Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday commissioned the newly rebuilt and expanded 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital on Wednesday.
This modern health hub aims to deliver comprehensive healthcare services across multiple levels of the state’s health ecosystem.
Additionally, the governor inaugurated a new crèche and food court at the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat complex in Benin City.
During the hospital’s commissioning, Obaseki emphasised that healthcare extends beyond infrastructure, highlighting the critical importance of human capital development in delivering quality services.
“We developed a health improvement plan for Edo during COVID-19 to become COVID-19 helped us mobilize over 5,000 doctors to help us respond to the pandemic, but what was missing was a plan to tie our health facilities together.
“Healthcare is not just about hospitals or facilities; it is also about human capital, to help people. It is expensive, but we must find a way to finance it. We redesigned our healthcare program through our health improvement scheme.
“The primary healthcare system is the first contact with our citizens, and we set up the Primary Healthcare Agency. Today, we have the most viable primary healthcare system in Nigeria. We have refurbished 60 primary healthcare centres, and our goal is to ensure that each ward in the state has one. This is not just about infrastructure; it is about sharing human values of compassion, care, and hope; that is what this facility is all about.”
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who commissioned the hospital, praised the governor for the project, lauding him as both a builder and a reformer.
Obasanjo said: “I want to thank you for remembering my late wife, Stella Obasanjo. I was here before, and coming here now, what I see is wonderful. You are not only a builder but also a reformer who has positively impacted the lives of your people.
“When this hospital was established 17 years ago, it was to keep the memory of my late wife. By honouring her, you are also honouring me.”
The former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, also spoke at the event, praising the governor as a visionary leader.
She described the newly rebuilt Stella Obasanjo Hospital as a powerful testament to the vision of a leader committed to building a strong, healthy state and nation.
She further emphasised that the hospital would serve as a reference centre, bridging the gap between primary and specialized healthcare, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, receive the care they deserve.
Similarly, while commissioning the Creche and Food Court at the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat complex, Obaseki highlighted that these facilities would significantly boost the productivity and well-being of the state’s workforce.
He stated that the Creche and the Food Court are central to his administration, emphasising their importance in providing peace of mind, especially for women, who face immense pressure.
The governor further explained that women bear the responsibility of caring for the home and children before heading to work, making it crucial to enhance the efficiency and dedication of their workforce.
“This is not a luxury. It is almost a necessity now for our workforce. I hope that the managers of the civil service will make sure that competent people are hired; knowledgeable people who understand how to give care to children are the ones who are put here to manage this facility so that the children can be safe, secure and healthy.”
“In terms of the Food Court, if you close late from work or not, you need to eat. You don’t have to go out to buy what you need. You can do it here. That is why the food court is important. All these will increase and enhance the productivity of our workforce.”
Mrs Jonathan, who commissioned the Creche and Food Court, praised the governor for his thoughtfulness towards women in the public service and across Edo State.
She emphasised that the Creche and Food Court reflect the Obaseki administration’s commitment to infrastructural development that directly benefits the people of Edo State.
Mrs Jonathan highlighted the governor’s consistent focus on the well-being of women, particularly nursing mothers, who often need caregivers to care for their children while they are at work.
She noted that the Creche would offer a safe and nurturing environment for these children, especially those whose parents serve in Edo State’s public sector.
