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LAGOS, LAWMA AND THE BATTLE AGAINST FILTH
By Bolaji Israel
The city of Lagos, with its ever-increasing population and bustling economic activities, faces significant environmental challenges. With the ever-growing influx of people from all over the country into Lagos daily in search for greener pasture, coupled with the volume of businesses, manufacturing, trading activities and human movements around the state, it is understandable that its environmental challenges would be humongous and multidimensional.
Dirty markets, littered streets, blocked drainages due to indiscriminate waste disposal and plastic wastes and homeless miscreants squatting all around the state bridges, would readily have been the disgusting optics in the absence of proactive management and control.
However, the state government, particularly the current administration, is sparing no efforts in its renewed bid to safeguard the environment and ensure a clean and healthy city for residents to live and thrive.
Lagos, which has a population of over 20 million is projected to hit 32.6 million by 2050, and over 80 million by 2100, according to Global Cities Institute at the University of Toronto.
As the state evolves into a full-scale modern city befitting of its status, the government cannot afford to do less or rest on its oars. In fact, all residents and stakeholders must join hands with in the fight to maintain a conducive environment critical for sustainable living.
Just recently, in a bold move to halt further environmental violation in the area, the Lagos State Government dislodged scores of illegal squatters and miscreants residing under Ijora Bridge.
The commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab had reiterated that the exercise was aimed at addressing issues of gross environmental abuse, perpetrated by the illegal squatters, adding that the government would leave no stone unturned in restoring sanity to the environment across the metropolis.
Tunji Bello
At the core of the campaign for a clean and healthy environment is Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, the government agency which plays a crucial role in both the proactive and daily management of environmental issues in the state, as well as enforcements against recalcitrant violators through its enforcement team.
Earlier in January, residents woke up to the cheering news of a total ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam packs and other single use plastics by the government.
The decision had followed the menace which the single use plastics, especially the non-biodegradable styrofoam was causing on the environment, as most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged, with a larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets attributed to same Styrofoam, despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous resources.
Furthermore, Oke-Afa, Isolo and Katangua Markets, in the Abule Egba area, were also sealed in January for violating waste disposal regulations and for sundry unhygienic practices, constituting grave environmental infractions.
Wahab had charged that: “The government has not jettisoned its zero tolerance for waste and the only way for markets and traders, is to engage in decent and civilised waste disposal practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) as any market or facility that runs foul will face sanctions”.
Last November, the government reopened the Mushin main market, Ojuwoye, Awolowo, Irepodun and Daleko markets in the densely populated Mushin area of the state, after the traders made amends to correct widespread environmental infractions, including indiscriminate waste dumping.
Mile 12 international, Owode Onirin and Oyingbo markets were all also not spared last October as they were all sealed but reopened only after complying with environmental standards as stipulated by the government.
Similarly, an Environmental Special Offences Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, last November handed down fines and community service penalties, to over 100 environmental offenders, found guilty of indiscriminate waste disposal, across the state.
The presiding magistrate underscored the gravity of the offences and impact on the environment, subsequently imposing a fine of ₦30,000 on each offender, with an option of six hours of community service, in designated areas like the General Hospital, Odan, and Tinubu Market in Lagos Island.
Beyond shutting markets and punishing violators, dialogue, awareness and other engagements, have also been well explored by the government and its core environmental agencies especially LAWMA.
Determined to instil a positive environmental consciousness in the younger generation, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), last November, went on a sensitisation mission to pupils of Otto Primary School, Otto, Lagos Mainland, on proper waste management, with emphasis on recycling, as a source of personal revenue.
The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who led the team, addressed the pupils on the importance of proper waste management, noting that the exercise was part of the Authority’s environmental sustainability initiatives, to instill responsible waste management practices in children.
Gbadegeshin
He said; “I am glad to be among you all today. In LAWMA you mean so much to us and that is why we have deemed it fit to visit your school first, being the closest to us here in Otto.
Diseases like malaria, diarrhoea and the like, thrive in environments that are unkempt and polluted with activities like littering, reckless waste dumping, and open defecation and so on.
To avoid all of these, it behoves you to do what is right by disposing of your waste properly into the waste bins’’, he stressed.
As the 3-week moratorium before the enforcement of total ban on styrofoam packs endures, LAWMA has held a consultative meeting with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), where it discussed ways of implementing sustainable waste management strategies, in view of the latest developments.
Addressing the stakeholders, managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin reiterated the Authority’s commitment to the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, stressing that the state government had to ban Styrofoam to protect the environment and safeguard public health.
Gbadegesin, said the Authority would continue to place premium on establishing a cleaner and healthier environment, promising to continue to identify and address environmental challenges across the state, and to work tirelessly, to make Lagos a cleaner, more sustainable city.
On the overall, the government’s holistic approach signals a responsible, coordinated and proactive leadership in the state, helping to assure of conducive environment for all and sundry and preventing environmental disasters caused by poor hygiene and related habits.
No serious government should allow actions that can jeopardise citizens health and safety, and the state government has shown through its continued actions, that it could walk the talk and would not hesitate to take decisive measures to protect the environment and safeguard lives and properties of over 22 million residents.
News
NiMet DG/CEO Anosike Tasks Staff On Transparent Processes At 2024 Budget Retreat
NiMet DG/CEO Anosike Tasks Staff On Transparent Processes At 2024 Budget Retreat
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Director General, Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has asked Directors and staff of the agency to ensure strict compliance to budgetary provisions.
