Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, has commended Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, on the recent successful kidney transplant carried out by the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, (DELSUTH), Oghara.

The Benin Monarch made the commendation when Governor Uduaghan today led top government officials to pay a condolence visit on him over the death of his wife, the late Queen Esther Erediauwa.

Oba Erediauwa told the governor: “Before you start talking, let me commend you for what I saw in the newspaper. I read that you took part in a kidney transplant operation (that took place at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital.) I think I should commend you for that.”

News Express reports that Governor Uduaghan, a medical doctor, was among a team of medical experts that recently carried out the first kidney transplant at the State Teaching Hospital.

Uduaghan in his response, while also commending the Monarch for acknowledging the feat recorded at the hospital, said: “What we are just trying to prove is that whatever that could be done outside Nigeria (medically) can also be done here in Nigeria.”

Fielding questions from reporters, at the palace, Uduaghan said: “First, I give the glory to God because that kidney transplant really took us quite some time to get to where we are.

“It just shows that with the will we can do anything in this country. I am happy that the whole country is recognising that particular kidney transplant that we have done.

“The truth is that in that hospital there have been a lot more than the kidney transplant, a lot of things that have not been done , that we have done and a lot more will be done and I am very happy when the Oba mentioned it.”

Governor Uduaghan commiserating with the Monarch on the death of his wife said: “Your Royal Majesty, we know that she has been with you for a very long time. You have become one. So it is a part of you that God has taken but we cannot question God.

“We thank God for giving her to you. We thank God for seeing her to her old age. We pray that God will give you the strength to bear the loss. We pray that God will give you the ability to deal with all the issues.

“We want to let you know that we are all in grief and in pain.”

•Photo shows, from right, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Oba Erediauwa and Prince Osamor Erediauwa (backing camera), when the governor paid the Oba a condolence visit . . . today in Benin.

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