Residents of Edo State have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to fulfil his ₦2.5 billion pledge for the construction of a paediatric complex at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, to strengthen specialised healthcare for children.
The appeal follows a recent fuel tanker explosion along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, which left several victims, including people with severe burns, receiving treatment at the hospital.
A resident, Grace Amayo, who spoke with journalists during the governor’s visit to the victims, said the proposed facility would improve access to specialised medical services for children in Edo State and neighbouring communities.
She urged the governor to move beyond the promise and commence construction, stressing that children deserve adequate medical infrastructure to meet their healthcare needs.
Okpebholo announced the ₦2.5 billion grant on August 26, 2025, after the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City.
At the time, the governor described the proposed centre as a legacy project for Edo State and Nigeria, promising that his administration would work with the hospital’s management to ensure it met international standards.
However, more than a year after the announcement, construction has yet to begin.
Amayo also commended the restoration of UBTH’s Burns and Plastic Surgery Ward, describing it as an important intervention that has strengthened the hospital’s capacity to manage patients with severe burn injuries.
She said the restored facility became particularly significant following the Oluku tanker explosion, as victims were evacuated to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and other government officials, visited the hospital on October 16, 2026, to assess the condition of survivors receiving treatment.
During the visit, the hospital’s management briefed the delegation on the patients’ conditions and recovery, including those among the first 11 victims admitted after the incident.
The governor expressed sadness over the tragedy, extended condolences to affected families and pledged government support for those impacted by the explosion.
Amayo maintained that sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure was essential to improving medical services and protecting the lives of children and other vulnerable residents.
