PRESS RELEASE

LAWMA’S Motorized Advocacy Moves to Dopemu-Iyana Ipaja

In continuation of its state-wide campaign for environmental cleanliness, the Lagos Waste Management Authority , LAWMA, has taken its motorized advocacy campaign, tagged “ War on Waste” to Dopemu-Iyana Ipaja axis, primarily to inspire attitude change among the residents.

It comes on the heels of a similar road show, held along Lekki Toll Gate, Jakande and Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government of the state.

Speaking at Dopemu Roundabout by Santos Estate, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, the Managing Director/ CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the director of advocacy unit, Mr. Adewumi Adetona, noted that the campaign theme, “War on Waste”, was a determined move to tackle the menace of indiscriminate dumping, non-patronage of PSP operators and improper waste containerization prevalent in the state.

He said: “With over 20 million residents, Lagos generates 13,000 metric tonnes of waste on a daily basis. The Authority bears the brunt of evacuating much of the waste on road median, streets,canals and drainage channels everyday. However, it is not sustainable for us as an agency, to continue with the same task without sensitizing you on your role in the waste management chain. That is why we have come up with this intervention. Our Advocacy Unit has always been on the move to enlighten residents, traders and communities. This is the second public roadshow we are having and the goal is to ensure the message of sustainable waste management practices gets to everyone.

“I want to implore you to relay the message to others and spread the gospel of a positive environmental consciousness to everyone around you. Let’s start from our homes by purchasing a waste bin for proper containerization of the waste we generate; separate organic waste from recyclables, patronize assigned PSP operators and pay for waste services promptly. Embrace the opportunities in recycling and start earning an income from your waste. Should you have any complaints about PSP services, call the Authority’s toll free lines and you will be attended to. Together, we can achieve a cleaner and safer Lagos,’’ he noted.

Also speaking, the head of marketing and sales, Adopt-a-bin, Mrs Adedoyin Oyefusi , noted that the new smart bins, which could be acquired through installment payments, was carefully designed to prevent theft and enhance waste management efficiency for residents.

She said” We are committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices that will enhance a healthy living. To achieve this, LAWMA decided to introduce smart bins to help us achieve our goal of a cleaner Lagos. This campaign is tagged “war on waste” because we do not want to see any waste dumped recklessly. Therefore, we implore you to procure the waste bins and dispose of your waste properly into the bins,’’ she stressed.

The campaign train sensitized people in English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and pidgin languages on the essence of proper waste management, singing and dancing while also engaging traders and commuters on all inclusive and participatory sensitization.

The roadshow which terminated at Iyana Ipaja Round About, had in attendance, the Authority’s management staff, staff members of departments and units, street sweepers, medical staff, neighbourhood watch, enforcement personnel, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and LAWMA ambassador, Alhaji Sikiru Ademola Junaid, popularly known as Lemon.

For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

Folashade Kadiri
Director Public Affairs
30th October, 2024

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Marks 62nd Anniversary with Special presentation on Brain Drain

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Wednesday marked its 62nd anniversary at a forum where administrators proffered suggestions on how to stem the tide of brain drain in the medical sector.

The Chief Medical Director, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo said the dedication and commitment of the hospital’s staff enabled LUTH to survive the pangs of brain drain.

“Whatever successes we celebrate today would not have been possible without the hard work and resilience of the hospital staff,” he stated.

Keynote speaker, Prof. Chris Bode highlighted the growing phenomenon of brain drain, locally known as the “Japa syndrome”, which refers to fleeing from hardship with no intention of returning.

This trend is increasingly visible among Nigerian healthcare professionals, many of whom are seeking better opportunities abroad.

Professor Bode noted that migration is a global phenomenon affecting all species, but in Nigeria’s case, it has serious consequences for the healthcare sector.

“We are losing doctors and nurses after investing significant resources in training them,” he said, and warned that the country faces a critical shortage, with one doctor for every 4,000 Nigerians—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor per 600 people.

