A manufacturer of medical consumables, Transgreen Nigeria Limited, has commissioned its ultra-modern O-Care Disposable Syringe factory in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State. The factory, which is the first of its kind in Lagos State, is designed to produce high-quality, sterile syringes that meet international standards. Commissioning the company, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the project, stating that it represents a critical step towards achieving Lagos State’s vision of becoming a leading hub for industrial innovation and excellence. He emphasised the importance of promoting local manufacturing to create jobs, ensure a self-reliant healthcare system and position Nigeria as a self-sufficient leader in medical device manufacturing. The Governor expressed his pride and excitement about the factory, which he described as a monumental achievement by Transgreen Nigeria Limited. He said local manufacturing would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and promote economic growth, even as he commended the efforts of the National Agency for Food Administration And Control (NAFDAC) in ensuring the quality and safety of medical devices. The representative of the Minister of Health, Dr Abdul Muktar, said the facility which is the first of its kind in the state, marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to enhance healthcare in Nigeria. “I am wearing a double hat today. First, as the representative of the Minister of Health, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate, who is unavoidably absent, and secondly, as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). “Today, we celebrate the visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit of Mr. Cyprian Orakpo, the astute and incurable entrepreneur, who has tirelessly championed the cause of made-in-Nigeria goods. Mr. Orakpo’s journey from a trader in audio/video tapes under Transerve Nigeria Limited in 1993 to establishing Africa’s largest CD/DVD manufacturing company by 2015 is a testament to his unwavering dedication and resilience,” Muktar stated. He noted that, in the face of technological disruptions, Mr. Orakpo demonstrated remarkable adaptability and foresight by venturing into the manufacturing of medical devices. “During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the charge as the first Nigerian manufacturer of medical face masks under the Transgreen Nigeria Limited brand. This innovative product played a crucial role in safeguarding our nation when global medical nationalism threatened our access to essential supplies. “As the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), I am particularly proud of this achievement. It aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and promote self-reliance in the production of essential medical supplies. This factory not only brings job opportunities and economic growth but also reinforces our commitment to building a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.” In his welcome address, Mr. Cyprian Orakpo, Managing Director of Transgreen Nigeria Limited, expressed his gratitude to the guests and acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government, the Federal Government, and financial institutions in making the project a reality. “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey to become a world-class manufacturer of medical consumables. We are proud to have taken this bold step towards self-sufficiency in medical device manufacturing, and we are committed to scaling up our operations to meet the healthcare needs of our nation,” he said. Orakpo pleaded with the Lagos State Government to intervene in making Alakoso Avenue, the longest road in Amuwo Odofin Industrial cluster, motorable with good drains and street lights. The company has also appealed to the government to rid the road of non-state actors who set up tolls within the industrial cluster. With the commissioning of the O-Care Disposable Syringe factory, Transgreen Nigeria Limited has taken a significant step towards achieving its vision and contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The commissioning ceremony, which took place yesterday was attended by dignitaries from various sectors, including Gov Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Mrs Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate as well as representatives from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), NAFDAC and the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN).