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Management of Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISH) and two contractors handling the construction of Children/Emergency Isolation Ward and the construction and furnishing of Anatomic Pathology building projects have debunked a report that the projects were inaugurated in their uncompleted state.
Arise Television station had, on August 1, 2023, aired the news item, claiming that the two uncompleted projects were inaugurated by the former minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Enahire and the hospital management without showing video clips of the inauguration ceremony.
The hospital management, in a letter, signed by the Director of Administration, Oboh T. A., addressed to Arise Television station, and dated August 2, accused Arise Television station of throwing the ethos of journalism profession to the dogs.
The management said: “It has come to the notice of the Management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, that the Management of ARISE TV aired a news item on 1st August, 2023 alleging that ‘the former Minister of Health, former Board Chairman of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, and former Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, commissioned (sic) projects which were uncompleted, i.e. the construction of Children/Emergency Isolation Ward and the construction and furnishing of Anatomic Pathology buildings (both are ongoing Projects) in the Hospital.
“This information was said to have been got from an inside source going by Arise Television’s presentation.
“It is, however, disheartening to note that the Arise TV reporter did not do a proper investigation before airing such sensitive and damaging news about our institution.
“This could be said to be an outcome of mischief makers to tarnish the image of the Hospital and those concerned.
“It is, therefore, needful to clarify facts as follows: that the Hospital Management in 2022 awarded the projects for the Construction of Children Emergency/Isolation Ward to the Firm of Progressive Educational Services Nigeria Limited and the Construction and Furnishing of Anatomic Pathology to the Firm Hassino Group/Global LTD.
“The said two above named projects are currently ongoing and both to beat estimated 60% completion stage.
“The two contractors handling the Anatomic and Pathology (building), Mr Ibhadode King, and Prince Odianosen Okojie, who is handling Children Emergency Isolation buildings denied knowledge of commissioning (sic) of their uncompleted projects respectively.
“Arise Television news of commissioning (sic) of the Anatomic and Pathology building which I’m handling is a joke of the century because there is no truth in the news.
“How is it possible for project of this magnitude to be commissioned (sic) by the Minister of Health and the hospital management without my consent?” the contractor handling the project, Mr Ibhadode King asked.
Reacting, Prince Odianosen Okojie lampooned the television station for allegedly doing a hatchet job for pessimists who were uncomfortable with the enviable strides made by the hospital management in recent times.
“I’m not surprised that we are having this kindly of fake news emanating from a reputable news medium like Arise Television station without proper investigation.
“It shows the level of desperation of the enemies of the Hospital who are intent on tarnishing the image of the management and the former Minister of Health for their unequalled records and stewardship,” Mr. Okojie said.
