FUHSTHO: Godwin Obla donates 23-bed amenity ward, two-bed ICU to Otukpo health varsity

Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, has donated a 23-bed amenity ward equipped with a two-bed intensive care unit, ICU, to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, FUHSTHO, in Benue State.

The facility, built through the Godwin Obla Foundation, was commissioned on Friday, October 30, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services in Idoma land.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Obla called for a medical infrastructure revolution in the area, urging government, corporate organisations, community leaders, philanthropists and members of the diaspora to support the development of healthcare facilities.

He said the project demonstrated what could be achieved through collective commitment and private-sector intervention, adding that the people should not depend solely on government to address their developmental needs.

Obla also urged the people of Idoma land to assess political leaders based on their performance and contributions to society rather than party affiliations, campaign promises or financial inducements.

He warned that collecting money from politicians before voting could undermine accountability, as elected officials might regard such payments as compensation for the votes received.

The philanthropist challenged the electorate to demand evidence of development from those seeking public office, insisting that leadership should be measured by the impact made in people’s lives.

He said: “Stop voting as if your lives do not depend on it. Your lives depend on it. And stop disturbing your children who are competent to give you money before you vote for them. Look at the most competent people and vote for the right people.”

Obla also disclosed plans to establish district hospitals across Idoma land within the next 18 months to bring healthcare services closer to rural communities.

He said a committee, to be chaired by Dr Isaac Egbogja, with Engineer Agaba Ikwue and Architect Inalegwu Ochojila among its members, would drive the initiative.

According to him, the proposed facilities would have about 20 beds each and serve communities across Oju and Obi; Okpokwu, Ado and Ogbadibo; as well as Apa and Agatu districts.

He explained that the district hospitals would provide intermediate healthcare services for patients who do not require specialist attention at the teaching hospital in Otukpo.

The senior advocate further announced that the donors had agreed to replace the old beds in the teaching hospital, following an assessment of its needs and the availability of newly procured beds.

He acknowledged the contributions of other philanthropists to the hospital’s development, particularly Engineer Agaba Ikwue, who constructed and equipped a paediatric ward; Architect Inalegwu Ochojila, who supported the renovation of the male surgical ward; Dr J.Y. Musa, who donated a mobile digital X-ray machine; and General Mike Alechenu, who contributed to other infrastructure projects.

Obla said the interventions were part of a collective effort to improve healthcare delivery in the area, adding that the projects were completed within 11 months of his commitment to the initiative in November 2025.

He urged the hospital management to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities and equipment, stressing the need to sustain the investments for the benefit of patients and future generations.