Professor Anosike was speaking at the Budget Retreat of the agency on Monday, 6th May, 2024.
While declaring the retreat open, Professor Anosike said; “The NiMet Budget Retreat is fundamental for the new management and staff. It is an opportunity for us to improve our budgetary practices and also to discuss the 2024 budgetary provisions”.
Continuing, Professor Anosike tasked the Directors and senior staff of the agency who participated in the retreat to listen, participate and contribute to the robust discussions.
“Anticipated outcome of the retreat is that all will embrace performance-based budgeting which will lead to transparent and accountable budgetary processes.
This will help management and staff to achieve our set goals during the budget year, in line with the performance bond signed with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN”, Professor Anosike concluded.
News
ASR AFRICA COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION OF 500-CAPACITY LECTURE THEATRE AND FACILITIES WORTH 250 MILLION NAIRA FOR ADAMAWA UNIVERSITY
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) commences the construction of a 500-capacity lecture theatre and wash facilities for the Adamawa State University, Mubi.
L-R: Nakama Keri, Multilateral Coordination Specialist, ASR Africa; Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO, ASR Africa; Dr. Stephen A. Lagu, Ag. Vice Chancellor, Adamama State University; Engr E. B. Filli, Director, Physical Planning & Devt., and Mallam Aminu Aliyu Alkali, Registrar at the Groundbreaking Ceremony in Mubi, Adamawa State.
This project is coming after the nomination of the institution as a recipient of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGS), by the Board of Directors of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Stephen A. Lagu, expressed his appreciation to the Chairman of BUA group and ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the rare philanthropy gesture towards the university.
He stated that the intervention of the Chairman would reduce the physical infrastructure deficit at their new campus and promote sanitation and hygiene in the university.
L-R: Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO, ASR Africa and Dr. Stephen A. Lagu, Ag. Vice Chancellor Adamawa State University at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Abdul Samad Rabiu 500-capacity Lecture Hall with other facilities.
He added that the choice of the 500-seat lecture theatre with the four boreholes at different locations within the campus was identified and agreed to by the relevant organs of the institution with the ASR Africa team.
Dr Ubon Udoh (MD / CEO, ASR Africa), in his remarks, congratulated the institution for qualifying for the nomination by the Board of Directors of ASR Africa.
He stated that the rigorous selection process which includes stringent criteria such as the quality of service delivered by the university and the pedigree of graduands from the institution at the national and international levels, proves that the university is keeping up with its vision as a leading institution of learning in the region.
He encouraged the management and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facilities as a show of appreciation for the grant given to them.
The Tertiary Education Grant Scheme of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative is part of the efforts of the Chairman of BUA Group and ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu to give back to the African continent and make a lasting impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans.
About ASR Africa
ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.
News
Seplat Energy Named Daily Independent’s Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year
… Also Emerges as The Industry’s Sustainable Energy Company for 2023
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Seplat Energy PLC, leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, has clinched the Daily Independent Newspaper’s Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year Award.
L-R: Publisher, The Niche Newspaper, Ikechukwu Amaechi; General Manager, Finance, Seplat Energy Plc, Adetaiwo Osindero; Manager Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara; and Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Adebowale Eboda, at the Daily Independent Newspaper Awards, where Seplat Energy was name as the Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year, held in Lagos … recently.
The company was recognised for recording remarkable exploits in the Nigerian oil and gas sector while partnering local communities who are seen and treated as key stakeholders to its operations and overall corporate well-being through inclusive engagement models.
Speaking at the Independent Newspaper Award Ceremony held in Lagos at the weekend, the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of the Publication, Mr. Steve Omanufeme, said Seplat Energy was also recognised for its invaluable contributions to the Nigerian economy in many other ways since it was founded, including the supply of natural gas to the domestic market while helping to displace expensive and carbon-intensive oil based power, which dominates Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Omanufeme added: “In all of these, the Company creates direct and indirect employment, while enhancing expertise and technology across the nation’s energy value-chain.
L-R: Head of Marketing, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo; Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy Plc, Stanley Opara; and Head of Digital Marketing (B2C) Olam Grains Nigeria, Oladotun Babatunde, during The Industry Summit & Awards, where Seplat Energy emerged as the Sustainable Energy Company of the Year, held in Lagos … recently.
“This award is to celebrate this Company that has stayed committed to its mission of leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable, and reliable energy that drives social and economic prosperity.”
The award ceremony was attended by leaders across industries in Nigeria, regulators, politicians, and other government leaders. Seplat Energy was represented at the event by General Manager, Finance, Adetaiwo Osindero; Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Adebowale Eboda; and Manager Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara.
In a related development, The Industry Newspaper at its 2024 Summit and Awards, also announced Seplat Energy as the Sustainable Energy Company of the Year whilst its Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe, was honoured as the 2023 Industry Pathfinder in Sustainability (Corporate).
The Publication noted that Seplat Energy has demonstrated the capacity to be responsible and adhering to the ethics of the business during the period under review.
Responding to the awards by Daily Independent and The Industry Newspapers, Seplat Energy thanked the publications for the recognition and commended them for their display of professionalism, tact and commitment to developmental reportage over the years.
The company thus reemphasized its resolve to leading energy transition in Nigeria with strong focus on the environment, communities and governance frameworks.
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