Today, 30th January 2026, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) officially commissioned its Media Office, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s commitment to effective information dissemination, transparency, and strategic public engagement.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Edo State, Hon. Prince Kassim Afegbua, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour. Also present were key members of the hospital management team, Heads of Departments and staff, stakeholders, and members of the press. The event highlighted the growing importance of structured communication in strengthening public trust and institutional visibility within the health sector.
In her opening remarks, the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Professor Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, welcomed guests and expressed appreciation for their presence and support. She emphasized the critical role of effective communication in a tertiary healthcare institution, noting that the Media Office would serve as a central hub for timely, accurate, and responsible dissemination of information. According to her, the initiative aligns with UBTH’s commitment to improved service delivery, accountability, and public enlightenment, in line with the hospital’s CARES mandate.
Delivering his address, the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Prince Kassim Afegbua, commended the leadership of UBTH for recognizing the strategic value of communication in governance and healthcare delivery. He stressed that accurate and proactive information management is essential, particularly in the health sector, where public understanding and trust are crucial. The Honourable Commissioner further encouraged members of the UBTH team to strengthen their engagement with the media as a means of promoting transparency, countering misinformation, and fostering informed citizen participation.
The commissioning of the UBTH Media Office represents a forward-looking step toward enhancing the hospital’s visibility, improving public engagement, and strengthening its relationship with the media and other stakeholders.
The event concluded with the formal unveiling of the Media Office and interactions with invited guests, reaffirming UBTH’s commitment to leveraging strategic communication as a tool for improved healthcare delivery and institutional excellence.
