By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Government has commenced the screening of 1,217 applicants for the various vacancies advertised by its hospitals management agency.
Addressing journalists at the venue of the screening in Benin City, the Executive Secretary, Hospital Management Agency, Dr Nelson Tenebe said the state government under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo wants a better and improved healthcare services for the people.
He noted that the current administration is not like the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki who believed in using consultants who turned out as failures.
According to him, the exercise which commenced on Monday is to screen and employ qualified health professionals across various fields in the health sector.
He assured the applicants and Edo people that the Okpebholo administration will embrace transparency in ensuring that only qualified health personnel are engaged to bring quality healthcare services to Edo State.
“Today, we are conducting interviews for employment and replacement of staff for all the 34 hospitals under the Edo State Hospital Management Agency.
“This exercise started since Monday 5th of May 2025 and medical doctors and pharmacists were attended to. On Tuesday it was the turn of laboratory scientific officers while today it is the turn of Nurses and administrative officers as well as accountants.
“The total number of applicants is about 1,217 people who applied for various positions and we will have over 400 persons employed and spread across all the various departments.
“In the past government, there was no opportunity for people to express their talents, as the past administration hand picked people. Screening was carried out and we discovered that some people who claimed to be nurses and doctors didn’t have the license to practice.
“The Okpebholo administration is giving equal opportunities to all to participate in the exercise ensuring the best hands are employed to fill the available positions. This administration is giving opportunities for all to apply provided you are qualified and have the necessary credentials.
“Those nurses and doctors discovered not to have the necessary qualifications and credentials have been suspended or removed from the pay role”, he revealed.
Dr Tenebe added that Governor Okpebholo will not condone quackery in his administration, as only qualified people would be employed to ensure efficient healthcare delivery for Edo people.
“After this recruitment, the standard of healthcare in Edo State will improve and quality healthcare will be provided for Edo people ensuring that no life is lost in our hospitals due to quackery.
“As a state, we are aiming to be the best State in terms of quality healthcare services to Edo people”, he added.
Some applicants, Aigbe Omoeghen Nancy from Owan West, Edomwonyi Osasu Faith from Orhionmwon and Ibrahim Yahaya from Etsako West local government area of the State thanked the governor for creating the opportunity for them to be part of the screening as they never paid anyone and didn’t know anybody.
They assured the governor and the people of the State that they will put in their best and contribute their quota to the development and growth of Edo State if employed.
