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At Stakeholders’ Forum, LAWMA MD Bares Plans for Strategic Waste Management

Published

2 weeks ago

October 19, 2024

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At Stakeholders’ Forum, LAWMA MD Bares Plans for Strategic Waste Management

… says Lagos State government plans to acquire 100 CNG trucks for PSP operations

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has laid out plans for strategic waste management in Lagos State. He also hinted that the state government would soon acquire 100 CNG trucks, for the operations of Private Sector Participants (PSP).

Gbadegesin made the disclosure at a one-day stakeholders’ interactive forum on sustainable waste management, organized by the agency, at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a detailed presentation, he highlighted the progress recorded and future plans for waste management in the state, noting that the city’s 23 million residents generated 5.46 million tonnes of waste annually, which LAWMA aimed to manage through a range of initiatives, anchored on effective collection, treatment, and disposal.

He said, “We are committed to providing efficient waste management services to all Lagosians. With our team of dedicated staff, we manage domestic, commercial, and medical waste across the state. We also sweep 963 routes and collect solid waste from the lagoons and waterways”.

Gbadegesin revealed that a large portion of the waste generated in state came from households, with LAWMA overseeing its transportation and treatment through partnerships with 420 Private Service Participants (PSPs), adding that the efforts were supplemented by sweeping services across major streets, managed by 16,361 street sweepers.

He further highlighted the Authority’s waste recovery initiatives, emphasizing the growing focus on recycling and circular economy principles, pointing out that LAWMA had introduced a two-bin system for households, where one bin stood for general waste and the other for recyclables.

“This system will help households segregate waste at the source, boosting recycling efforts and reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills. We have already established community recycling centers and are partnering with retail points to promote extended producer responsibility,” he stressed.

The LAWMA boss stated that, in line with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ agenda focused on health and the environment, LAWMA was exploring waste-to-energy projects, including the revival of a pilot biogas production plant at Ketu Fruit Market, where organic waste would be converted to energy.

“We are committed to using advanced technologies to transform waste into resources, reducing Lagos’ dependence on landfills and contributing to the state’s energy needs,” he said.

He said, as part of ongoing efforts, LAWMA was tackling marine waste and hazardous materials, to protect the state’s waterways and reduce environmental hazards, while planning to increase recycling rates by 25% in the next three years and transforming waste disposal facilities into eco-parks and waste treatment plants, for a more sustainable city.

“Our work extends beyond the streets. We are involved in marine waste collection and the safe disposal of hazardous materials, ensuring a cleaner and safer Lagos. We are determined to build a cleaner, greener Lagos for future generations’, he concluded.

In a goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, called for a synergy between players in the public and private sectors to achieve a cleaner and sustainable environment in the state, adding that the state government had embarked on various initiatives, aimed at improving the environment.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, represented by Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director, Sanitation , lauded the event as an important one, capable of proffering solutions to waste management challenges in the state.

He said the peculiarity of the Lagos environment made it necessary for urgent actions to be taken, to tackle a myriad of environmental constraints facing the metropolis, urging the populace to join hands with the state government, to make the environment better.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director of LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, highlighted that the ongoing challenges of managing the enormous volume of waste generated daily by residents, informed the Authority’s decision to launch the “Adopt-a-bin” initiative, targeted at promoting waste containerisation, adding that the stakeholders’ forum provided an avenue to explore workable options in meeting waste management needs of residents.

“The task of managing the huge volume of waste remains challenging, hence the need for a forum like this, where we can jointly examine all workable options available to us, and fine-tune strategies to ensure that we remain on top of the situation,” he stated.

The president of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAWN), Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to transforming the environment and waste management system in the state, While urging cooperate organisations to embrace the “Adopt-a-bin” initiative, as a CSR strategy, to enable every household in the state procure the bins.

Doyin Oyefusi, Head of Marketing, Wastecare Solutions and Resources Management, enlightened participants at the event on the features of the LAWMA smart bin and the advantages they have over other types of bins.

She said that the smart bins were equipped with RFID chips for tracking waste collection to ensure prompt service by PSP operators, came with geolocation for easy tracking if misplaced, feature color-coding to support waste separation (green for general waste and blue for recyclables), and are designed with a 15-year warranty for long-term durability, making them highly efficient compared to traditional bins.

The Managing Director of Maladase Ecopreneur Management Limited (MECOM), Engr. Mayowa Elefin, in his presentation titled, “Recycling: Impact on the Environment”, talked about the importance of recycling to the environment, including reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emission, conserving natural resources, saving energy and promoting sustainable practices.

The stakeholders’ forum also featured a question and answer session, where participants and members of the media asked questions on key waste management issues.

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

News

The Pointer Award: Aniagwu hails Delta journalists

Published

1 day ago

October 29, 2024

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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.”

News

Transcorp Plc Completes Share Capital Reconstruction to Enhance Shareholder Value

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2024

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

News

Transcorp Group Announces Further Impressive Financial ResultsQ3 2024 Figures Reveal 133% Revenue Growth and 303% Surge in Profits

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2024

august24admin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, has reported its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, showcasing remarkable year-on-year growth.

The Group’s Q3 2024 unaudited results demonstrate strength across key financial performance measures, highlighting the success of its growth-driven strategy.

In Q3 2024, Transcorp Group achieved revenue of N298 billion, a 133% increase from N128 billion recorded in the same period of 2023. Profit before tax (PBT) increased by a remarkable 303%, to N105.5 billion, compared to N26.2 billion recorded in Q3 2023, further solidifying the Group’s position in Nigeria’s business landscape.

Key Financial Highlights:

Revenue Growth: 133% increase, rising to N298 billion from N128 billion in Q3 2023.

Profit Before Tax: Surged by 303% to N105.5 billion in Q3 2024, from N26.2 billion in the same period last year.

Total Assets: Grew by 29%, increasing from N530 billion in December 2023 to N684 billion in Q3 2024.

Shareholders’ Funds: Increased by 34%, from N187 billion in December 2023 to N251 billion in Q3 2024, driven by profit accreting to retained earnings.

Operating Expenses: Increased by 38% to N32 billion in Q3 2024, compared to N23 billion in the previous year, reflecting the impact of inflation on the cost of operations.

Net Finance Cost: Increased by 12% to N12 billion in Q3 2024, from N10 billion in Q3 2023, due to rising interest rates.
Owen Omogiafo, OON, President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Group, attributed the Group’s exceptional performance to its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and ability to navigate a complex market environment.

She said: “We are proud of our consistent year-on-year growth. This remarkable financial performance is a reflection, once again, of our vision and spirit of execution. As we approach year end, we will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, investing in high-growth sectors, and delivering long-term value to our shareholders. We are investing for the future, particularly in the energy and hospitality sectors, delivering for our shareholders and our nation.”

About Transnational Corporation Plc

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.

Transcorp’s power businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power Limited – provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity. Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited. The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination.

www.transcorpgroup.com