Lagos Upgrades Odan Doctors’ Residence Three Years After Vwaere Diaso Death

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says the state government has implemented sweeping safety and infrastructure upgrades at the Odan House Officers’ Residence, three years after the death of medical doctor, Vwaere Diaso, in a lift accident.

Abayomi disclosed this in a statement shared on his official X handle, on Monday, reaffirming the state’s commitment to ensuring that a similar tragedy never occurs again.

According to the Commissioner, the Lagos State Government has taken several corrective measures, including the immediate decommissioning of the faulty lift, a comprehensive refurbishment of the building and the installation of new elevators.

“Three years after the tragic loss of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, Lagos State remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.

“We deeply value the lives of our medical professionals and every Lagosian.”

Abayomi said the government engaged construction giant Julius Berger to undertake a complete renovation of the 10-storey House Officers’ Residence, while Kresta Laurel was contracted to install brand-new lifts in the building.

According to him, the lift installation phase has already been completed.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the government has strengthened management and maintenance arrangements by deploying a senior official of the Lagos State Health Service Commission to oversee the facility pending the appointment of a permanent facility manager.

He added that the state has introduced stricter operational standards by implementing the Lagos State Safety Commission’s guidelines for lift operations and management.

Abayomi explained that the renovation is being carried out in phases because the building remains occupied by doctors serving at the Lagos Island General Hospital, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital and Massey Street Children’s Hospital.

“The comprehensive refurbishment of the House Officers’ Residence is progressing steadily and with clear purpose.”

He said construction is progressing from the top floor downward, allowing resident doctors to return to their apartments as each floor is completed.

Following a recent inspection of the project, the Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the quality of work already completed.

“During my visit, I had the privilege of speaking with residents who have already settled into these upper floors, and I was immensely satisfied with the high standard of the finishing.”

Abayomi noted that although the new lifts have been fully installed, they will not be put into operation until the entire refurbishment project is completed.

“While the new lifts are now fully installed, they will be officially commissioned only upon the completion of all civil works.

“This will protect these new assets and ensure the highest level of safety for all residents.”

Dr. Diaso died in August 2023 after a faulty elevator at the House Officers’ Residence at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, crashed while she was inside, sparking widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of safety standards in public health facilities.