Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has confirmed that the long-awaited 250-bed specialist hospital in Abeokuta, abandoned by the previous administration, will commence partial operations in March 2025, with full services set to begin in June 2025.

The announcement was made on Thursday during the official handover of the hospital to Viewpoint Health Management Services Limited and Pan African Capital Holdings at the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

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Currently 65% complete, the hospital, located in Oke-Mosan, will provide advanced healthcare services to residents of Ogun State and neighboring regions.

Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that the facility, once fully operational, will meet the critical healthcare needs of the state.

“We are committed to ensuring this hospital meets the specific needs of our population. It will open partially in March 2025 and be fully operational by June 2025,” Abiodun said.

“After months of negotiation, we are excited to formalize this partnership, which will deliver world-class healthcare to Ogun State.”

The facility will be managed by Viewpoint Health Management Services Limited, in partnership with HealthShare South Africa, a global leader in healthcare management.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that Viewpoint would oversee the completion of the hospital’s infrastructure, reconfigure the existing space, provide additional equipment, and ensure the facility operates according to international healthcare standards.

In her remarks, Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State Health Commissioner, stressed that the hospital would set a new benchmark for the country’s healthcare system, enhancing service delivery and strengthening the state’s medical infrastructure.

Chris Oshiafi, Chairman of Pan African Capital Holdings, noted that the acquisition talks for the hospital began three years ago, and his company is committed to making the facility a leading medical hub, aiming to reduce medical tourism.

Dr. Tony Decoito, Chairman of Viewpoint HealthShare, reiterated the commitment to completing the project on time, promising that the hospital would be equipped with cutting-edge technology and serve as a center for medical innovation, research, and training.

Once completed, the hospital is expected to not only improve healthcare services in Ogun State but also serve as a model for modern medical facilities across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has made a series of significant appointments, including the appointment of Daniel Bwala as the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications at the State House.

The announcement, made on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, also includes the appointment of three Nigerians to lead various key agencies.

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Bwala, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, takes on his new role as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications.

Known for his expertise in media and communications, he is expected to play a critical role in advancing the administration’s public messaging and media strategy.

In addition, three new directors-general have been appointed to head important national institutions.

Olawale Olopade, a seasoned sports administrator, has been named the Director-General of the National Sports Commission.

Olopade, who has vast experience in the sports sector, previously served as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ogun State and chaired the Local Organising Committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival.

Dr. Abisoye Fagade, a marketing communication expert and founder of Sodium Brand Solutions, will head the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism.

Fagade’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industries.

Meanwhile, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, who previously served as the Director of Research, Training, and Strategic Planning at the Bureau of Public Procurement, has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Bureau.

In a statement following the appointments, President Tinubu urged the newly appointed officers to carry out their duties with dedication, patriotism, and excellence, emphasizing the importance of their roles in driving national development.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a significant increase in power distribution across states in northern Nigeria, following the successful restoration of the Ugwuaji–Makurdi–Jos 330kV Transmission Line 2.

According to a statement released by TCN’s General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the energization of this line has enabled an additional bulk power supply, improving service to the Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola Distribution Companies for further distribution to their customers.

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This recent improvement follows extensive repairs after the Ugwuaji–Apir transmission lines were vandalized in October, impacting power supply to 17 states, with regions such as Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina severely affected. Engineers have now completed repairs and re-stringing of the damaged transmission sections, restoring power flow through the line and stabilizing supply across the affected areas.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria has successfully energised the Ugwuaji–Makurdi–Jos 330kV Transmission Line 2 today, 14 November 2024, at approximately 11:50 am,” the statement confirmed. Mbah noted that the Apir and Jos Transmission Substations are now receiving adequate loads, enabling Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola Distribution Companies to distribute more power to their service areas.

The TCN expressed gratitude to customers for their patience throughout the repair period, emphasizing the company’s commitment to bolstering power supply in the northern regions.