Dr Ekiomado Eki-Udoko becomes the first female neurosurgeon in Edo, Delta and the old Midwest Region.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, have celebrated Dr Ekiomado Eki-Udoko after she became the first female neurosurgeon in Edo and Delta states and the former Midwest Region.
Eki-Udoko was recently certified as a neurosurgeon by the West African College of Surgeons after completing her specialist training.
Receiving her at the Government House in Benin City on Sunday, Governor Okpebholo praised her achievement and pledged government support to advance her career and strengthen specialised healthcare delivery in the state.
The Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, also described the feat as a major milestone for the hospital and specialist medical practice in the region.
Ugbodaga said the hospital recruited Eki-Udoko in 2025 as part of efforts to attract highly specialised medical professionals and expand its capacity to provide advanced neurosurgical services.
He assured her of the hospital’s support in deploying her expertise to treat patients from Edo and other parts of Nigeria.
Eki-Udoko, while appreciating the recognition, described her journey into neurosurgery as challenging and credited her husband for his support.
She said she planned to undergo further training in neurosurgical subspecialties.
According to her, she is currently one of only seven female neurosurgeons in Nigeria, with five practising in the country.