The Edo State Government has urged residents to make regular medical check-ups a priority as part of efforts to prevent avoidable deaths and improve overall public health.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, made the appeal on Tuesday in Benin while outlining key achievements of the state government under its “Edo SHINE” development agenda.
The “Edo SHINE” initiative represents a five-point governance framework of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, covering Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education.
Afegbua said the administration was committed to strengthening preventive healthcare, stressing that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective ways to reduce medical emergencies and deaths.
He encouraged residents to be more attentive to their health and to support one another in seeking timely medical attention.
“What you are running away from may just be what N5,000 can treat,” he said, noting that early intervention often reduces treatment costs and complications.
On governance, Afegbua said the state government had introduced quarterly performance evaluations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective implementation of policies under the “Edo SHINE” agenda.
He added that several infrastructure projects were ongoing across the state’s three senatorial districts, including road construction, school rehabilitation, and the development of a 150-bed hospital in Edo Central.
According to him, the government is maintaining strict financial discipline by ensuring prompt payment to contractors based only on certified work completed.
He disclosed that more than 533 kilometres of roads are currently under construction across Edo State, with completion expected before the end of the year.
On environmental management, Afegbua said the Federal Government had issued warnings to states on flooding, erosion, and climate-related risks.
He said the state government had responded by clearing drainages and implementing flood-control measures across vulnerable communities.
He also noted that the state Ecological Commission had identified high-risk areas for targeted intervention, supported by federal counterpart funding.
On security, the commissioner said authorities had made arrests in connection with the killing of a student at the University of Benin gate.
He reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy for cultism and other violent crimes, including cybercrime commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo,” which he said was being exploited by criminal groups.
Afegbua called on residents to continue supporting government efforts to deliver development and strengthen security across the state.
