Benin City, Edo State – The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has issued a clarification on the ownership of St. Philomena College of Nursing Sciences, contradicting claims made by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole on a live Television Program that the institution is owned and funded by the Edo State government.
According to a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Jude Orah, Director of Social Communications and Press of the Catholic Archdiocese, the college is owned by the Catholic Archdiocese and has been funded through donations and service charges since its establishment in 1947.
Born in 1952, (age 73), Oshiomhole, a serving Senator took the role of press officer for Governor Monday Okpebholo to lie to the nation as part of his regular twitches to earn a space in the administration that is largely seen as tottering.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has been under immense attacks for issuing strong warnings to Mr. Peter Obi never to enter Edo State without seeking clearance from him otherwise his security would not be guaranteed.
The clarification comes after Oshiomhole’s recent claim on Arise News that the college is “100% owned and funded” by the Edo State government. The former governor’s assertion was made in response to a visit by Peter Obi to the institution, during which he donated N15 million for the development of the college.
The Catholic Archdiocese has described Oshiomhole’s claim as “inaccurate” and “profoundly damaging,” stating that the institution has never received government subvention or budgetary allocation.
“We urge all citizens to critically evaluate public statements and demand accountability for the information disseminated in the public domain,” the Archdiocese said.
The clarification has sparked reactions, with many questioning Oshiomhole’s motives behind the claim. The incident has also highlighted the importance of verifying information before making public statements, which has been Oshiomhole’s trade mark, as witnessed with his tussle with Air Peace management recently.
The Catholic Archdiocese’s statement serves as a reminder of the institution’s commitment to providing quality education and healthcare services to the people of Edo State, regardless of their background or affiliation.
