Lagos gets ultra-modern trauma facility through PPP

The Lagos State Government has delivered a newly constructed Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre (CAEC) in Epe, built and donated by Custodian Investment Plc through its Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation (CSRF). 

The edifice was officially handed over to the government on Thursday during the center's official launch, which was held within the premises of the Federal Medical Centre, Epe.

The event, which drew people from all walks of life, added a boost to healthcare infrastructure in Lagos’s rapidly developing Epe division. 

The emergency facility, described as a “Level IV Trauma Centre,” is designed to provide immediate triage and stabilization services in the event of accidents and other emergencies in hard-to-reach areas on the outskirts of Lagos metropolis.

Speaking during the handover, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed profound gratitude to Custodian Investment Plc and described the project as “a bold step forward in expanding access to urgent and life-saving medical services.” 

"The facility represents what is possible when corporate vision aligns with government priorities and community needs". he said 

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Ministry of Health for its collaboration in delivering what he called a “world-class facility,” and added that Epe’s strategic selection as the project’s location reflects the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare distribution. 

“It goes to show that Epe is always on our mind,” he declared. “Every division in Lagos will get its due, but today is Epe’s turn.”

Describing the new centre as a critical link in the healthcare delivery chain, the Governor emphasized its role in stabilizing patients during the crucial first 24 to 48 hours after an incident.

 “We cannot predict when an accident will happen,” he said, “but with this center in place, lives will be saved faster, and long-term care plans will be better structured.”

He again urged residents to take ownership of the facility, stressing the need for collective protection, responsible use, and support for medical personnel. “Let this center remain a beacon of hope that outlives generations,” the Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu appealed to other corporate organizations to emulate the Custodian's commitment to community development. “Government cannot do it alone, but we are always open to genuine partnership. We promise that we won’t waste your time or resources,” he pledged.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, lauded the professionalism and collaborative spirit with which the Custodian approached the project. 

He says, “You didn’t impose your vision on us. You asked what we needed, and you listened. That’s how real partnerships should work,” he stated.

Highlighting the shared history with members of Custodian’s leadership team from his days at the International School Ibadan, Abayomi said the personal and professional networks helped energize the execution.

 “This building is not just concrete and glass. It’s a story of shared values and genuine social impact,” he added.

He also explained that the architectural design incorporated low-carbon and energy-efficient elements, reflecting Lagos’ climate-resilient health infrastructure strategy. 

“What you see here is a masterpiece. It is not just a health center, it is a future-facing facility,” he enthused.

Prof. Akin Abayomi emphasized the life-saving role of trauma centers, describing them as facilities that "bring people back from the clutches of death", noting that such centers must be fully equipped and ready to respond instantly to severe incidents like road traffic accidents. 

The Commissioner described the facility as fully aligned with Lagos’ Emergency Management Strategy and said it would become an integral part of the State’s expanding network of pre-hospital and trauma care units. “We’re already integrating it into our emergency response architecture,” he assured.

Highlighting the State’s strategic policy to establish trauma centers along major entry points into Lagos, Prof. Abayomi referenced the launch of the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), which will help emergency responders locate available centers and equipment in real-time.

 He stated that under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, funds are being earmarked to cover emergency care for patients in the critical first 24 to 48 hours without requiring upfront payment.

The Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc, Mr. Wole Oshin, recounted the Foundation’s earlier unsuccessful attempt to establish a trauma center along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, and how that setback led to a new opportunity when he reconnected with his senior and Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi. 

He explained that the conversation opened doors to align the initiative with the State’s vision for a network of trauma and emergency centers. “But after deep reflection and discussions with the government, we agreed that Epe would benefit more from such a facility,” he said. 

He noted that the eventual siting of the CAEC within a hospital environment in Epe was strategically chosen for ease of patient access and swift medical intervention.

The Custodian GMD expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, including government officials, architects, and contractors, who made the project a success.

In her remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi expressed joy and pride at the commissioning and handover of the Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre. 

