Dr Edith Kayode–I
Dr Edith Kayode – Iyasere, the incumbent Medical Director of Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State is a woman of great achievements . She is a seasoned physician and a specialist in the field of Neurology. She can be said to be one of those who have raised the bar in hospital administration in Nigeria.
A worthy daughter of the ancient Benin Kingdom, Edith Osawemwenze was born on July 2, 1962 to the family of A.B. Omonogbe Amu, who was a scion of the legendary Okokobioko family of Aruosa in Oredo Local Government Area and Agnes Agharese Amu of the Ereyi-Uso family of Obazagbon in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. She had her primary education at Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Convent School (now Uvbi Primary School), Benin City and subsequently proceeded to the famous Idia College, Benin City, where she obtained the West African School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate in 1978 and 1980 respectively. She manifested her excellent leadership qualities when she functioned as the School’s Health Prefect.
Edith Kayode – Iyasere enrolled at the University of Benin to read Medicine and eventually graduated with the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in 1986. She served as a House Officer at Central Hospital, Benin City between 1986 and 1987 and proceeded to the University of Agriculture Clinic, Makurdi where she did her National Youth Service in 1987.
Afterwards, she worked in several medical outfits in Makurdi including Madonna Hospital, Viewpoint Hospital and Samoga Clinic where she was Medical Director. She eventually became the Chief Medical Officer of St. Theresa’s Hospital, Makurdi.
Having passed her primary professional examinations, she left Makurdi for her Residency Training, which she did at her alma mater, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). At her completion of the programme, she moved over to Central Hospital Benin, where she trained and subsequently became a Consultant in the field of Neurology. She held various positions this hospital including that of Head, Department of Medicine (2009 – 2011). She was appointed to the position of Medical Director in June 2013.
Dr Kayode–Iyasere served as Board Member of Faith Mediplex, Benin City between 2004 and 2009 as well as the Regional Representative of the Pan African Association of Neurological Science between 2009 and 2011. She has been an external examiner and consultant to so many health institutions across the country. She was the National Medical Director of the Christian Women Fellowship International between 2008 and 2013 and has been Patron to Junior Chambers International, Benin Chapter since 2008.
She has attended several international and local conferences and workshops most of which have helped in broadening her experience in the ever changing medical world. She is one woman who has done so much for her immediate community and the society in general. Many people in Benin City and Edo State have not forgotten the numerous social development programmes she carried out during her tenure as the President of Idia College Old Girls Association, Benin City (2004 – 2008). She was instrumental to the establishment of an ICT Centre in the school. As the President of the Edo State chapter of the Medical Women Association, she raised awareness on the activities of the group through sponsorship of many programmes on radio and television channels. Through several activities including bill board advertorials and training, many women were educated on crucial health issues including self breast examination.
She is a member of many professional, social and religious organisations including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical & Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the World Stroke Organisation, the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences and the American Academy of Neurology. She is a former Vice President of the Christian Women Fellowship International of the Church of God Mission. She is also Patron to the Galaxy Chaplain Association of Nigeria, Benin City. An ordained deaconess of the Church of God Mission International, she has twice gone on the Christian holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem( 2000 and 2009.)
A veritable woman of honour, she has an avalanche of awards to her credit including the Award of Excellence by the Idia College Old Girls Association, Award of Excellence by the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Woman of Honour Award by the Church of God Mission International, the Niger Delta Students Platinum Award of Excellence and the Meritorious Diamond Award for National Development. She is also a holder of the PSR Woman of Merit Gold Award.
Edith is married to Mr. Abayomi Kayode–Iyasere and the union is blessed with four children.