Edo Community e.V. Kassel, Germany has commissioned a newly reconstructed housing block of four apartments at the Ossiomo Leprosarium Home in Ogan, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State to address the shelter needs of residents.
The Edo Community e.V. Kassel is a nonprofit organisation based in Hessen, Germany, made up of Edo indigenes in the diaspora. The association said that the intervention was part of its sustained commitment to improving the living conditions of residents at the rehabilitation centre.
The newly inaugurated building represents the third housing facility reconstructed from the foundation by the group, following similar projects successfully completed in 2019 and 2022.
The commissioning ceremony attracted residents of the settlement, community leaders and staff of the Communicable Diseases Hospital, who turned out in large numbers to witness what was described as a landmark achievement for the community.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Osagie Igbinigie, applauded Edo Community Kassel for its sustained support since the rehabilitation efforts began in 2018.
Igbinigie listed some of the group’s interventions to include the installation of a water tank and pumping system, electricity supply, kitchen structures and sanitary facilities, noting that these basic amenities were absent before the association’s involvement.
He also acknowledged the commitment of the association’s leadership, particularly its President, Lando Treasure Eguavoen, explaining that a visit to Germany exposed him to the passion, unity and collective sacrifice of Edo indigenes in the diaspora driving the projects.
A representative of the association from Germany, Comrade Samson Osayamen, said members regarded the interventions as a moral duty aimed at improving living standards within the settlement, adding that the projects were funded through collective sacrifices of members across diverse circumstances.
Residents of Ogan community expressed gratitude for the gesture, with the community secretary, Michael Izibiri, describing the former housing structures as “death traps,” especially during the rainy season, while noting that the new apartments have brought safety, dignity and peace of mind.
The Ossiomo Leprosy Home serves as a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for persons affected by leprosy, with a mandate covering physical care, empowerment, social inclusion and reintegration, while the leadership of Edo Community e.V. Kassel includes Lando Treasure Eguavoen, president; Henry Iheukwumere, general secretary; Bobby Oghogho Obaseki, financial secretary; Osazuwa Osakue, PRO, and Christopher Idumwonyi.
