Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced significant progress on the Lagos State Mental Institute, a groundbreaking facility under construction in Ketu-Ejirin, Epe, set to open by 2025.

The facility is set to become the largest psychiatric and rehabilitation centre in sub-Saharan Africa, features a 500-bed capacity and highlights the state’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare delivery.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi and Special Adviser for Works Engr. Adekunle Olayinka highlighted the facility’s innovative approach.

Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed the scope and scale of the project, which is being developed in phases.

“Phase I, currently at 50% completion, comprises a 500-bed health facility featuring consultation rooms, dormitories, dining halls, kitchens, staff quarters, and recreational spaces, all within a serene 25-hectare expanse.

“This will be an end-to-end Psychiatric Centre, ensuring patients receive psychotherapy and psycho-rehabilitation in a first-class environment”, the Governor remarked.

The facility is strategically designed as a bungalow complex to accommodate the specialised needs of mental health patients.

The Governor emphasised that this architectural choice aligns with international best practices for psychiatric rehabilitation centres.

He added that once operational, the institute is expected to set a benchmark for mental healthcare in the region.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractors, Messrs Formwork Limited.

He noted that all structures for the first phase are already in place, with landscaping and equipment installation set to commence in the coming months.

“The facility is projected to be ready to admit patients by the last quarter of 2025.”

The second phase of the project will further expand the institute’s capacity, introducing additional accommodations and rehabilitation centres.

“We believe that this aspect of health delivery is equally important. Mental health challenges deserve top-tier solutions, and we are committed to making this facility a classic case of excellence”, the Governor stated.

Commending the efforts of the Ministries of Health and Works, as well as the contractors, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the collaborative efforts that have brought the project this far.

He also appreciated members of the Lagos State Executive Council and journalists for their involvement in the site visit.

The Mental Institute at Ketu-Ejirin is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader strategy to address rising mental health issues and provide comprehensive care.

The facility’s proximity to the Food and Logistics Hub underscores its integration into the state’s development blueprint.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the state’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare infrastructure, assuring Lagosians that projects like these reflect the administration’s drive to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the population.

“By this time next year, we are confident this facility will be a beacon of hope for those in need of mental health services”, he assured.

Leadership in healthcare innovation: The site visit underscores Lagos State’s leadership in healthcare innovation and infrastructure development, setting a precedent for other regions in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Lagos State Government has sealed Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island, for discharging untreated wastewater into public drains.

The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) enforced the closure after monitoring the property at night and obtaining photographic evidence of violations.

In a statement published on the official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the government revealed that the facility used a pumping machine at night to discharge untreated wastewater into public drains, polluting the environment and exposing citizens to communicable diseases.

“The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has continued to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring credible and sustainable wastewater management in the State by once again clamping down on the Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island for discharging untreated wastewater into the public drains, through the use of a pumping machine,” the statement read in part.

The statement further noted that the General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, reiterated the State’s zero tolerance for environmental pollution and degradation.

Afolabi stressed that the agency remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for the benefit of public health.

He emphasized that properties and facilities violating environmental laws would face strict sanctions by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

A section of the Trademore estate market in Lugbe, Abuja, has been razed by fire.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday.

Manzo Ezekiel, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) spokesperson, confirmed the incident to TheCable.

“I was awoken by calls as early as around 4am concerning the fire at the market, at the Trademore market,” the spokesperson said.

“I put calls across to our contacts. In fact, when I called our contact centre, they confirmed to me that they had received similar alerts.”

Ezekiel said personnel of the fire service have put out the conflagration.

“And we were trying to reach the fire service. So, thank God, we were able to mobilise and the fire service arrived at the spot and they have put out the fire,” he added.

“The incident happened this morning, I was alerted around 4-5, a few minutes to 5 o’clock.”

The NEMA spokesperson added that he cannot confirm if there were casualties, as he is currently out of Abuja on an assignment in Sokoto.