President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recounted how former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, hindered the establishment of a National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City, the state capital.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, and made available to newsmen, President Tinubu shared this account during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the long-awaited centre.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ishaq Salako, who led a delegation to the State Government House, Tinubu recalled that the centre had been established in May 2023 just before his administration began but faced roadblocks due to a lack of cooperation from Obaseki’s government.
“The centre did not receive the necessary cooperation from the then government of Edo State, led by Godwin Obaseki,” he stated.
He further revealed that efforts to operationalize the centre dragged on from May 2023 until November 2024 when Governor Okpebholo took office. However, in just three months under Okpebholo’s leadership, significant progress had been made.
“We struggled from May 2023 till November 2024 before you became the Governor of Edo State, but in about three months, we have achieved what we could not achieve in about 24 months. All thanks to your administration. We appreciate your support, as we have been able to secure a temporary centre to begin operations in Benin City.
“His Excellency has also allocated 24 hectares of land for the permanent centre. You have demonstrated that you are a political son of the President, who is prioritising healthcare at the federal level, while also doing the same in Edo State,” Tinubu said.
The President highlighted the devastating impact of fistula, describing it as both a medical and social issue. He lamented that Nigeria has the highest burden of fistula cases in the world, with approximately 12,000 new cases recorded annually.
Beyond the medical challenges, Tinubu emphasized the psychological toll of the condition, noting that some affected individuals resort to suicide. In response, the Federal Government has launched a free fistula management programme that not only provides treatment but also social support and rehabilitation.
“As of today, about 1,700 cases have received free treatment,” Tinubu disclosed, expressing optimism that the programme would continue to expand.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, applauded President Tinubu for his commitment to Edo State’s development, assuring that the people would remain grateful for his administration’s transformative projects.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to healthcare, Okpebholo stressed the significance of the centre for both Edo and the entire South-South region.
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“The Chief Medical Director of the centre has been struggling for the past two years. This centre belongs to the South-South, but it is located in Edo, and Edo people will benefit from it.
“I have no excuse but to support the establishment of the centre. The hospital will commence operations soon, as the Edo State Government is committed to supporting it, and we thank the Federal Government for choosing Edo State,” he added.
With the political hurdles now cleared, the long-overdue National Obstetrics Fistula Centre is set to finally become a reality, offering renewed hope for thousands of women battling this debilitating condition.