The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has commended the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, for her exemplary leadership, urging Nigeria to give greater consideration to women in leadership positions.
Afegbua made the remarks during the commissioning of the UBTH Media Office, a project initiated and fully equipped by Prof. Ize-Iyamu to strengthen the hospital’s media relations and public engagement. He described her achievements as clear evidence of the impact women can make when given opportunities to lead.
He called on Nigerians to recognise the potential of women in governance and nation-building, stressing the need to create more space for their contributions.
“We need to continuously look in the direction of women when it comes to leadership because some of us men have failed the nation, putting myself also in that bracket,” Afegbua said.
While describing the UBTH Media Office as a novel and strategic initiative, the commissioner praised Prof. Ize-Iyamu’s commitment to improving communication and projecting a positive image for the institution.
He also highlighted the accomplishments of notable women such as the late Prof. (Mrs) Grace Alele-Williams and Prof. Ize-Iyamu, noting that they have demonstrated exceptional leadership across different sectors.
In her remarks, Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for their leadership and ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
She noted that President Tinubu’s dedication to improving healthcare delivery, expanding access and strengthening institutions continues to inspire UBTH to raise its standards in service to humanity.
“The strategic importance of this office cannot be overemphasised,” Ize-Iyamu said. “It will ensure that UBTH speaks with one consistent and credible voice, celebrates our achievements, strengthens internal cohesion, manages public perception, and enhances our ability to respond promptly and effectively to emerging issues, thereby strengthening our service to humanity.”
