The Catholic Church has debunked claims by Senator Adam Oshiomhole that St. Philomena’s College of Nursing located within the premises of the Catholic hospital in Benin City, was built, equipped, and funded by the Edo State Government.
At a worded press conference held on July 30, 2025, the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, through its Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Jude Orah, described Oshiomhole’s claims as false.
The senator had publicly asserted on Arise News that St. Philomena College of Nursing, located within the premises of the Catholic hospital in Benin City, was “built, equipped, and funded 100% by the Edo State Government.”
But the Church swiftly countered Oshiomhole’s narrative, stating that the institution is wholly owned, run, and financed by the Archdiocese and generous donors, not the government.
Not a few believe that the misleading claim is a political tactic to downplay a N15 million donation made by Mr. Peter Obi to the college earlier in the month.
The Church emphasized that neither St. Philomena Catholic Hospital nor its educational arms have ever received government subvention.
Describing Oshiomhole’s statement as “political revisionism” and “profoundly damaging,” Rev. Fr. Orah called on the senator to retract the falsehood, urging public figures to avoid weaponizing misinformation for political gain.
“St. Philomena, founded in 1947, remains a symbol of faith-based service, not a pawn in political rivalry. The truth, the Church insists, is not negotiable,” he added.