Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Friday inaugurated the state’s newly-constructed Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre at Epe,  describing it as a vital step toward expanding access to quality emergency healthcare.

Sanwo-Olu  inaugurated  the centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Epe.

The governor applauded Custodian Investments Ltd.

He also praised Lagos State Ministry of Health and the project team for delivering what he called a ‘world-class facility’.

“This centre stands as a symbol of what is possible when vision, planning and execution align; this is a world class facility

“We are not just handing over a project, we are empowering the Epe community with a vital facility that can make the difference between life and death,” he said.

The facility is equipped with triage units, emergency wards, diagnostic centers, staff lounges and waiting areas.

It is designed to offer swift and efficient care in critical situations.

The governor emphasised that the facility would not only improve patients healthcare outcomes, but will also boost staff efficiency and strengthen public trust in the state’s healthcare system.

“This project is a clear manifestation of our vision for a progressive Lagos, where health is treated as a priority,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said that the emergency centre would serve not only Epe but also nearby communities.

He added that it would ensure quicker interventions during medical emergencies and reduce preventable deaths.

Sanwo-Olu pledged continued investment in health infrastructure across the state, especially in emergency response, maternal care and disease prevention.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the essential role of healthcare professionals assigned to the new facility, and said that the state government would support their welfare, training and professional growth.

He urged Epe residents to take ownership of the centre, support its staff and safeguard the facility as a community asset.

“As we hand over this facility today, I urge all stakeholders to work together in ensuring that this centre fulfils its purpose and enhances the well-being of our people,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health,  Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, lauded Custodian Investments Ltd. for its partnership with the state. (NAN)

Three men were arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Friday over alleged theft and destruction of a maize plantation valued at ₦25 million.

The defendants—Olaide Oyesola (40), Sataru Yunusa (45), and Odubayo Olufisayo—whose house addresses were not disclosed, are being charged with a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, malicious damage, unlawful entry, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The prosecuting counsel, Insp Salewa Hammed, told the court that the defendants conspired to steal maize worth ₦5 million and maliciously damaged a plantation valued at ₦25 million.

He further alleged that the defendants unlawfully excavated sand from the farmland valued at ₦23 million, assaulted workers, and forcibly chased employees of Atolans Resources Limited from the land.

Hammed alleged that the defendants also unlawfully entered the property in possession of Atolans Resources Limited, which was represented in court by one Adelani Adesope.

He said the defendants committed the alleged offences between January and November 2024 at Victoria Garden City, Kilometer 8, Old Oyo Road, Ibadan.

Hammed said the offences contravened Section 383 and are punishable under Sections 81, 249(d), 390(9), 451, and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Magistrate Maaruf Mudashiru granted them bail in the sum of ₦5 million each, with one surety each in like sum.

The magistrate adjourned the case until Aug. 7 for hearing.(NAN)

 China on Friday congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and expressed hope for a “steady” improvement in relations with the Vatican.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian stated this while speaking with reporters in the Chinese capital.

According to Lin, he hopes that under the new Pope’s leadership, the Vatican will continue dialogue with China in a constructive spirit, deepen communication on international issues of mutual concern.

He also expressed hope that they would continue to work together to steadily advance China-Vatican relations, while contributing to global peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

The Vatican on Tuesday announced that American Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV.

He is the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.

In 2024, Beijing had extended a provisional agreement with the Holy See by four years regarding the appointment of bishops.

The agreement which allows both sides to have a role in selecting bishops for China’s Catholic community, which numbers around 12 million in the world’s second most populous countr. (AA/NAN)