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Tinubu directs flags at half-mast after Taoreed Lagbaja’s death
President Bola Tinubu has ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of late Taoreed Lagbaja, the chief of army staff (COAS).
Segun Imohiosen, director of information and public relations at the office of secretary to the government of the federation (OSGF), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the president has “directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed army chief”.
Lagbaja, aged 56, died on Tuesday after battling an undisclosed ailment.
He was appointed COAS by Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
Lagbaja enrolled into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
In September 1992, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th regular course.
He served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Lagbaja also participated in various internal security operations, including operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in south-east, and forest sanity in Kaduna and Niger.
The president has appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting COAS.
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.”
News
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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