FIC Report (Edo State) – In a landmark development for Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, in Benin City, officially commissioned its new State-of-the-Art Oncology Center, a move set to significantly improve cancer treatment across the Country.
Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, and Wale Edun, who Commissioned the Oncology Center at UBTH, emphasized the importance of this facility in Nigeria’s Health Sector reform efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s Administration.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, in his address, stated that the President is dedicated to building a healthier Nigeria, with more Centers and innovations on the horizon.
Prof Ali Pate; reiterated, “This is just the beginning. The President is committed to building a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria through continued investment in Healthcare Infrastructure and Services.”
In particular, Prof Ali Pate revealed the rapid progress made over the past two years, noting the completion of three advanced Oncology Centers in Nigeria, with more in development in Zaria, Jos, Lagos, and Maiduguri through innovative Public-Private Partnerships. He attributed these achievements to strategic reforms, increased funding, and collaborations with Agencies like the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), which supplied essential diagnostic equipment at discounted rates.
Earlier, in his remarks, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, Minister Of Information and National Orientation lauded President Tinubu’s dedication to fulfilling his promises across various sectors, including Health, Education, and Agriculture, emphasizing that this new Center is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to impactful change. “President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized Healthcare reform, and this Oncology center exemplifies that commitment. It’s a clear indication that Nigeria is on the path to becoming Self-reliant in critical health services,” he remarked.
Speaking, Hon. Minister Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Economy, emphasized Nigeria’s upward trajectory, attributing progress to increased Government revenue, strategic partnerships, and the president’s clear vision for accessible, quality healthcare. He praised the collaborative efforts between Federal and State Governments, Private Sector Partners, and Development Agencies in realizing these Healthcare milestones.
In response, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, CMD of UBTH, expressed Pride in the new facility, which is expected to serve thousands of cancer patients annually. He stated, “Access to comprehensive cancer care at UBTH will now be expanded, giving Nigerians hope and improved outcomes.” He further praised strategic partnerships and patient impact: “This Center demonstrates what can be achieved through strategic partnership and deliberate investment. We now have the capacity to treat more patients efficiently and effectively,” affirmed Prof. Obaseki.
The Audience included Government Officials such as Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Information & National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris Malagi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister Of Economy, Hon. Wale Edun; Healthcare Professionals, stakeholders, Traditional rulers, and Journalists.
As the Leaders emphasized, this facility is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s health sector reform efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. With continued dedication, the Government called for sustained partnerships and responsible Management to ensure the Long-term success of the Facility.
The Commissioning of the UBTH Oncology Center marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to combat cancer domestically and positions the Country as a regional Leader in healthcare excellence.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI & PRO
FIC, Benin
July 25th, 2025
