuring broad-based support for the bill.

According to her, Dr Edosa demonstrated exceptional leadership by engaging key stakeholders, including those initially opposed to the agency’s creation, and facilitating consensus that ultimately produced a robust and widely accepted law.

“We thank him immensely for his steadfast support throughout the legislative process. At critical moments, he consolidated discussions with key actors and ensured that the final Bill reflected stakeholder balance. His problem-solving approach ensured that the legislation emerged stronger and widely supported,” she said.

The agency reiterated that the award symbolises appreciation for Dr Edosa’s foundational contribution to its establishment, describing his role as central to its legal and operational emergence.

In his response, Dr Edosa expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the State government’s healthcare reform agenda. He pledged continued support for EDOHERMA’s activities, including participation in enforcement operations where necessary.

He also lauded Dr Urhoghide’s leadership, describing her as “purposeful, hardworking and a goal-getter,” while expressing confidence in her ability to deliver on the agency’s mandate of ensuring affordable and quality healthcare services for residents.

“This agency, an initiative of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, was meticulously worked on by the House of Assembly to ensure it became law. It marks a significant milestone in strengthening healthcare regulation, standards and monitoring across our State,” he said.

Dr Edosa further assured that he would remain available to support the agency in achieving its objectives, stressing that effective regulation is key to improving healthcare delivery.

“I am deeply humbled by this gesture and profoundly grateful to Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide and the entire EDOHERMA team for the kind recognition. Be rest assured of my continued commitment to advancing quality, accessible and well-regulated healthcare for all Edo people. Together, we are building a healthier Edo State,” he added.

Dr Urhoghide also expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for signing the bill into law, thereby granting EDOHERMA full legal backing as the State’s sole statutory health regulatory agency.

She emphasised that the agency remains committed to safeguarding public health through effective regulation, noting that its mission is centred on protecting lives and improving standards across healthcare institutions in Edo State.