President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday recounted how the immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, frustrated the establishment of a National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City, the state capital.

Ekwutosblog reports that a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, made available to newsmen, said President Tinubu gave this account during the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the centre in the state.

Tinubu spoke through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ishaq Salako, who led a delegation to the State Government House for the signing of the MoU.

According to him, in May 2023, just before President Tinubu assumed office, the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre was established in Benin City.

“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.

The President, who noted that fistula is a serious health challenge, added that Nigeria has the highest burden of fistula cases in the world.

He said about 12,000 cases of the disease are recorded annually in the country.

He further stated that fistula is not just a medical condition but also a social and psychological issue, as some individuals with the condition resort to suicide.

The President noted that the Federal Government has launched a free fistula management programme, which also provides social support and rehabilitation.

He disclosed that, as of today, about 1,700 cases have received free treatment, expressing hope that the programme will continue to expand.

In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo commended the President for transforming Edo State, stating that the people would continue to appreciate him for the various development-oriented projects he has initiated.

Okpebholo emphasised that healthcare is a priority for the people of Edo and that the centre would serve not only the state but also the wider South-South region and neighbouring states.

“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.