Buhari Hails Oshiomhole Over Edo Five Star Central Hospital

oshiomhole-buhari-commissioningA new five-star Central Hospital built by outgoing Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has been commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The president commissioned the edifice on Monday.

The Benin Central hospital was first built in 1902 with only 10 beds.

President Buhari, who is in the state for a two-day official working visit, said it is his third time of visiting Edo to commission projects.

He also described the Central Hospital as the best legacy Gov. Oshiomhole – who would be handing over to his successor this Saturday after eight years at the saddle – would be bequeathing to the people of the state.

The president also expressed satisfaction with the quality of the project, saying “it takes a lot of courage for the Governor to do what he did”.

“I am impressed with the work. This is the best thing Oshiomhole can do for the people. When I was coming, I asked the governor, ‘Whose edifice is this?’”

President Buhari stated that many elite would prefer to build a more comfortable environment for themselves but Oshiomhole opted to build a hospital that would benefit the people.

Governor Oshiomhole in his remark said the only way to show equality among men was for government to provide facilities for both the rich and the poor.

Oshiomhole noted that successive administrations in the state had “patched” the central hospital but he decided to completely overhaul the hospital instead of erecting a new Government House.

He noted the hospital was built following his conviction that public health care facilities should not be inferior to private health facilities.

According to him, “I almost wept when I first visited this hospital. What I found here was shocking and I concluded that even if a healthy man visited the hospital, the healthy would be admitted the next day”.

“This hospital is fitted with the latest technology in health care delivery. This hospital will not be run as public service.

“We will make sure that efforts to work are rewarded and not for those that want to embark on strike”.

During his visit, the president is expected to commission key projects by the Oshiomhole administration including the Upper Siluko road and the new Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia College (formerly New Era College, Benin City).

He will also commission the Edo University, in Iyamho and the Ugbegun-Ujiogba-Ebudin-Igueben-Ewohinmi road.

Mr. Buhari will also inspect the reclaimed Queen Ede Erosion site, in Benin City.