Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a grand ceremony attended by prominent Nigerian figures, outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki celebrated the successful completion of several landmark projects that underscore his administration’s commitment to healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
Truth Live News gathered that the event was graced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan; former Sokoto State governor and Senator Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; and former Edo State governors Chief Lucky Igbinedion and Chief Odigie Oyegun, among other dignitaries.
Governor Obaseki expressed deep gratitude to the distinguished guests and the people of Edo State, highlighting the significant projects commissioned at the event, including the newly rebuilt and expanded 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital, a crèche, and a food court at the State Secretariat Complex. These projects, he noted, form part of his broader vision to uplift Edo State’s healthcare infrastructure and boost its appeal as a hub for medical tourism.
The Stella Obasanjo Hospital, first established by Chief Igbinedion, had suffered years of neglect after his tenure. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility found renewed purpose as a treatment and isolation center, prompting Obaseki’s administration to commit to a full-scale transformation. “Today, we have transformed it into a world-class facility as part of our efforts to position Edo State as a destination for medical tourism,” Obaseki stated.
The refurbished hospital has been designed to offer specialized care and address a wide range of healthcare needs, making it one of the most advanced medical facilities in the region. Obaseki also took the opportunity to outline his administration’s holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on both specialist and primary care facilities. “Healthcare must go beyond infrastructure and embody the values of compassion, care, and hope, which are the very essence of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital,” he said.
Alongside this, the governor highlighted the strengthening of the state’s primary healthcare system. Under his administration, Edo State established a primary healthcare agency and developed the most robust primary healthcare network in Nigeria, with 60 centers refurbished and plans to establish one in every ward across the state. This initiative ensures that citizens have accessible, quality healthcare services from the grassroots level up.
These achievements form part of a legacy that Obaseki hopes will inspire future administrations to prioritize health and welfare as cornerstones of development. By enhancing Edo State’s healthcare facilities, Obaseki has positioned the state to become a model for medical tourism and public health nationwide.
In his closing remarks, Governor Obaseki expressed his hopes that his administration’s work would leave a lasting impact, describing it as “a foundation of compassion and innovation that will serve the people of Edo for generations.”
With his tenure coming to a close, Obaseki leaves behind a state markedly improved under his leadership—a feat recognized and celebrated by those present.