She described the event as the culmination of a shared vision between the Lagos State Government and Custodian Investment Plc to address emergency care gaps in the Epe axis and beyond, with a facility designed to save lives and improve critical care delivery.

Dr. Ogunyemi noted that the groundbreaking for the state-of-the-art Level IV Trauma Centre took place in May 2023 and praised the execution and quality of the completed structure. 

 She commended the strategic design tailored for rapid treatment within the crucial ‘golden hour’ of trauma cases.

Aligning the facility with the Health and Environment pillar of the State's THEMES+ agenda, Dr. Ogunyemi reiterated Lagos State’s commitment to effective staffing, proper maintenance, and high-quality service delivery at the Centre. 

She thanked Custodian Investment Plc for their unwavering commitment to public welfare and concluded with a call to continued collaboration in building a healthier, safer, and more inclusive Lagos.

At the event, the CEO of, the Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation (CSRF), Mrs. Olubunmi Aderemi, reflected on the Foundation’s origins in vehicle insurance and the evolution of its social mission towards saving lives, moving from repairing vehicles to rescuing accident victims.

She said the 20-bed Level IV trauma facility is designed to serve not just the local community but commuters on the Sagamu-Benin expressway, where infrastructure development is rapidly expanding.

Mrs. Aderemi expressed deep appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his swift approval and to Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, for his unwavering support.

Lagos CPS pensioners applaud Sanwo-olu over pension increase.

Lagos State Pensioners have applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for granting the request for periodic pension increases like their Defined Benefit Scheme ( DBS ) counterparts. 

The applause came from the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, Mr Michael Omisande, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

He said the CPS Pensioners are happy that the Governor welcomed the idea of the Director General of, the National Pension Commission, PENCOM, that pensioners should also benefit from the government's welfare package to boost their monthly income.

Comrade Omisande implored the Governor to look into pension increments from 2007 till date, including the 32,000 Wage Award and the 28 and 20 percent pension increment recently approved for DBS Pensioners in the State.

News: Don't take excess salt, it is dangerous: FG cautions Nigerians

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has cautioned Nigerians against excess salt intake.

The caution comes at the heels of a viral video where Chris Oyakhilome, the President and founder of Loveworld Incorporated, known as Christ Embassy, advised his congregation to eat more salt.

In the video, the clergy noted that Africans were deliberately made to avoid salt so that they could buy sodium-infused drugs.

In a statement made public on Wednesday, by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Mr Alaba Balogun said, salt contains sodium, an essential mineral that supports vital body functions, but needs to be taken in moderation.

“The federal ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt consumption,” the statement reads.

“While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health,” Balogun said

Lagos, SCI collaborate to eliminate zero dose immunization for children.

Mothers in the country especially those who have immunized their children have been told to be advocates by extending messages on the benefits of immunization to other mothers explaining the need for their children to be adequately vaccinated.

The Permanent Secretary, of Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Akeem Mustapha, made the call at an Immunisation outreach in Ita Elewa PHC, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, to mark World Immunisation Week with the theme, "Immunisation is for all is humanly possible." 

He explained that Ikorodu is one of the strategic cities and the second highest in Lagos state that harbors a large number of children who have never tasted vaccination hence the need for the choice of the area.

Dr. Akeem Mustapha, who emphasized the importance of adequate immunization noted that children who are under-vaccinated or have zero doses are likely to spread the disease within the community.

He charged the mothers present at the program to be advocates and extend the message to other mothers on the need for their children to be adequately vaccinated.

According to him, "It is very crucial to ensure that they reduce the 20 percent of children that have not completed or have had no vaccination at all".

"The aim was to remind the mothers and the government that every child needs vaccination because it protects their future. "We are here for the children and role players asking government and caregivers to wake up to their responsibilities and ensure they protect the children with vaccines.

She noted that vaccines work to prevent diseases but if they are not vaccinated,  they will not grow well, talk well, go to school, and even be bold in their learning because they will be distracted.

Dr Akeem Mustapha urged the caregivers not to sit within the health facilities but to go out on outreaches and meet the caregivers within their domains on access to vaccination, particularly for under-five children.

