We Faced Challenges Setting Up Fistula Centre in Benin Due to Obaseki – Presidency
The Presidency has described how Godwin Obaseki, the previous Governor of Edo State, obstructed the development of a National Obstetrics Fistula Center in Benin City, the state capital.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, stated that President Bola Tinubu made the disclosure during the signing of a memorandum of understanding to construct the center in the state.
Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Ishaq Salako, led a delegation to the State Government House to sign the MoU.
According to him, the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City was constructed in May 2023, shortly before President Tinubu took office.
“The centre did not receive the requisite assistance from the then-Edo State government, led by Godwin Obaseki.
“We toiled from May 2023 to November 2024 before you became Governor of Edo State, but in about three months, we accomplished what we could not do in about 24 months.
“Thank you to your administration. We appreciate your assistance in securing a temporary center to begin operations in Benin City.
“His Excellency has also set aside 24 hectares of land for the permanent facility. You have proved that you are a political son of the President who prioritizes healthcare at the federal level while simultaneously doing so in Edo State,” he stated.
The President, who acknowledged that fistula is a major health issue, stated that Nigeria has the greatest number of fistula cases in the world.
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He stated that the government records approximately 12,000 cases of the sickness each year.
He went on to say that fistula is not only a medical disease, but also a social and psychological issue, as some people who suffer from it commit suicide.
The President mentioned that the Federal Government has developed a free fistula management program that includes social support and rehabilitation.
