FIC Report (Edo State) – Benin City — In a remarkable achievement within her first week in office, Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Ize-Iyamu, the newly appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), has successfully secured a groundbreaking ₦2.5 billion investment aimed at transforming pediatric healthcare services at the institution. This development marks a historic milestone for UBTH, which has operated without such a major facility for over five decades.
The significant announcement was made during a formal courtesy visit to Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, by Prof. Ize-Iyamu and her Management team. During the visit, she presented a compelling proposal for the establishment of a modern Pediatric Center within UBTH, emphasizing the urgent need for improved Pediatric Healthcare Infrastructure to serve Children in Edo State and neighboring regions.
In a swift and unprecedented response, Governor Okpebholo approved the project immediately, demonstrating his strong support for innovative healthcare initiatives. The approved ₦2.5 billion Pediatric Centre is envisioned as a State-Of-The-Art Facility equipped with cutting-edge Medical technology, specialized Pediatric wards, Outpatient Clinics, and research units. It aims to provide comprehensive Healthcare Services tailored specifically to Children’s needs, reducing the current reliance on external facilities and enhancing the hospital’s capacity to deliver specialized pediatric care.
Expressing gratitude, Prof. Ize-Iyamu lauded Governor Okpebholo’s visionary leadership and swift action, emphasizing that the project exemplifies her administration’s focus on strategic partnerships and sustainable Healthcare development. She stated, “This landmark investment is a testament to our dedication to elevating UBTH into a Center of Excellence. Our focus is on delivering quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare, especially for our children who deserve the best start in life.”
She further outlined her vision for the hospital, emphasizing that this project is just the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at repositioning UBTH’s status as a Premier Medical Institution in Nigeria and West Africa. “With continued collaboration and support, we will expand access to modern healthcare services, improve health outcomes, and foster medical innovation that benefits our Community and beyond,” she added.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, congratulated Prof. Ize-Iyamu on her appointment and her immediate impactful action. He assured ongoing support from the Edo State Government, emphasizing the importance of robust Healthcare Infrastructure in fostering Societal Development.
Prof. (Mrs.) Ize-Iyamu was recently appointed as the Chief Medical Director of UBTH by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Her leadership is expected to usher in a new era of growth, innovation, and strategic partnerships aimed at positioning UBTH as a leading Healthcare Institution in Nigeria.
This landmark achievement underscores the new leadership’s commitment to revolutionizing Healthcare delivery at UBTH and sets a precedent for future Investments in Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin
August 26th, 2025
