By Favour O. Usiobaifo
The Leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council has paid a courtesy visit to the Management of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City. The meeting which held yesterday Thursday 11th February, 2021 in the Board room of the hospital at Uselu, was attended by: Dr. I.O. Agbonile, Medical Director; Dr. J.O. Omoaregba, Head of Clinical Services department; Mr. J. E. Agbidi, Head of Nursing Services department; Pharm. (Dr.) M. Ibhawoh, Acting Head of Pharmaceutical Services department, and Mr. S.O. Okolo, Principal School of Psychiatric Nursing (SOPN). Also in attendance was: Mr. Roland Osakue (JP), Chairman, NUJ Edo State Council; Mrs. Inelda Osayande, Vice- Chairman NUJ Edo State Council; Mr. Lucky Isibor, Financial Secretary; Osaretin Emokpae, Treasurer; Mr. Edwin Odeh; others include: Mr. Donald Ehimijein, News Reporter Edo Broadcasting Services (EBS); Mr. Eben Enasco, Head of News Silverbird Television and others.
In his address, Mr. Roland Osakwe intimated the Medical Director and his Management Team that he and his EXCO members were in the hospital to formally congratulate him on his appointment as the substantive Medical Director of the hospital, noting that for him to have become the Medical Director he must have gone through some rigorous scrutiny not only in the area of his education, but also his humility and disposition of administration. He also said that both the NUJ and the hospital have had a cordial relationship over the years, especially during the administration of the last two former Medical Directors – Dr. (Mrs.) Olabisi Ihenyen and Dr. S.O. Olotu. According to him, “this establishment is part and parcel of the NUJ and that whatever you want to do; we are ready to stand there for you and also to assist you in the areas which you want particularly in the area of public relations”.
He also solicited management support for the provision of internet facility, refurbishment of their official vehicle, office equipment like fridges, and the construction of the landscaping at the NUJ secretariat, stating that since they do not get allocations from government, they are oftentimes handicapped by shortage of resources in the discharge of their duties of information dissemination to the world. He thereafter pledged the NUJ continue support for the hospital and the Medical Director as he has been a good friend of the body.
Speaking during the occasion, the Medical Director on behalf of his Management Team thanked Mr. Osakwe and his entourage for the courtesy visit and also for congratulating him on his appointment as the substantive Medical Director of the hospital. He said that the Management of the hospital holds the NUJ in high esteem, adding that he is not unaware of some of the challenges confronting them in the course of their jobs. He lamented the current financial challenges that the world is facing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that the situation has also affected the hospital as it is spending a lot daily on consumables such as: facemasks, sanitizers, and disinfectants, etc. “The Federal Government revenue base has also been affected and since our hospital is an appendage of the Federal Government, our revenue is therefore also affected”, he added.
He however assured the body of Management support as much as it can. According to him, “we will look at your request and match it with our immediate finances and then we will do something at least one of them”.
The meeting also featured a group photograph session with the hospital Management team that were present and the NUJ EXCO members.