Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has criticized the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki for what he described as a fraudulent commissioning of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City.
Okpebholo, accompanied by his Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, made these remarks during an inspection of the hospital’s facilities.
The governor revealed that despite the publicized commissioning, construction at the hospital remains incomplete, with essential equipment yet to be procured.
Okpebholo accused the Obaseki-led administration of deceiving the public by presenting an uncompleted facility as a finished project.
“After inspecting the facilities, it is clear that nothing substantial was done here by the Obaseki-led administration,” Okpebholo stated. “They merely painted the building and installed air conditioners to create an illusion of completion.
This is unacceptable, unfair, and a disservice to the people of Edo State. My administration will address the structural defects and ensure the hospital is completed properly to serve the people.”
The governor further emphasized his commitment to revisiting the project and holding the contractor accountable.
“Construction was ongoing when the building was hastily commissioned. We will engage the contractor to correct these shortcomings and deliver a fully functional facility,” he added.
Dr. Oshiomhole, the Commissioner for Health, also expressed concerns about the project’s condition. He noted that the contractor would need to explain the delays and structural flaws observed.
“Upon review, it is evident that significant work remains undone. The building, as it stands, resembles an abandoned project in many areas,” Oshiomhole said.
“The last administration commissioned this facility for political gains without ensuring its completion. There are serious structural defects that require immediate correction.”
Dr. Oshiomhole further mentioned that a team of medical professionals, including surgeons and doctors, joined the inspection to assess the hospital’s readiness.
Their feedback, he assured, would guide the government’s next steps in transforming the facility into a functional healthcare center.
Governor Okpebholo reassured the public that his administration is committed to completing the Stella Obasanjo Hospital to meet the healthcare needs of Edo State residents.
