…………….as Prof. Darlington Obaseki extols President Tinubu.
FIC Report (Edo State) – In a gesture of collaboration and support, the Leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, in Benin City.
The meeting, which took place at the UBTH administrative complex, featured discussions on the significant strides aimed at revitalizing and improving healthcare access, quality, and the country’s health policies under President Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing their importance for national development.
Prof. Darlington Obaseki in his remarks expressed admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in the healthcare sector. He outlined that President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a resolute commitment to positive change.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transforming our healthcare system. His administration’s focus on infrastructure development, particularly the installation of a radiotherapy machine at the hospital, is commendable,” he remarked.
Continuing, “I have been here for almost Eight years now, nobody has supported healthcare in the area of funding more than this government that is the honest truth. It is not a political talk.”
While optimistic about the potential benefits, the CMD acknowledged challenges related to staffing and recognized the need for more professionals in the field. This effort aims to bolster the healthcare workforce, ensuring that the hospital is staffed with skilled individuals dedicated to serving our communities.
These challenges encapsulate various issues that the hospital has encountered, reflecting concerns such as budget constraints, staffing shortages, public health crises, and technological integration, all of which affect hospital administration and patient care.
He emphasized that it is crucial for hospital management to build on the established momentum to provide comprehensive care for all.
In response, NUJ Chairman Dr. Festus Alenkhe expressed the union’s commitment to promoting healthcare issues through media advocacy, reinforcing the role of journalism in shaping public perception and policy on health matters.
“We understand the power of the media in influencing positive change. We will continue to lend our voices to highlight the progress being made in the health sector,” Alenkhe affirmed.
“We are here today not only to show our support for the CMD and his team at UBTH but also to commend the remarkable efforts made,” Alenkhe continued. He underscored the power of the media in influencing positive change, reiterating, “We will continue to lend our voices to highlight the progress being made in the health sector.”
The meeting was attended by healthcare professionals, policymakers, and media practitioners, including: Prof. Darlington Obaseki (Chief Medical Director, CMD); Prof. Stanley Okugbo (Chairman, Media Advising Committee, CMAC); Sir Jim Uwadia (Director of Administration); Prof. Amina Okhakhu (Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee); Dr. Fidelis Eki-Udoko (Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, DCMAC); Rs Bartha Wagbedion (Deputy Director, Nursing Services); and Dr. Festus Alenkhe (NUJ Chairman, Edo State Council).
The courtesy visit concluded on a positive note, with the presentation of a plaque by CMD Prof. Obaseki, who proudly awarded a plaque of honor to NUJ Council Chairman Dr. Festus Alenkhe for his significant global influence on media communication. Both the NUJ Chairman and CMD Prof. Obaseki expressed optimism for a collaborative future that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Edo State.
Signed:
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
FIC Benin
8/3/2025
