The Judith Ogwa Obla Memorial Kidney Centre, established by the Godwin Obla Foundation at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUHSTHO), has commenced dialysis services. The Centre, the first of its kind to be privately built and donated to a federal teaching hospital in Nigeria, officially began operations on July 4, 2023.
FUHSO Vice Chancellor, Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah, described the development as a milestone for Benue State and surrounding communities, noting that patients no longer need to travel long distances to access critical kidney care. He commended the Foundation for its consistency in delivering on promises and expressed optimism about the planned Urology Centre.
The Foundation’s Director General, Elder Michael Ubah Obande, emphasized that the Centre is equipped with six dialysis machines and will provide affordable treatment for patients in Benue and neighboring states. He highlighted the Foundation’s core values of excellence and accessibility, explaining that staff—including doctors, nephrology nurses, and laboratory scientists—are undergoing regular training to maintain international best practices.
Since services began, four patients have already received successful dialysis sessions. Beneficiaries expressed relief at being able to access life-saving care locally.
The Centre was conceived by Chief Godwin Odumu Obla, SAN, following the passing of his wife, Judith Ogwa Obla, from kidney failure. The project began in 2022 and was completed and handed over to FUHSO in April 2023.