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On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recalled how Godwin Obaseki, the immediate former governor of Edo State, thwarted plans to build a National Obstetrics Fistula Center in the state capital of Benin City.

President Tinubu provided this account during the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the center in the state, according to a statement provided to journalists by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, according to ZINGTIE.

Dr. Ishaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, represented Tinubu when he led a delegation to the State Government House to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

He claims that the National Obstetrics Fistula Center was founded in Benin City in May 2023, shortly before President Tinubu took office.

“The centre did not receive the necessary cooperation from the then government of Edo State, led by Godwin Obaseki.

“We struggled from May 2023 till November 2024 before you became the Governor of Edo State, but in about three months, we have achieved what we could not achieve in about 24 months.

“All thanks to your administration. We appreciate your support, as we have been able to secure a temporary centre to begin operations in Benin City.

“His Excellency has also allocated 24 hectares of land for the permanent centre. You have demonstrated that you are a political son of the President, who is prioritising healthcare at the federal level, while also doing the same in Edo State,” he said.

Nigeria has the greatest number of fistula cases worldwide, the president said, adding that fistula is a severe health concern.

According to him, there are perhaps 12,000 cases of the illness reported nationwide each year.

He added that because some people with fistula commit suicide, the illness is not only a medical one but also a social and psychological one.

The President mentioned that the Federal Government has started a free fistula management program that offers rehabilitation and social support.

He revealed that over 1,700 people had received free treatment as of right now, and he expressed optimism that the program will keep growing.

“The people will continue to appreciate the President for the various development-oriented projects he has initiated,” Governor Okpebholo said in his speech, praising him for his transformation of Edo State.

Okpebholo emphasized that the people of Edo place a high value on healthcare and that the center would help not only the state but also the neighboring states and the larger South-South region.

“The Chief Medical Director of the centre has been struggling for the past two years. This centre belongs to the South-South, but it is located in Edo, and Edo people will benefit from it.

“I have no excuse but to support the establishment of the centre. The hospital will commence operations soon, as the Edo State Government is committed to supporting it, and we thank the Federal Government for choosing Edo State,” he added.

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