By Peter Omopo
The outgoing Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Professor Darlington Ewaen Obaseki, was celebrated on Friday during a valedictory ceremony and book launch at the hospital premises.
Philip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State and current Director-General of the National Institute of Sports, lauded Obaseki’s contributions to healthcare infrastructure and public service. Shaibu highlighted Obaseki’s pivotal role in Edo’s successful hosting of the National Sports Festival during the COVID-19 pandemic, crediting him with devising a health plan that ensured the event could proceed safely.
“When people thought Edo could not host the National Sports Festival because of COVID, Obaseki drew up a health plan that made it possible. I am proud of him because I worked with him on immunisation initiatives, including the ‘immunisation under one roof’ policy, which became a national framework,” Shaibu said. He further praised Obaseki’s commitment to developing UBTH and supporting staff welfare.
Dr. Imafidon Agbonile, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, also commended Obaseki’s leadership, noting that UBTH expanded significantly under his tenure. “You inherited a legacy and built on it with vision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Under your stewardship, UBTH became a premier, multi-speciality healthcare institution for Nigeria and the West African subcontinent,” Agbonile said. He highlighted achievements such as the expansion of bed capacity, launch of specialist programs, integration of digital health solutions, and the commissioning of a modern Oncology Centre.
Similarly, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, CMD of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, praised Obaseki’s visionary governance, dedication to UBTH’s mission, and contributions to human capital development.
In his farewell address, Obaseki thanked UBTH’s management, staff, and governing council for their support and urged continued cooperation with the incoming CMD, Dr. Idia Ize-Iyamu. “To my colleagues, your partnership and counsel were instrumental. As I leave this role, I am confident that UBTH’s future is secured in the hands of capable and committed professionals. The values of excellence, accountability, service, and learning will continue to guide the hospital for years to come,” he said.
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