By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate renovation of the Doctors’ Residence at Ezoti following concerns raised over its deplorable state.
This development was disclosed during an on-site inspection of the residence led by the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, in company of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian and members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Edo State Chapter.
Dr. Okungbowa, speaking on behalf of the Governor, described the approval as a reflection of Senator Okpebholo’s leadership style, which prioritizes practical governance and workers’ welfare, adding that the Governor’s swift instruction underscored his passion for strengthening the health sector under his SHINE Agenda, noting that within just 24 hours, the inspection team was already on ground to commence follow-up action.
Further commending the Governor’s prompt decision-making, he noted that the approval to renovate the residence underscored the current administration’s commitment to relieving workers of unnecessary burdens in line with the SHINE agenda.
According to him, “We reiterated some of the challenges you are facing to the Governor and he straight away agreed that we should speak to the Public Building Agency to get work started here immediately.
“Joy has come. What we see here is truly deplorable, but Governor Okpebholo has taken responsibility to fix it. In his usual manner of demonstrating practical governance, he has graciously approved immediate renovation of the Doctors’ Residence as part of his commitment to the welfare of Health Workers. The urgency with which he has directed this intervention is commendable and a source of joy to us all.
“This is because of the kind of person he is, a Governor who does not want his workers to be weighed down. Whatever he can do, he does it straight away without delay. He is a man who delivers practical governance, and he is demonstrating that once again with this approval”.
The Head of Service also revealed the State Government’s plans to reschedule payment of outstanding arrears dating back 2024 to be disbursed in tranches, assuring the Medical Community that the State Government recognizes the critical role they play in governance and service delivery.
“We appreciate the role you play in governance and we understand the challenges you face. It is our responsibility to convey these concerns to His Excellency, as we have done today and I can assure you that the Governor is ready to do what needs to be done to ensure you are happy working”. He stated.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, condemned the condition of the Ezoti residence, describing it as unfit for habitation.
“It is appalling that Medical Doctors have had to live in such a place. But now that Governor Okpebholo has spoken, there will be a turnaround. This residence will be renovated and restored to a habitable standard, so our doctors can live and work with dignity”. He said.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of his colleagues, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Edo State Chapter, Dr. Peter Evbuomwan, thanked the Governor for his swift intervention.
“At least now the government is fully aware of the state of this building and has promised urgent action. With the assurances given, we are optimistic that the place will be renovated and made habitable again in no time. We thank His Excellency, the Head of Service and the entire team for this show of commitment”. He said.