Citing recent data, Prof. Bode stressed that Nigeria needs at least 240,000 doctors to meet healthcare demands, but current production rates suggest that the country will still be short in 100 years without drastic changes.

He lamented the paradox of unemployed doctors despite nationwide shortages, attributing the problem to the concentration of medical professionals in urban centers as Lagos and Abuja.

The former chief medical director fingered poor remuneration as the leading cause of migration, with 91% of healthcare workers citing dismal pay as their reason for leaving.

“How can someone spend nearly 30 years in training only to earn a pittance?” Prof. Bode asked, warning that if the trend continues, more staff may leave to worsen Nigeria’s healthcare crisis.

He also blamed poor working conditions, insecurity, and a lack of career prospect as additional push factors.

Prof Bode also touched on cultural challenges faced by Nigerian professionals abroad, including racism and loneliness. “Some people thrive overseas, but others struggle with isolation,” he said, stressing the importance of self-awareness by individuals considering migration.

While acknowledging the benefits of migration—such as remittances, advanced training, and better living conditions—Professor Bode questioned the long-term impact.

He concluded by urging the government to improve salaries, working conditions, and rural infrastructure to encourage healthcare workers to stay. “If we want different results, we must do things differently,” he emphasized.

Sundry speakers agreed on the need for collective action to address the brain drain crisis and reposition Nigeria’s healthcare sector for sustainable growth.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of the best clinical department and non-clinical department in the past year.

The Pointer Award: Aniagwu hails Delta journalists

DAN DENT (ASABA)

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu has sent a message of appreciation to journalists in the state and country for their support since coming into governance in 2015.

Aniagwu who was bestowed with The Pointer Newspaper Public Service Excellence Award at the 30th Anniversary of the newspaper held yesterday at Grand Hotel and Resorts, Asaba, dedicated the award to journalists in the state and country.

Aniagwu a former Commissioner for Information in the state, appreciated immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for finding him worthy to serve amidst other qualified Deltans.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Aniagwu said, “Let me appreciate my bosses starting with Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who gave me the privilege to serve as his Commissioner for Information and of course the privilege I also have at the moment under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

“For me to have that say in this state, I deeply appreciate these leaders because it is possible that if these positions that I had the privilege to hold is also extended to any other Deltan they could possibly perform even better than I did.

“But to be distinguished and recognised, I give God the glory and for me it is a reminder of the need to try as much as possible when you are given a responsibility to discharge it with the best of your ability.

“When such recognition is coming from my colleagues, you know the journalism profession is one critical profession that tries to examine what people do.

“So when you have your colleagues who are in the same profession agreeing that you have done well, all you need do is to give glory to God and also appreciate them for the support they extended to you.

“In my sojourn as Chief Press Secretary and the Ministry of Information I really enjoyed the support of my colleagues both those in the media and those managing the media houses, my colleagues in Government and the state.

“I give God all the glory for the kind of support I have continued to enjoy since coming into this state for the purpose of working for the state government in 2015. I feel quite excited about this recognition and I do not take it for granted.”

Speaking on the journey so far for The Pointer Newspaper, Aniagwu commended the paper for weathering the storm over the years.

“I have had the privilege of presiding over the affairs of the paper and I can tell you that there a whole lot of misunderstanding around the operations of the newspaper.

“So much needs to be done especially as they are still printing through a third party process, it will be better if we can provide them with a good printing press, so that they begin to print for themselves.

“The moment they can print the paper by themselves, it will make it easier to increase the print run, it becomes easier to be in control of their speed as well.

“Once that is done and a proper distribution facility is provided, the paper can then have their independence to go and generate their own money and ensure they remit something to the state government.

“But I can tell you that the way they are now if thatASABA  assistance is not given, they may still continue to struggle to be able to meet up.

“Looking at the conditions they operate, you will appreciate the women and men who work in that establishment that they are actually putting in a lot to be able to produce on daily basis.”