A PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE ARCHDIOCESAN DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS, CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF BENIN CITY, 34 AIRPORT ROAD, BENIN CITY, ON WEDNESDAY, 30 JULY, 2025.
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: ST. PHILOMENA COLLEGE OF NURSING IS NOT GOVERNMENT OWNED.
Introduction
He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. — Proverbs 12:17 (RSVCE).
On this note, I welcome you, ladies and gentlemen of the press, esteemed guests, and fellow citizens to this press conference at the Archdiocesan Secretariat of Social Communications and Printing Press. My name is Rev. Fr. Jude Orah, and I am the Director of Social Communications and Press of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Edo State. Thank you for honouring our invitation.
A Call for Truth in a Time of Misinformation
The times we live in today call for moments of truth so that falsehood may not thrive. As Scripture reminds us, “you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (cf. John 8:32). It is in this spirit that we are gathered here today to address the public regarding the ownership and funding of the College of Nursing Sciences, located within the premises of St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, Benin City. This clarification has become necessary in response to misleading statements made by His Excellency, Senator Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, CON, who was a former President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, former Governor of Edo State, and former National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC); also the current Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District.
Clarifying Ownership and Funding of the College of Nursing
During a live broadcast on Arise News on July 26, 2025, Senator Oshiomhole unequivocally claimed that the College of Nursing Sciences was “built, equipped and owned and funded by Edo State Government hundred per cent.” This inaccurate claim, which must be corrected, followed Mr. Peter Obi’s recent visit on 7 July, 2025 to the St Philomena Catholic Hospital, located at the popular Dawson Road in Benin City, Edo State Capital, where he donated ₦15,000,000 (fifteen million naira only) for the development of the College to improve learning environment.
It is imperative to state that the claim by Senator Oshiomhole that the College is “a government-owned facility” is entirely false and should be disregarded. St Philomena Catholic Hospital, and its educational institutions, namely: School of Midwifery and College of Nursing Sciences, are owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City; built, equipped and funded by the Archdiocese and kind donations from benefactors like Mr. Peter Obi amongst many others.
A Legacy of Service, Not Politics
St. Philomena Catholic Hospital was founded in 1941 by Catholic missionaries as part of the Church’s apostolic mandate to heal, educate, and uphold the dignity of the human person, especially the poor and the vulnerable. It has served faithfully without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Since its establishment, the institution has been sustained through the sacrificial giving of the Church, the labour of priests and religious sisters, the goodwill of donors, and modest service charges. It does not enjoy any governmental subvention or state budgetary allocation as claimed by Senator Oshiomhole.
This appears to be a case of political revisionism which sacrifices facts for distortion. To suggest that a Church-owned facility is ‘government-owned’ and ‘government-funded’, simply to downplay a charitable act by a political opponent, is not only unethical but profoundly damaging. I urge all citizens to critically evaluate public statements and demand accountability for the information disseminated in the public domain.
The Church’s Role in Healthcare: A Canonical Reminder
The Catholic Church’s commitment to healthcare is not optional or circumstantial; it is a canonical, theological, and a moral obligation. “The Church … gives aid to every human being who suffers, and strives to bring healing to the world not merely through words but by concrete acts of service” (Gaudium et Spes, no. 38). This is what St. Philomena Catholic Hospital represents: a living ministry of healing and love, not a political facility in a government ledger.
A Plea for Truth and Civic Maturity
I call on Nigerians of goodwill to stand always for the truth. St. Philomena has stood for over 84 years because of the faith of the people, the commitment of the Church, and the grace of God. We respectfully invite our political leaders, especially those who have once led this State, to respect this legacy. If there had been support from the government, we would not only acknowledge it, we would celebrate it. But misinformation is not support; and false attribution is not partnership. I also call on media organizations to fact-check every claim—especially those aired publicly, to prevent the spread of misleading narratives that can harm the integrity of long-standing institutions.
Conclusion
St. Philomena Catholic Hospital is a house of healing, a school of mercy, and a sanctuary of hope. It bears the name of a saint, a symbol of purity, sacrifice, and truth, and the legacy of selfless missionaries. Its ownership is not up for debate. Its mission is not for sale. I respectfully admonish Senator Oshiomhole to retract his erroneous statement and consult directly with the Archdiocese for accurate information in the future. Facts are sacred. And when truth is wounded, it must be healed like a patient in the very wards of St. Philomena.
Thank you, all.
Rev. Fr. Jude Orah
Director of Social Communications