He expressed gratitude to the mothers who made it to the event and those who had vaccinated their children, saying that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has considered it very important because health is wealth.

Deputy Country Director who is also the  Director of Programme Development and Quality, Mrs Jane Mbagi Mutua, said that the Save Children initiative believed that no child should die before their 5th birthday when they are properly vaccinated.

According to her, "Vaccination is one of the means of preventing the diseases and  Save Children initiative is committed to ensuring that every child accesses their doses of vaccinations".

 "They did an analysis in Lagos and discovered that about 80 percent of the children had been vaccinated, that is, 8 out of every 10 children got vaccinated, while 2 out of every 10 were not vaccinated". She stated 

Mutua added that they are working on a Programme called "Boost," which is aimed at finding the reasons why some children are not immunized.

On her part, SCI Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, Dr Itunnu Dave Agboola, said that about one hundred and fifty mothers brought their children to the venue of the program to be immunization.

Dr Agboola, who promised to reach as many families as possible, said that their goal is to eliminate zero doses and Immunisation.

She noted that this can be achieved through collaboration as collaboration promotes the achievement of results.

Dr Agboola believes that collaborating with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board has been fruitful because they leveraged their strength to pull this achievement.

" I want healthcare providers to get immunization closer to the people as accepting to present their children and wards would reduce the current indices, improve acceptability, and cut off the cost of transportation". Agboola affirmed

NIMR cries out for help as EKO Electric sends disconnection notices.

The Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Yaba, Lagos, has again sent an SOS to the Federal Government and the good people of Nigeria to aid as Ikeja Electric threatens a showdown with the institute.

Since the assumption of the office of Professor John Obafunwa, 

Ikeja Electric had been on the trail of the institute, sending high bills without meters and threatening to cut the power supply if it did not pay the outrageous amount it sent to the institute every month.

Professor Obafunwa, who expressed dismay at the constant harassment by EKo Electric insisting the crazy bill must be paid, said that NIMR is not a money-making institution but a research center that relies on government funds and donor agencies to perform its functions.

Prof said the institute had been making efforts to pay the earlier bills, but over time, it appeared there was no end to the payment as bills kept increasing and all efforts made to discuss a review yielded no results. 

According to him, " a series of meetings, messages, and calls seemed not to be yielding any results; rather, it has been threats and notices of disconnection, adding that any attempt to disrupt the power supply to the institute would be disastrous".

Professor Obafunwa, who went emotional at some point, stressed that the most worrisome aspect of the power cut would be the reversal of biological samples, reagents, and equipment provided by foreign donors, which are used for research.

"We have biological samples to be analyzed. These reagents are often provided by foreign donors. Equipment provided by foreign donors.

" I tried several times to explain to the authorities of Eko Electricity that we can't afford to shut down NIMR. We've had to depend to a large extent on foreign donors to assist us. But it's like some people don't seem to get it". Obafunwa lament 

He explained further, " Ikeja Electricity gave us a bill of almost $49 million for August, $48 million or so for September. October $44 million, I don't know what we are consuming. We've had to shut down power in the residential quarters".

The DG continued, " In the residences, power is shut down at 9 a.m. and restored at about 4 p.m. We have research going on in NIMR. We have temperature-sensitive equipment. We have reagents, and for these reasons, I've had consultations with

some other people,  I'd previously raised some concerns about what I still consider to be deliberate attempts to frustrate NIMR, and I'm talking about power supply.

"We are not a tertiary educational institution. We don't have the number of students that you have, whether it's University of Lagos, or Lagos State University, or whatever, that pays school fees, all that he said fell on deaf ears".  he emphasized

Prof stated, " We keep getting estimated bills," but information has it that NIMR's Metre is located in the Jibowu office, according to Officials of Eko Electric.

He explained that, as part of efforts made, "We've copied the legal office for NIMR. We've copied the National Electricity Regulation Commission. And we have now gone as far as trying to fix and install a meter here to be sure we're consuming that much electricity". 

