By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State Government has announced major safety and infrastructure upgrades at the Odan House Officers’ Residence on Lagos Island, three years after the tragic death of medical doctor, Vwaere Diaso, in a faulty elevator accident.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed the development in a statement shared on his official X account, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that a similar tragedy never occurs again.
According to Abayomi, the state has implemented a series of corrective measures, including the immediate decommissioning of the faulty elevator, a comprehensive renovation of the 10 storey House Officers’ Residence and the installation of brand new elevators.
He said the Lagos State Government engaged construction firm Julius Berger to undertake the complete refurbishment of the facility, while Kresta Laurel was contracted to install new lifts, adding that the installation phase has already been completed.
The commissioner also revealed that the government has strengthened the management of the facility by deploying a senior official from the Lagos State Health Service Commission to oversee its operations pending the appointment of a permanent facility manager.
He noted that stricter operational standards have been introduced through the implementation of the Lagos State Safety Commission’s guidelines for lift operations and maintenance to enhance safety within the building.
Abayomi explained that the renovation is being carried out in phases because the residence remains occupied by doctors serving at the Lagos Island General Hospital, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital and Massey Street Children’s Hospital.
According to him, the refurbishment is progressing from the upper floors downward, allowing resident doctors to return to their apartments as each section of the building is completed.
Following a recent inspection of the project, the commissioner expressed satisfaction with the quality of work already delivered, noting that residents who had returned to the completed upper floors had settled into accommodation finished to a high standard.
He added that although the new elevators have been fully installed, they will only be commissioned after the completion of all civil works to safeguard the equipment and ensure the highest level of safety for residents.
Dr. Vwaere Diaso died in August 2023 after a faulty elevator at the House Officers’ Residence of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, crashed while she was inside. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for improved safety standards across public health facilities in Nigeria.
