By Iduozee Paul, Benin
Former Nigerian head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has described the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), as one of the leading hospitals in the country and Africa in general because of the quality healthcare services it parades just as he extolled the leadership qualities of late Samuel Ogbemudia, for contributing towards the progress of the institution.
Gen. Gowon’s made the commendation at the UBTH 46th year anniversary Inaugural Founders Day Celebration and Launching of Endowment Fund.
The former head of state said what they were celebrating is the past, present and future that the teaching hospital has achieved since its inception. He asserted that UBTH has made great historical landmarks by serving the people very well.
Gowon who, was the chairman of the occasion, said the healthcare services rendered by the UBTH had expanded greatly, and had become one of the best teaching hospitals in Nigeria. He posited that, UBTH had become known as a research ground where health professionals and workers are trained through-out the nation.
Gowon urged all to partake in launching the endowment fund to enable UBTH up-grade its facilities and provide medical services to the entire country and thereby reduce medical tourism.
In his remarks, minister of state for Health, represented, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, thanked the mission and visionary ideas that led to the establishment of the teaching hospital. He told the management of the UBTH to properly utilize fund realized and commended them for organizing the event to honour the founding fathers.
The APC national chairman, Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, in his remarks, extolled the efforts of the UBTH management and the workers, for keeping the vision alive and the transformation of the hospital. He promised to inform the minister of state for Health about some of the problems outlined by the CMD concerning the teaching hospital, so that they can be rectified to provide needed modern healthcare services for the people.
The former Edo State governor thanked Gen. Yakubu Gowon for his role towards the establishment of the UBTH and the management of the health school. He said without the right
diagnosis no better medical treatment can be realized and urged the medical staff to carry out their job according to ethical conducts that guide the profession.
Vice- Chancellor,University of Benin, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, represented by the deputy vice-chancellor Ekenwan Campus, Prof. J. O. Agbulagba, said UBTH has worked to live up to present expectations and promised that the
university and hospital, will keep on working together to realize a common goal and purpose.
Prof. Orumwense said they will continue to partner together in the area of knowledge and research to ensure new ideas and innovation that will bring about modern advancement to the teaching institution. He thanked the management for a well-organized event to remember the efforts of the founding fathers.
In spite of the level of nationalpersonalities the event attracted, the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki andhis deputy, Philips Shuaibu who, were the hosts, were conspicuously absent asboth personalities boycotted the event.
However towards the end of the event, the Edo State commissioner for Health,Dr. David Osifo said the Edo State government will do everything possible to partner with the UBTH in order to give quality healthcare services to the people.
Earlier, chairman, Board of Management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Chief Adedoja Adewolu, said UBTH has been playing the role of a pace setter in the management of resources, and in fulfilling the aims in its vision and mission, and has contributed so much to the improvement of healthcare services in Nigeria.
Giving his opening comments, the chief medical director of the UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki gave breakdown of the achievements of the health institution and expressed disappointment over the state of facilities and equipment in the teaching hospital.
Prof. Obaseki paid tribute to late Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and all the founding fathers who contributed in one way or the other towards the establishment of the hospital. He also thanked the management team and all that graced the occasion.
At the end of the event 10 persons were given awards in recognition of their contribution towards the advancement of the UBTH.