He however called on people who matter to intervene and save the institute from a total blackout.

Knockouts and submissions Dominate the Battle Of The Hood MMA Tourney.

 

Combat sports lovers witnessed an action-packed evening of knockouts and submissions as the 'Battle of The Hood' Mixed Martial Arts MMA showpiece lived up to its billing at the Honourable Lukman Oluomo Sports Arena in Ajegunle.

The tournament, organized by Akalaka Spirit Of The Warrior, lasted into the early hours of Sunday 27 April 2025 with fight fans in Ajegunle asking for more.

Heavyweight star Kabiru 'Hulk' Adediran dominated Atiti Fidelis with a first-round technical knockout in the main event, confirming his reputation as one of Nigeria's most intimidating fighters.

Dr Ebere Bernard, President of the Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior MMA Promotion and Director, Youth Development in the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, expressed satisfaction with the quality of bouts on display.

"For me, it's one of the best fights I've witnessed this year. As you can see, we have a lot of knockouts, submissions, and very entertaining fights. Gradually, we will get to identify with the game of MMA as a means of entertainment," he said.

In the light heavyweight category, Fabian 'Gentle Giant' Texas emerged as the standout performer, winning both his bouts via first-round knockouts to claim the division's honor. 

His path to the final victory over Martin Aziba included a first-round demolition of Imohi Prince in the semi-final.

Aziba had knocked out Ennis Abdulkareem in another semi-final of the light heavyweight class.

The lightweight category saw Joseph James claim victory by split decision against Effiong Bassey in a closely contested final, while Jeremiah Akpan secured a first-round submission win against Ichendu Victory in the bantamweight division.

The women's flyweight competition produced equally thrilling encounters with Immaculata Nelson emerging as the Best Fighter of the Night after defeating Miracle Andrew by submission in the third and final round. 

Nelson had earlier advanced by submitting Khadijat Idowu in the second round of their bout, while Andrew reached the final by securing a unanimous decision victory over Quadri Balikis.

"I'm very excited about winning the Best Fighter of the Night award. I was prepared, I knew I was going to fight two fights and so I did all I could so that I'll be able to withstand anything that comes," Nelson said after her triumph.

"You know people have talents but they don't have the platform to showcase their talents so this kind of platform makes the athletes go back home and train more, knowing that there is an avenue that can showcase us to the world so I thank the organizers."

Chris Nwokolo, vice president of the Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior, highlighted the organization's mission to change perceptions about Nigerian youth through combat sports.

"We're all about youth empowerment, creating opportunities for youths and an avenue for them to express themselves. How can we catch those very energetic youths and channel their energies in the MMA world," he said.

"We want to feed that culture and put Nigeria out there. So when people think about Nigeria, they're thinking of strength, they're thinking of youth, and that way they stop thinking of us as a nation of fraudsters, but rather as a nation of energy."

The event, which was broadcast to over 35 countries across Africa and beyond, represented another significant step in Nigeria's developing MMA scene.

According to Dr Bernard, fighters who reached the finals will be signed to the promotion with opportunities to compete internationally.

"The ultimate goal of Akalaka promotion is to depopulate the streets with youth that are associated with negative vices and by so doing, provide them with an economic means, job opportunities, and training," Dr Bernard explained.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Baton Relay Reaches Nigeria.

The buildup to next year's Commonwealth Games will be under the spotlight in Nigeria as the country hosts the King's Baton Relay KBR between 15 and 18 July 2025.

Launched at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday 10 March 2025, the relay is expected to traverse 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.

The KBR for the Commonwealth Games 2026 commenced on 11 March 2025 in the Caribbean.

Africa is the second region to host the relay, with Nigeria joining the rest of the continent for the six-day festivities.

For the first time, each nation and territory will receive a baton which will be designed to showcase its culture, creativity, and vision.

In Nigeria, the Nigeria Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games, Nigeria will decorate the baton.

To facilitate this, a joint committee comprising the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the National Sports Commission will be established to plan and execute the program.

The baton will be presented to His Majesty during the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland on 26 July 2026.