The commissioning of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City by the Obaseki-l led administration has received a scathing rebuke from Governor Monday Okphebolo.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has called the event misleading and a public betrayal, and he stoutly defends the present project to complete the hospital. According to the governor, the facility was not complete at the time of the commissioning and is still not fully operational because ongoing construction, lack of equipment, and other issues have made it essentially a "shell." On Tuesday evening, the hospital was inspected by Governor Okpebholo, who was not alone in his disappointment with what they found there.
Accompanying the governor were Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the state's Commissioner for Health, and Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the state's Deputy Governor. After the inspection, the governor gave his opinion of the previous administration's actions. He condemned them.
“What I have seen here today is deeply disappointing,” Okpebholo said. “The Obaseki-led government did very little. They only painted the structure, installed air conditioners, and made it appear like a finished project. Construction is still ongoing, and no equipment has been procured. This is nothing short of deception, and it undermines the trust of Edo people.”
He further assured residents that his administration would address the deficiencies and deliver a fully functional hospital.
“This kind of deceit is unacceptable and unfair to the citizens. We will work closely with the contractors to fix the structural problems and ensure this hospital is completed properly. Our administration is committed to providing a facility that genuinely serves the healthcare needs of our people,” the governor pledged.
Dr. Oshiomhole, who guided the inspection, also voiced concerns about the project’s state. He emphasized that the contractor owes the government and people of Edo State an explanation for the lapses.
“This hospital was politically commissioned by the last administration, yet what we see here suggests abandonment,” Oshiomhole noted. “Our findings include several structural flaws that must be corrected immediately. We are in discussions with the contractor and consultant to address these issues.”
The commissioner revealed that medical professionals, including surgeons and doctors, were part of the inspection team to offer expert input.
“Their observations have highlighted critical areas requiring attention. We are committed to resolving these flaws and ensuring the facility meets global standards,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the Stella Obasanjo Hospital into a premier healthcare institution for Edo State, underscoring that the welfare of citizens remains his administration’s top priority.
