Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has celebrated Dr Ekiomado Eki-Udoko following her emergence as the first female neurosurgeon from Edo and Delta states and the former Midwest Region.

Eki-Udoko recently became a certified neurosurgeon after successfully completing her specialist training under the West African College of Surgeons.

Receiving her at the Government House in Benin City on Sunday, Okpebholo described the achievement as a testament to her determination and commitment to excellence.

The governor said the state government would support her professional development and efforts to contribute to the growth of specialised healthcare services in Edo State.

He urged her to continue advancing in her field, noting the importance of having more highly trained medical professionals in the state.

The management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, where Eki-Udoko works, also commended her achievement.

The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, described her qualification as a major milestone for specialist medical practice in the region and expressed the institution’s pride in having her as part of its workforce.

In a congratulatory letter, Ugbodaga said the hospital would provide the necessary support to enable Eki-Udoko to apply her expertise in treating neurosurgical patients from Edo and other parts of the country.

He disclosed that the hospital recruited her during its 2025 employment exercise after specifically seeking highly specialised medical personnel to strengthen its capacity to provide advanced healthcare services.

According to him, her recruitment was particularly important given the increasing need for specialist treatment for neurosurgical conditions, trauma and related cases across Edo State and the wider South-South region.

Speaking on her achievement, Eki-Udoko described her journey into neurosurgery as demanding but said the support of her husband played an important role in helping her reach the milestone.

She said she intends to undergo additional training in selected neurosurgical subspecialties to further develop her expertise.

Eki-Udoko also disclosed that there are currently seven female neurosurgeons in Nigeria, with five practising within the country, including herself.