By John Umeh
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has offset the medical bills of Miss Elizabeth Obi, a 22-year-old final-year student who was critically injured in a truck accident and is currently receiving treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State.
The intervention followed public outcry after social crusader and online advocate, Verydarkman (VDM), drew attention to Obi’s plight on social media.
Announcing the governor’s gesture on Thursday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, led a government delegation to visit the victim at ISTH. Iyamu disclosed that Governor Okpebholo had settled Obi’s outstanding medical expenses and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the well-being of Edo citizens, particularly young people pursuing their education.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken full responsibility for Miss Obi’s medical bills, which had stalled her progress, as her parents could not afford the costs. The administration is committed to the welfare of citizens, especially in times of distress,” Iyamu stated.
Obi, who was knocked down by a truck belonging to a major conglomerate on September 7, 2024, along the Auchi axis of the Benin–Auchi Expressway, was admitted to ISTH on September 11. She reportedly spent several days in the Intensive Care Unit before being stabilized.
According to Dr. Obagaye Olakunle Michael, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of ISTH, the student is responding well to treatment but will require a laser surgery to correct an obstruction in her airway. He added that the specialized procedure is only available in Kaduna, as ISTH does not have the equipment to carry it out.
The case has generated widespread empathy from Nigerians, with many praising both VDM for amplifying the student’s condition and Governor Okpebholo for promptly stepping in to ease her burden.
