Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande , has said politics should be reserved for the best minds, those with the people’s interest at heart and a commitment to societal advancement.
Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande made this known during an interview on Radio Benue’s weekly programme View Point, where he shared insights on his senatorial ambition and vision for purposeful leadership rooted in service and professionalism.
He commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for the positive transformation of the state and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as CMD of BSUTH under Governor Alia’s visionary administration.
According to Dr. Hwande, leadership should not be based on nepotism, religion, tribalism, or sentiment, but rather emphasized that competence, integrity, and vision must be the key requirements for public service and leadership selection.
“The present system prioritizes connections over competence. That is a big challenge. We must fix our recruitment processes in leadership if we want real development,” Dr. Hwande said, calling for structural reforms in the political space.
He listed key achievements under his administration at BSUTH, including the establishment of a Cancer Centre, Gov. Alia Pharmco Surgical Complex, VIP Smart clinic and a Therapeutic Centre. He also highlighted improved staff welfare and new academic accreditations.
Dr. Hwande lauded the N4 billion investment by Governor Alia’s government into medical training and scholarships. He said the two-year service clause for beneficiaries will help address the manpower deficit in the state’s health sector.
Speaking on the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Annex IVF Centre, he disclosed that the centre is in its fifth IVF cycle and offers antenatal cards free, with normal deliveries priced at only N5,000, part of the hospital’s social responsibility efforts.
Dr. Hwande urged citizens to show patriotism by taking personal health seriously, noting that regular medical checkups are vital for reducing mortality and ensuring a healthier, more productive Benue.