UBTH @50: First Alumni inaugurated as activity closes
By Innocent Okoh
13th May, 2023.
Activities for the 50th golden jubilee celebration at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, came to a climax on Friday, with the inauguration of the first ever Alumni group of the health institution and the unveiling of the commemorative bronze head statute of late brigadier general Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, (one of the founding fathers of UBTH), at the front of the administrative building of the hospital.
The unveiling of the statute was done by the chairman of the occasion and former head of state, his Excellency Gen. (Dr) Yakubu Gowon. In his opening speech, he thanked all for making themselves available for the occasion, he commended the managing team of UBTH, for the great achievements recorded so far as he said this has really defined the original plan of the founding fathers of the health institution.
The guest speaker, barr. Asuen Ighodalo, chairman of Sterling Bank PLC, who spoke on the topic; Revolutionizing health care access in Nigeria with cutting edge financing model, gave a detailed analysis of the status of health institution in the country, and how funds can be raised to sustaining the vision and mission as well as upgrading it to meet world class standard.
Addressing the press, the Chief Medical Director, CMD UBTH, Professor Darlington Obaseki, said; “the event is not just about celebration, it’s also about recommitting ourselves as staff to achieving our vision. It’s about making the organization the number one provider of quality health care solutions in West Africa “.
The chairman of medical advisory committee, Dr. Stanley Okugbo, who inaugurated the first ever UBTH Alumni group, charged the team to do everything within it’s resources in achieving the purpose of the group for the health facility, as this will further unite all the alumnus from the various schools and colleges of the teaching hospital, and position them in lifting the UBTH to the level it ought to be.
Other activities of the day includes the conferment of long service awards and gifts to deserving serving and retired personnel, like Prof. Austin Obasohan and others. The first baby born in UBTH, Architect Charles Oghor, was also unveiled to the admiration of all the staff who stood in a welcome ovation for the first baby born in the UBTH about 50 years ago.
Speaking to Wonderful Media, architect Charles Oghor, said it’s a great thing for him to be honoured by the hospital which he was born 50 years, he thanked UBTH for the honour and imagined how they could maintain contact with him after so many years, and even when his both parents are late. He however revealed that him and his friends are planning something big to give back to UBTH, as part of effort in promoting quality health care services.
Dignitaries at the event includes the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, governor of Edo state, H.E. Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Lilian Imuetiyan Salami among others.
