_Godspower Eguasa_
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured Edo citizens and residents of the timely completion of ongoing projects in the state before the expiration of his administration.
The Governor made this known while briefing journalists during an inspection exercise of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital expansion project, revamping and rehabilitation of the Edo State School of Health Technology, and the reconstruction of Block A (Palm House) at the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat Complex, on Wednesday 25th October 2023, in Benin City.
According to Obaseki, “As part of our finishing well agenda, we want to make sure that every project we started as a government is completed. So, we wanted to see the status of the projects under construction. And today, we were only able to see or visit three of the several projects that we are currently working on.
“At the former Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which is going to be a medical hub, you saw that we have finished with the out-patient department, and work is in full gear to complete the in-patient and the emergency section. Having broken down the central hospital, we now have a network of primary health care centers, the Edo Specialist Hospital, and then, we have this comprehensive health hub with an international standard hospital that will have up to 12 specializations.
“I am glad to inform you that most of the equipment for the hospital are already in the country, and as soon as the civil works are completed, we will commence their installation”.
Speaking on the ongoing renovation works at the Edo State School of Health Technology, Obaseki emphasized that the key foundation to every sustainable health system of any state begins with a healthy and quality primary healthcare system.
The Governor who expressed satisfaction and optimism on the ongoing health sector reforms in the state, aimed towards transforming Edo into a medical hub, also noted that the ongoing renovation of the Edo State School of Health Technology, when completed, can accommodate over a thousand students.
Obaseki said: “We also used the opportunity to visit the School of Health Technology. The foundation of any healthcare system is the primary healthcare system, and that is where the school plays a vital role; as the facility that prepares, trains, and equips the manpower required to service the primary healthcare system.
“You have seen for yourselves today what we are doing in that school, and we have six specializations. At any point in time, we will be able to cater for over a thousand students, about 500 in each string. And as I promised you, before the middle of next year, these projects will be delivered”.
The Governor while inspecting the ongoing renovation of the Block A Building (Palm House), further solicited the support and cooperation of citizens and residents in sustaining ongoing developmental strides in the state, noting that his administration will continue to utilize the state’s resources, solely to improve the lives of the people.
“This building is very historic; it is very significant for us, and to have left it in such a state of disrepair, God will forgive those who have governed. By the grace of God, I am here and I am rebuilding Palm House, which tells you that we are rebuilding Edo so that we can make it look great again.
“Many people are not happy that the money I am using to do all these projects, they are not getting it. And so, they are selling very negative propaganda around the states and the country, to paint us very bad that we are not doing anything. But Edo people know better and they are much smarter”, Obaseki said.
