By Davidson Ogbebor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured that the ongoing renovation of the long-abandoned Doctors’ Quarters located on Ezotti Street, Benin City, will be completed and ready for occupation within the next two months.

The governor gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the facility, accompanied by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and other top government officials. The team was conducted round the project by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole.

Speaking after inspecting the project, Governor Okpebholo said he deemed it necessary to personally assess the level of work done following reports he had received on the facility.

“I have heard a lot about this building and decided to come here today to inspect the project myself. I also came with the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly so that he can see what funds are being appropriated for.

“The contractor has assured us that the building will be ready in about one month and two weeks. Once completed, our doctors will be able to move in. I will return to inspect the project again, and I hope the contractor meets the deadline so that our doctors can begin occupying the facility,” the governor stated.

Commending the governor for reviving the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, described the rehabilitation as a landmark intervention in the state’s healthcare sector.

According to him, the facility had been neglected by successive administrations for more than four decades before the present government initiated its renovation.

“This is the Doctors’ Quarters, and I have known this building for about 40 years. Before work commenced, the structure was in a deplorable condition. This is the first time any government has undertaken major renovation work on the building in the last four decades,” he said.

Dr. Oshiomhole disclosed that the project is now over 85 per cent completed, noting that the administration of Governor Okpebholo had demonstrated commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure within its first year in office.

“The facility has existed for more than 40 years, but in less than one year, Governor Monday Okpebholo has commenced and substantially completed its renovation. The project is now over 85 per cent completed.

“I thank the governor for making healthcare a priority under the SHINE Agenda of his administration, and I pray that God grants him the wisdom and strength to continue delivering development to the people of Edo State,” he added.

The renovation of the Doctors’ Quarters is expected to provide improved residential accommodation for medical personnel and enhance healthcare service delivery across the state.

Signed:

Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State