- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised Governor Godwin Obaseki’s focus on healthcare reform, particularly the expansion of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City, which aims to bridge the gap between primary and specialised healthcare
- Obasanjo, along with Patience Jonathan, celebrated the restoration of the hospital named after Stella Obasanjo, the late wife of the former president, who first established the facility 17 years ago
- Governor Obaseki stressed the importance of human capital in healthcare reform, revealing his administration’s investments in health education and infrastructure to build a world-class medical service in Edo State
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday, November 6, commended the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, for his transformative leadership and efforts to improve healthcare in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly rebuilt and expanded Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City, Obasanjo praised the governor's focus on human capital development and his multi-sectoral reforms over the last eight years, which have significantly impacted the lives of the people of Edo State.
Obasanjo, who attended the event alongside Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, hailed the governor for not only restoring the hospital but for continuing the legacy of his late wife, Stella Obasanjo, for whom the facility was initially established 17 years ago.
"You are not only a builder but a reformer who has positively impacted the lives of your people," Obasanjo said.
"Your multi-sectoral reforms are commendable, and I celebrate the progress you have made in improving healthcare in Edo State."
The rebuilt Stella Obasanjo Hospital, a 250-bed facility, stands as a testament to Obaseki’s commitment to providing quality, accessible healthcare for all Edo citizens.
Obasanjo emphasised that the hospital would serve as a model for bridging the gap between primary and specialised healthcare, ensuring that people from all walks of life could access the care they need.
"This hospital is a shining example of what can be accomplished through visionary leadership and dedication to the well-being of the people," Obasanjo said.
"It reflects the realization of your dream to deliver quality healthcare, and it will raise the bar for service delivery in Nigeria."
Patience Jonathan also expressed her gratitude to Governor Obaseki for honoring her late wife’s memory through the hospital’s restoration.
"By honoring Stella's legacy, you have also honored me and the people of Edo State," she remarked, noting that the hospital had been a significant symbol of hope and service to the people.
In his address, Governor Godwin Obaseki reiterated his administration’s focus on delivering on its promises to the people, particularly in the area of healthcare.
He explained that the COVID-19 pandemic had been a turning point in his government’s approach to healthcare, highlighting the vulnerabilities exposed during the crisis.
"We must not just build hospitals; we must focus on the people who work in them. The real value is in the human capacity to provide care," Obaseki emphasised.
"Healthcare is expensive, but it is necessary. That is why we’ve redesigned our healthcare program and invested in human capital."
Under Obaseki’s leadership, Edo State has revamped its primary healthcare system, refurbishing over 60 primary healthcare centers across the state.
Additionally, the governor’s administration has re-established the state’s health education institutions, including the School of Nursing, which is now considered the best in Nigeria, and the School of Health Technology, which trains staff for the primary healthcare centers.
Obaseki also introduced the Edo Health Insurance Scheme, which currently provides coverage to over 300,000 citizens, positioning the state as a leader in health insurance in Nigeria.
“The expansion of Stella Obasanjo Hospital is just one part of our broader strategy to make Edo a hub for medical tourism," he explained.
"We are investing in healthcare infrastructure and the human resources necessary to deliver world-class services.”
Despite the successes, Governor Obaseki expressed frustration over recent challenges facing the state’s financial operations.
He revealed that the state’s Accountant-General and other signatories to the state’s accounts had been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), causing delays in ongoing projects, including the hospital’s expansion.
"I am not a happy man today," Obaseki admitted.
"My contractors are slowing down work because we have not been able to function properly as a government. We need to focus on building our state, not playing politics."
The governor urged political leaders to prioritise the well-being of the people over narrow political interests, calling on them to reflect on the importance of quality healthcare in a nation’s development.
"As political leaders, we must always think of our people first. We never know when we will need facilities like this, and we must ensure that they are available for everyone."
Obaseki’s administration has focused on ensuring that the infrastructure of healthcare in the state aligns with its broader goal of improving the quality of life for all residents.
The newly expanded Stella Obasanjo Hospital is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives, providing cutting-edge care and helping to establish Edo State as a leader in healthcare provision.
Governor Obaseki names Edo Arena after Afrobeats singer Rema [PHOTOS]
Earlier, TheRadar reported that the Governor of Edo State, Obaseki, had named Edo Arena, a stadium in the state, after Afrobeats singer Divine Ikubor, known as Rema.
The 6000-capacity arena would be called "Rema Dome" after the Afrobeats star for his musical contributions and feats as an indigene of the state.
