Cohort 1 Fellows of the National Health Fellows Program in Edo State held an engaging Facebook live session to share the work they have been doing across their Local Government Areas, the impact created so far, and the opportunities ahead for young graduates who wish to join Cohort 2.
The live interaction featured eight Fellows representing LGAs across the state:
Fatimah Ahmad, Etsako Northeast;
Haleemah Ukashah, Etsako West;
James Ogedegbe, Esan West;
Victoria Isaac, Etsako Central;
Favour Ebozele, Esan Northeast;
Lucy Isibor, Ikpoba Okha;
Tina U, Ovia North;
and Esohe Iyoha, Uhunode.
Each Fellow spoke about the progress made in their communities and highlighted how the program has strengthened their leadership capacity while addressing critical health and development needs at the grassroots level.
A major theme of the conversation was the strong support from the Director General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. Loretta Ogboro Okor. Through her collaboration with the Fellows and with key development partners, Edo State has recorded several notable achievements. These include two near-completion dialysis centers sponsored by the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) one in Okpella in Etsako Northeast, represented by Fatimah Ahmad, and the second in Ekpoma in Esan West, represented by James Ogedegbe.
The Fellows also highlighted the successful relocation of a Health Post in Uromi in Esan Northeast, championed by Fellow Favour Ebozele, as well as the renovation of a primary healthcare center in Uhunode LGA led by Esohe Iyoha. Ongoing renovations in Etsako West are being driven by Haleemah Ukashah, whose advocacy further secured the approval of a block of six new classrooms from the House of Representatives member representing her constituency. This development will help reduce overcrowding in local schools and prevent health hazards associated with congestion.
Beyond infrastructure, the Fellows emphasized the mentorship pillar of the program, which they described as one of the strongest drivers of their success. They shared how consistent guidance from mentors has shaped their growth, sharpened their leadership skills, and supported them in executing high-impact initiatives. Haleemah Ukashah called the mentorship experience “top notch” and advised prospective Fellows in Cohort 2 to always stay open to guidance.
As the session wrapped up, the Fellows encouraged young graduates between the ages of 25 and 35 from across Edo State to take advantage of the ongoing enrollment for Cohort 2. They described the program as a remarkable opportunity to contribute to community development, gain hands-on leadership experience, and join a growing network of changemakers.
Enrollment for the next cohort is currently open and will close on 30 November 2025.
Interested applicants can apply via the official portal: https://healthfellows.ng/apply.
