Chief Obla Pledges Support to FUHSO, Hosts Governing Council in Abuja

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the pioneer Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Idomaland, Chief Barrister Godwin Obla, SAN, at his office in Abuja.

Leading the delegation was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Mohammed Salihu Audu, who described Chief Obla as an illustrious son of Idomaland, a steadfast supporter of FUHSO, and a committed philanthropist whose contributions have significantly impacted the people of Otukpo and beyond.

Professor Audu commended Chief Obla for establishing the Judith Ogwa Obla Kidney Centre, describing it as a landmark intervention in healthcare delivery.

"Your footprints are visible and impactful. The establishment of the Kidney Centre came at a time when access to renal care in this region was almost non-existent. Your vision and intervention gave hope to many. Today, patients no longer travel long distances for dialysis. You have saved lives and preserved families," he said.

The Pro-Chancellor also lauded Chief Obla's ₦40 million Medical Students' Endowment Fund, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

"By supporting indigent and deserving medical students, you are ensuring that brilliance is not limited by financial constraints. You are building the next generation of doctors who will serve Benue State and Nigeria."

He further acknowledged Chief Obla's compassion, particularly his support for widows and vulnerable members of society, and appealed to him to mobilise other well-meaning individuals to support the continued growth and development of FUHSO.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Professor Francis Aba Uba, expressed appreciation for Chief Obla's immense contributions to the healthcare sector and his commitment to the University's Endowment Fund.

Professor Uba assured him that the Endowment Fund would continue to be managed prudently and utilised strictly for its intended purpose. He also noted that Chief Obla's influence extends beyond healthcare into the legal profession, observing that Idomaland has produced 18 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), a remarkable achievement to which Chief Obla has been a major inspiration.

The Vice-Chancellor further praised the impact of the Judith Ogwa Obla Kidney and Dialysis Centre, expressing optimism that with the commencement of kidney transplant services, the Centre would become a leading renal care facility in the North-Central region and beyond.

Responding, Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, expressed gratitude to the Governing Council for the visit and commended the University Management for its transparent and prudent management of the Endowment Fund.

He emphasised that FUHSO belongs to the people of Idomaland by virtue of its location and called on sons and daughters of the land to take ownership of the institution by contributing to its development.

Chief Obla stressed the importance of discipline and financial prudence, attributing the successful operation of the six dialysis machines at the Judith Ogwa Obla Kidney Centre to responsible management.

He disclosed that similar progress had been recorded with the hospital's Amenities Ward, which is nearing completion. According to him, state-of-the-art medical equipment for the ward has already arrived from China, while the rooms will be furnished with modern facilities to provide a comfortable working environment for healthcare professionals.

He further revealed that equipment for the children's and female wards had also arrived and is awaiting installation. Renovation of the male ward, he noted, has been completed, while 26 hospital beds ordered from China are being handled by Arc. Akor, another distinguished son of Idomaland.

Chief Obla also announced that, following an appeal by the Chief Medical Director of FUHTHO Prof. Teddy Eyaofun, another distinguished son of Idomaland, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has undertaken to procure a state-of-the-art X-ray machine valued at approximately US$10,000 from China. The equipment is expected to arrive in Otukpo by September 2026.

On concerns over the deplorable condition of the hospital's walkway, Chief Obla disclosed that he had discussed the matter with General Amuche, who graciously agreed to undertake its rehabilitation.

He also pledged to mobilise support for the construction of a fully equipped Doctors' Lounge, complete with internet facilities and other amenities. According to him, the project would enhance doctors' welfare and improve emergency response by reducing delays associated with calling medical personnel from outside the hospital.

Chief Obla reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that FUHSO attains its rightful place among Nigeria's leading universities by leveraging his network to attract support from individuals both within the country and in the diaspora.

Highlighting his vision for the institution, he identified the establishment of a Medical Simulation Centre as his priority legacy project.

"We will help in other areas, but the legacy project I want us to pursue is the Medical Simulation Centre for the training of doctors and nurses. It will cost about one billion naira, but it will be one of the best in the North-Central."

He also commended the University for introducing the Nursing Science programme and urged Nigerians to emulate countries like Singapore by investing in human capital development, noting that a well-trained workforce could significantly boost the nation's economy through diaspora remittances.

The visit culminated in the decoration of Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, in traditional Idoma regalia and his formal recognition as the "Ambassador of FUHSO."

Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit

Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO)

1 August 2026.Chief Obla (SAN) Pledges Support to FUHSO, Hosts Governing Council in Abuja

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the pioneer Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Idomaland, Chief Barrister Godwin Obla, SAN, at his office in Abuja.

Leading the delegation was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Mohammed Salihu Audu, who described Chief Obla as an illustrious son of Idomaland, a steadfast supporter of FUHSO, and a committed philanthropist whose contributions have significantly impacted the people of Otukpo and beyond.

Professor Audu commended Chief Obla for establishing the Judith Ogwa Obla Kidney Centre, describing it as a landmark intervention in healthcare delivery.

"Your footprints are visible and impactful. The establishment of the Kidney Centre came at a time when access to renal care in this region was almost non-existent. Your vision and intervention gave hope to many. Today, patients no longer travel long distances for dialysis. You have saved lives and preserved families," he said.

The Pro-Chancellor also lauded Chief Obla's ₦40 million Medical Students' Endowment Fund, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

"By supporting indigent and deserving medical students, you are ensuring that brilliance is not limited by financial constraints. You are building the next generation of doctors who will serve Benue State and Nigeria."

He further acknowledged Chief Obla's compassion, particularly his support for widows and vulnerable members of society, and appealed to him to mobilise other well-meaning individuals to support the continued growth and development of FUHSO.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Professor Francis Aba Uba, expressed appreciation for Chief Obla's immense contributions to the healthcare sector and his commitment to the University's Endowment Fund.

Professor Uba assured him that the Endowment Fund would continue to be managed prudently and utilised strictly for its intended purpose. He also noted that Chief Obla's influence extends beyond healthcare into the legal profession, observing that Idomaland has produced 18 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), a remarkable achievement to which Chief Obla has been a major inspiration.

The Vice-Chancellor further praised the impact of the Judith Ogwa Obla Kidney and Dialysis Centre, expressing optimism that with the commencement of kidney transplant services, the Centre would become a leading renal care facility in the North-Central region and beyond.

Responding, Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, expressed gratitude to the Governing Council for the visit and commended the University Management for its transparent and prudent management of the Endowment Fund.

He emphasised that FUHSO belongs to the people of Idomaland by virtue of its location and called on sons and daughters of the land to take ownership of the institution by contributing to its development.

Chief Obla stressed the importance of discipline and financial prudence, attributing the successful operation of the six dialysis machines at the Judith Ogwa Obla Kidney Centre to responsible management.

He disclosed that similar progress had been recorded with the hospital's Amenities Ward, which is nearing completion. According to him, state-of-the-art medical equipment for the ward has already arrived from China, while the rooms will be furnished with modern facilities to provide a comfortable working environment for healthcare professionals.

He further revealed that equipment for the children's and female wards had also arrived and is awaiting installation. Renovation of the male ward, he noted, has been completed, while 26 hospital beds ordered from China are being handled by Arc. Akor, another distinguished son of Idomaland.

Chief Obla also announced that, following an appeal by the Chief Medical Director of FUHTHO Prof. Teddy Eyaofun, another distinguished son of Idomaland, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has undertaken to procure a state-of-the-art X-ray machine valued at approximately US$10,000 from China. The equipment is expected to arrive in Otukpo by September 2026.

On concerns over the deplorable condition of the hospital's walkway, Chief Obla disclosed that he had discussed the matter with General Amuche, who graciously agreed to undertake its rehabilitation.

He also pledged to mobilise support for the construction of a fully equipped Doctors' Lounge, complete with internet facilities and other amenities. According to him, the project would enhance doctors' welfare and improve emergency response by reducing delays associated with calling medical personnel from outside the hospital.

Chief Obla reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that FUHSO attains its rightful place among Nigeria's leading universities by leveraging his network to attract support from individuals both within the country and in the diaspora.

Highlighting his vision for the institution, he identified the establishment of a Medical Simulation Centre as his priority legacy project.

"We will help in other areas, but the legacy project I want us to pursue is the Medical Simulation Centre for the training of doctors and nurses. It will cost about one billion naira, but it will be one of the best in the North-Central."

He also commended the University for introducing the Nursing Science programme and urged Nigerians to emulate countries like Singapore by investing in human capital development, noting that a well-trained workforce could significantly boost the nation's economy through diaspora remittances.

The visit culminated in the decoration of Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, in traditional Idoma regalia and his formal recognition as the "Ambassador of FUHSO."