Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has strongly criticized the inauguration of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin by the previous administration, describing it as a rushed and incomplete project aimed at political gains. During an inspection of the facility on Tuesday evening, Okpebholo revealed that the hospital remains structurally incomplete, lacking critical medical equipment needed for effective operation.
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and Health Commissioner Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, Okpebholo expressed disappointment with the state of the facility, accusing former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration of prioritizing political optics over actual service delivery. He highlighted that the previous administration merely painted the building and installed air conditioners, creating the illusion of a completed hospital.
Okpebholo pledged to address the structural defects immediately and work with contractors to ensure the hospital fulfills its intended purpose of serving Edo residents. He stated, “After inspecting the facilities, it is clear that nothing significant was done. Construction was still ongoing when the Obaseki-led administration commissioned the building. This is unfair and a disservice to the people of Edo State.”
Commissioner Dr. Oshiomhole, who guided the governor through the inspection, noted that the project is far from completion and that the contractor has significant explanations to provide.
He added, “We expected the hospital to be near completion by now. Unfortunately, it resembles an abandoned structure in parts. There are also structural defects that require immediate correction. We will engage the contractor to ensure these issues are resolved swiftly.”
The inspection underscores the current administration’s commitment to ensuring accountability in public projects and delivering functional infrastructure that meets the needs of Edo residents.
