The President of the Lagos chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Mr. Lekan Akinwumi has commiserated with the family of Dr. Vwaere Daiso, the victim of the lift accident at the House Officers’ Quarters of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island recenly.
“We all wish the accident never happened as it has claimed the life of a promising doctor who is committed and dedicated to saving the lives of others at this point in time when medical professionals are fleeing the country in droves. On behalf of the Association, we offer our deepest condolences. The family of the deceased are in our thoughts and prayers”, Akinwumi said.
He further said:,”It is quite unfortunate that this accident is happening at a time when facility management is taking its rightful place in the scheme of things in Nigeria, and there is a total overhaul of how facilities are managed in the public sector, especially”.
He noted that the accident should be critically assessed and the blame not be heaped on the General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Ms. Adenike Adekanbi, as a new lift was installed in 2021.
He urged the investigative panel to speedily conclude its task as the accident could have been caused by an electrical or a mechanical fault.
“The facility management company is responsible for inspecting the lift regularly and ensuring it is in safe working condition. However, if the lift was properly installed and maintained, a forensic investigation should be undertaken to uncover the cause of this unfortunate accident.
“Ultimately, without preempting the outcome of such an investigation, the root cause of the lift accident needs to be thoroughly examined with pieces of evidence such as the condition of the lift, the maintenance records, and the testimony of witnesses” the IFMA chapter president further said.
According to him, “Ms Adekanbi oversees a lot of facilities within the state, and she has done it excellently and professionally since she assumed office; as such, there have been minimal complaints within the built environment in the state over the years.
“Ms Adekanbi is an astute professional who has always been committed to her duties and has been praised for her sterling leadership qualities. She has also been commended for her transparency and accountability in handling all government facilities in the state without an incident for more than a decade”.
Akinwumi noted that the enviable record set by Adekanbi in the country should not be trashed because of this unfortunate accident.
He also urged the government to provide the required resources to LASIAMA to continually improve its processes and fast-track all noted facility management upgrades across the state.
According to IFMA Lagos, over the years, Adekanbi has been a dedicated and experienced public servant who has consistently shown her commitment to serving the people of Lagos State.
