News

Obaseki And Demolished Benin Central Hospital One Year After

Published

2 years ago

March 14, 2023

Rubble on a portion of the site

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

A Yoruba adage says: ‘Orisa bo o le gbemi, se mi bo o se ba mi’. Meaning: If a deity can’t solve one’s problem, it shouldn’t compound it.

I decided to open this piece with the above Yoruba proverb because it sums up the content of this article.

Expectation of any voter who will vote for a new government is that when such a government comes into office, it will improve the welfare of the people, the infrastructure that it (the new government) met on ground, and build on the ones in existence, etc. .

The opposite is what the Edo State Government led by Mr. Godwin Obaseki has provided for the people of the state especially the state capital.

The Obaseki-led government in Edo State has not only failed to improve most of the infrastructure it met in the state, but unfortunately it has pulled down some of the state’s old legacy projects. It will remain in the memory of the residents for a long time, if not forever.

At this juncture, I must make it clear that this piece is not political motivated neither am I paid by any group or individual, but I am just worried seeing some things happening.

It is beyond the imagination of any right thinking person that a government can wake up and its next thought is to demolish a medical facility – a 100-year-old hospital – under the guise of using the expanse of land for other purposes. What, if I may ask, is more important and necessary for the residents of the state than a medical facility?

Notably, the over 100-year-old hospital was strategically located on a piece of land that could be called the heart of Benin until it was demolished in mid-January 2022. The colonial masters who built the hospital in such a strategic place were never wrong. The idea was undoubtedly to make the hospital easily accessible to everyone, no matter where they are in the city.

Moreover, the health facility was not only well located before the demolition, but also affordable. A resort for ordinary people. A medical consultant fee of N100 (card charge), a patient gains access to medical doctor. Here, an average man takes his wife to a pregnant woman during the prenatal and postnatal period. The hospital, before it demolition, had qualified doctors and quality medical services were provided by professional doctors.

The 100-year-old Benin Central Hospital is not the only heritage project being demolished by the current Edo State government. The source of knowledge was also demolished – the state-owned library on Sapele Road, a stone’s throw from the Central Hospital. Many other private buildings too numerous to mention have been demolished and their lands revoked under the current Edo State government, but the focus of this article is not those projects but the Benin Central Hospital, the demolition of which has caused untold hardships for many, especially registered ante-natal pregnant women, yet after over a year no single structure has been erected on the site

Pregnant women are the hardest hit in this regard. The antenatal ward of the hospital has been relocated to Sickle Cell Centre on Gabriel Igbinadion Way, GRA, near the former Central Hospital Benin. Though the new location is not very far from the former central hospital, due to the city’s traffic arrangement, many of the pregnant women are forced to trek the distance. This because there are regularly ‘town service vehicles’ plying the route except can which some may not afford. So they’re mostly seen on foot especially when they are returning from the medical checkup. It has been therefore very stressful for the pregnant women.

Meanwhile, before the demolition, when the state’s main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress Party (APC), warned of plans to demolish the hospital, the Edo State government under the leadership of Obaseki denied it.

A statement signed by the state’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Victor Osheobo had raised the alarm on how the state government plans to demolish the old hospital and replace it with an ultra-modern car park. The party argued then that the government’s justification for demolishing the hospital makes no sense.

“We call it not only strange and evil, but also unacceptable. This is because no right-thinking government wants to replace a viable medical facility with a parking lot that should be equipped and staffed to better serve the well-being of the people,” the statement said.

In addition, it has been also rumoured in some quarters that the Edo State Government under Obaseki planned to build the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) on the expanse of land, and that this is the reason for the demolition.

But the government denied all this. Edo State Government through the then Commissioner for Communications, Mr. Andrew Emwanta, stated that the government was not planning to dismantle the medical facilities but to relocate the hospital to the Stella Obasanjo Hospital. The government argued that this will pave the way for the transformation of the 100-year-old hospital. The Commissioner said that the Central Hospital has been in existence for over 100 years; therefore, most of the facilities were very old and did not support the provision of modern care.

Either moving the old hospital to pave the way for the renovation or pulling it down completely, 13 months after no structure is erected on the land. Although active construction is currently underway, and some construction workers can be seen working on the site, which have been cordoned off with roof shingles for months, this is not what the city’s residents expect after the demolition.

Or is it the transformation of the hospital promised by the Obaseki government?

The most worrisome, after over 13 months of it demolition, most people in Benin City do not even know what the government intends to build on the land that can warrant it (the government) demolishing a hospital that is over 100 years old.

