Health
Okpebholo approval of ₦2.5 Billion for Paediatric Specialist Clinic at UBTH sparks mixed reactions
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
30 Aug 2025 03:16 AM
Benin, Edo – The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved a ₦2.5 billion allocation for the construction of a state-of-the-art Paediatric Specialist Clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
The announcement, made during a courtesy visit by UBTH’s newly appointed Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, to the Government House in Benin City, has been hailed by some as a transformative step for child healthcare in Edo State and beyond, while drawing sharp criticism from others.
Governor Okpebholo described the initiative as a “legacy project” aimed at revolutionizing paediatric healthcare services, not just for Edo State but for Nigeria as a whole.
“We will not play politics with the health of our children. This paediatric centre will be delivered to international standards, and the Edo State Government will work hand-in-hand with UBTH to ensure its success,” Okpebholo stated.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu, the first female CMD of UBTH, praised the governor’s swift approval as a “bold demonstration of vision and commitment” to healthcare, noting that the project marks a historic milestone in the hospital’s 52-year history.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State branch, lauded the governor’s investment, with Chairman Dr. Eustace Oseghale highlighting its potential to enhance child healthcare delivery across a catchment area spanning over eight states.
Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, also commended the move, stating, “This gesture demonstrates Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly for children.”
However, the decision has sparked significant controversy, with the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Association of Resident Doctors under Edo State Government Employment (ARD EDGE) condemning the allocation as a misplacement of priorities.
In a statement, PDP Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare called the move “reckless” and accused the governor of prioritizing federal institutions over state-owned hospitals, which he described as “in ruins.”
Nehikhare pointed to the underutilized Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the struggling Edo Specialist Hospital, arguing that the ₦2.5 billion could have addressed critical needs in these facilities.
“Edo people did not elect a governor to act as a philanthropist to federal institutions,” he stated.
ARD EDGE echoed these concerns, with President Dr. Peter Evbuomwan and Secretary-General Dr. Ernest Hills Oamen urging the governor to invest in state-owned health facilities, which they claim are in dire need of infrastructure upgrades and support for healthcare workers.
“Charity begins at home. While we support UBTH’s growth, our primary and secondary health facilities need urgent revitalization,” the association stated.
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) also weighed in, cautioning Governor Okpebholo against acting as “Father Christmas” to federal institutions.
CRPP Chairman Dr. Samson Isibor argued that the funds could have been better utilized to address state-specific challenges, such as security and unemployment, which he claimed contribute to high food prices and social instability.
In contrast, APC chieftain John Mayaki defended the governor, describing the allocation as a selfless act prioritizing lives over politics.
“The ownership of a hospital does not matter. What matters is that Edo people receive care there,” Mayaki said, accusing critics of hypocrisy for ignoring Okpebholo’s efforts to fix federal roads in the state.
The ₦2.5 billion Paediatric Specialist Clinic is part of Governor Okpebholo’s broader healthcare agenda, which includes previous interventions like settling medical bills for indigent families at UBTH and plans for a state-wide health support initiative under his SHINE transformational agenda.
As the debate continues, the project underscores the governor’s focus on impactful healthcare reforms, even as it highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal priorities in Edo’s governance landscape.
The announcement, made during a courtesy visit by UBTH’s newly appointed Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, to the Government House in Benin City, has been hailed by some as a transformative step for child healthcare in Edo State and beyond, while drawing sharp criticism from others.
Governor Okpebholo described the initiative as a “legacy project” aimed at revolutionizing paediatric healthcare services, not just for Edo State but for Nigeria as a whole.
“We will not play politics with the health of our children. This paediatric centre will be delivered to international standards, and the Edo State Government will work hand-in-hand with UBTH to ensure its success,” Okpebholo stated.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu, the first female CMD of UBTH, praised the governor’s swift approval as a “bold demonstration of vision and commitment” to healthcare, noting that the project marks a historic milestone in the hospital’s 52-year history.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State branch, lauded the governor’s investment, with Chairman Dr. Eustace Oseghale highlighting its potential to enhance child healthcare delivery across a catchment area spanning over eight states.
Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, also commended the move, stating, “This gesture demonstrates Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly for children.”
However, the decision has sparked significant controversy, with the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Association of Resident Doctors under Edo State Government Employment (ARD EDGE) condemning the allocation as a misplacement of priorities.
In a statement, PDP Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare called the move “reckless” and accused the governor of prioritizing federal institutions over state-owned hospitals, which he described as “in ruins.”
Nehikhare pointed to the underutilized Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the struggling Edo Specialist Hospital, arguing that the ₦2.5 billion could have addressed critical needs in these facilities.
“Edo people did not elect a governor to act as a philanthropist to federal institutions,” he stated.
ARD EDGE echoed these concerns, with President Dr. Peter Evbuomwan and Secretary-General Dr. Ernest Hills Oamen urging the governor to invest in state-owned health facilities, which they claim are in dire need of infrastructure upgrades and support for healthcare workers.
“Charity begins at home. While we support UBTH’s growth, our primary and secondary health facilities need urgent revitalization,” the association stated.
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) also weighed in, cautioning Governor Okpebholo against acting as “Father Christmas” to federal institutions.
CRPP Chairman Dr. Samson Isibor argued that the funds could have been better utilized to address state-specific challenges, such as security and unemployment, which he claimed contribute to high food prices and social instability.
In contrast, APC chieftain John Mayaki defended the governor, describing the allocation as a selfless act prioritizing lives over politics.
“The ownership of a hospital does not matter. What matters is that Edo people receive care there,” Mayaki said, accusing critics of hypocrisy for ignoring Okpebholo’s efforts to fix federal roads in the state.
The ₦2.5 billion Paediatric Specialist Clinic is part of Governor Okpebholo’s broader healthcare agenda, which includes previous interventions like settling medical bills for indigent families at UBTH and plans for a state-wide health support initiative under his SHINE transformational agenda.
As the debate continues, the project underscores the governor’s focus on impactful healthcare reforms, even as it highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal priorities in Edo’s governance landscape.
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