The outgoing Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Darlington Obaseki, was on Friday celebrated with tributes at a valedictory ceremony and book launch held at the hospital premises.
A former deputy governor of Edo State and current Director-General of the National Institute of Sports, Philip Shaibu, praised Obaseki’s contributions to the hospital and the state, describing him as passionate about building lasting infrastructure.
Shaibu recalled Obaseki’s role in Edo’s successful hosting of the National Sports Festival during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said, “When people thought Edo could not host the National Sports Festival because of the COVID pandemic, Obaseki drew up a health plan that made hosting the event possible. I am proud of you because I worked with you on immunisation while I was the deputy governor and immunisation under one roof, which you developed, became a national policy.
“He was passionate about the infrastructure of the hospital. I saw a man who was ready and genuinely passionate about developing the hospital and the members of staff.
“Keep doing what you are doing. You are stepping aside but there is a lot you still need to offer, which we will also want to benefit from.”
The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Imafidon Agbonile, also commended Obaseki’s leadership, noting that UBTH expanded significantly under his watch. He said,
He said, “You inherited a legacy and built on it with vision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Under your stewardship, UBTH blossomed as a beacon of healing and a citadel of learning-a premier, multi-speciality healthcare institution not only for Benin City or Nigeria but for the West African subcontinent.
“Your strategic foresight led UBTH through seasons of innovation: from the expansion of bed capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, to the groundbreaking launch of specialist programs, and the integration of digital health solutions that garnered national recognition.
“Your era was marked by the commissioning of the modern Oncology Centre, transforming cancer care, and strengthening the hospital’s capacity to offer world-class diagnostic and therapeutic services.”
Similarly, the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, hailed Obaseki’s visionary governance, commitment to the hospital’s mission, and contributions to human capital development.
In his remarks, Obaseki thanked the management and staff of UBTH for their support throughout his tenure and urged them to extend the same cooperation to the new CMD, Dr. Idia Ize-Iyamu.
He said, “To my colleagues in the hospital management committee, your partnership and counsel were instrumental. To the board and governing council, your trust made room for innovation.
“As I take my leave from this role, my confidence remains high that the future of UBTH is secured in the hands of capable and committed professionals. The value that guided our reforms, excellence, accountability, service and learning- will remain relevant for years to come.”