News

W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes

Published

7 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

In a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.

The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.

News

NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak

Published

7 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following the confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

As of September 4, 2025, the DRC has reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in the Kasai Province.

The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency will continue to monitor the regional and global situations as there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, as of now.

However, the NCDC is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and it is working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners to strengthen preparedness and response measures in Nigeria.

Idris urged Nigerians to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers. He also advised Nigerians to avoid physical contact with anyone showing symptoms of infection or an unknown diagnosis.

Additionally, individuals should handle animals with gloves and protective clothing, and cook animal products thoroughly to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission.

Furthermore, people should avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.

The NCDC advises Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those with recent travel history to affected areas who experience symptoms should promptly call the NCDC hotline (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline for assessment and testing.

They should also shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems and await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a treatment centre.

The NCDC is strengthening surveillance across the country, including borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases.

Idris assured that the agency will continue to provide periodic updates on the situation as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is caused by the Zaire strain, with a mortality rate estimated at 57%.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deployed experts to support response efforts, and the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

News

5% Fuel Surcharge: What Nigerians Should Know

Published

8 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

File Copy: Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele

Confusion has erupted online over a supposed 5% fuel surcharge under Nigeria’s new tax laws, with many fearing a sudden increase in fuel prices.

The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, on Saturday through a post on X, clarified what is fact and what is fiction.

The controversy arises from the recent passage of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, which consolidates and harmonises previous tax laws.

Some social media posts suggested that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had introduced a new surcharge on fuel, sparking public concern.

Oyedele clarified: “The charge is not a new tax introduced by the current administration. The provision already exists under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007. Its restatement in the new Tax Act is for harmonisation and transparency rather than immediate implementation.”

According to Oyedele, the surcharge is meant to fund road infrastructure, an area that has historically suffered from underfunding.

Over the years, Nigeria’s road network has faced chronic maintenance challenges, resulting in potholes, travel delays, and higher vehicle operating costs.

Oyedele further noted that the surcharge is intended to create a dedicated, predictable funding source for road construction and maintenance.

Oyedele addressed key questions raised by citizens:

Will the surcharge start automatically in January 2026?

No. It will only take effect when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette:

“The surcharge does not take effect automatically with the new tax laws. It will only commence when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette as stated under Chapter 7 of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025. This safeguard ensures careful consideration of timing and economic conditions before implementation,” Oyedele stated.

Does it apply to all fuels?

No. Household energy products such as kerosene, LPG, and CNG are exempt. Clean and renewable energy products are also excluded to support Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.

Why maintain the surcharge amid economic hardship?

Oyedele explained that the fund is meant as a dedicated mechanism for road maintenance:

He said, “The surcharge is designed as a dedicated fund for road infrastructure and maintenance. If implemented effectively, it will provide safer travel conditions, reduce travel time and cost, lower logistics costs and vehicle maintenance expenses, which will benefit the wider economy. This practice is virtually universal with over 150 countries imposing various charges ranging between 20% to 80% of fuel products to guarantee regular investment in road infrastructure.”

Could subsidy savings cover road funding instead?

The Chairman of theCommittee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms said: “While subsidy savings will provide some funding, they are insufficient to meet Nigeria’s huge and recurring road infrastructure needs among other public finance needs. A dedicated fund ensures reliable and predictable financing for roads, complementing the budget and ensuring roads are not left underfunded.”

Does this contradict the tax reform objective of easing citizens’ burden?

Oyedele reassured: “The reforms have already reduced multiple taxes and removed or suspended several charges that directly affect households and small businesses, such as VAT on fuel, excise tax on telecoms, and the cybersecurity levy. By harmonising earmarked taxes, government is reducing duplication and ensuring a more efficient tax system.”

Why not remove the surcharge entirely?

He clarified: “Yes, the surcharge has been removed from the FERMA Act and incorporated into the new tax laws which are designed to provide a forward-looking legal framework for Nigeria. Keeping this provision in place within a harmonised legal framework ensures Nigeria is prepared to address critical challenges, such as sustainable road financing and even climate change impacts. It is not about immediate implementation, but to ensure the law provides a clear and effective framework for when it becomes necessary in the future.”

In summary, Oyedele stressed that the surcharge is not new, not immediate, and selectively applied. Its inclusion in the law is about transparency, preparedness, and sustainable funding for Nigeria’s roads, and it aims to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure financing.
(PUNCH)