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Demolition of shanties in FCT will continue… protests won’t stop us, says Wike
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says his administration would not be swayed by blackmail or protests.
On November 5, residents of Ruga, a settlement along the airport road in Abuja, embarked on a demonstration against the minister over the demolition of structures.
The protesters were led by Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and activist.
The protesters demanded the minister’s sack, while alleging ancestral ownership of the demolished settlements.
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, Wike vowed to continue demolition of all shanties posing a security threat to residents of the capital city.
The minister made the pledge after inspecting the ongoing demolition of shanties in Ruga.
Wike expressed dismay that the area had been demolished 22 times and yet the occupants have refused to leave.
“Be assured that we will continue with the demolition of shanties that pose a security threat to FCT, Abuja,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter what colouration; whatever name anybody wants to give to it, we will do the right thing and nothing will stop us.”
The minister cautioned against rebuilding in the area, emphasising the FCT administration’s responsibility to maintain Abuja’s master plan.
“This is where you have the rail line; this is a buffer zone and if we allow these kinds of people to live here, what it means is that anything can happen to our train,” he said.
“Nobody will take that risk. You can imagine the number of persons that are living here, whom we cannot identify.
“We have told them that nobody should build anything, whether temporary or permanent, until the government has taken a final decision on what to do with the land.”
The minister asked Abba Gara, spokesperson for the occupants, to select five representatives for a crucial meeting with government officials on Tuesday to discuss a peaceful resolution.
Wike said select areas of demolished settlements will be repurposed as bus terminals.
News
NAFDAC uncovers production site for counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lagos
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says its operatives have uncovered an illegal production site for counterfeit alcoholic beverages on Lagos Island.
In a statement on Monday, the agency said its team, acting on a complaint, discovered a shop repurposed for producing and packaging fake alcoholic drinks on Offin Road in the Balogun area of Lagos Island.
“Assorted bottles of the offending products were destroyed on-site, while packaging materials, empty bottles, and repackaged drinks were confiscated,” the statement reads.
“The estimated value of the destroyed and seized items exceeds N30 million.
“NAFDAC has initiated further investigations and advises consumers to buy alcoholic beverages only from reputable vendors and to report any suspicious products and activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.”
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Lagos to open largest psychiatric centre in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2025
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.
News
Lagos state government seals Mega Plaza in Lagos Island for discharging untreated washwater into public drain
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.
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