Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development as he inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Alagbole-Ajuwon-Akute road in the Ifo Local Government Area.
During the inspection tour, the governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and announced that the road would be completed and commissioned by the end of February.
He also disclosed that the 17-kilometer Sango-Ijoko road would be divided into two sections to allow for its quick completion as he announced the immediate construction of the road.
Governor Abiodun told residents that his government remains dedicated to ensuring all economically significant roads in Ifo II Local government are rehabilitated to enhance connectivity and drive development. He urged road users to utilize the new infrastructure responsibly and protect it from damage, emphasizing its importance to the socio-economic well-being of the area.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ifo CDC, Mr Akangbe Olatunde, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for the ongoing construction on the Ajuwon-Akute road, saying that the Governor has brought joy to the people of Ifo Local Government.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Hadijat Adeleye, noted that the people of the area had gone through so much pain in the past with the neglect of the region by previous administrations.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration commitment to the security of lives and property of residents of the state.
Governor Makinde made this known at the 2024 Bodija Estate explosion remembrance service held at the Bodija Estate Baptist Church, Ibadan.
Represented by the Executive Assistant to the governor on administration, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe, Engineer Makinde noted that the government would not shield anyone found guilty of wrongdoings in the state.
Governor Makinde while commiserating with families of victims of the devastating explosions of 16th January 2024, urged residents to always report any suspicious object or movement to security agencies.
The governor also assured that the constituted committee on the management and disbursement of the Bodija Estate relief fund would reach those who were meant to be compensated.
In his remark, the President Bodija Estate Residents Association, Mr Muyiwa Bamgbose stressed that the community was demanding justice and transparency so that families of victims could get closure.
Earlier in a sermon, The Reverend Kunle Kiyesi of All Souls Church, Bodija encouraged those who lost families or property to take solace in the Lord.
Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Nurudeen Oseni, from Omi Adio, Oyo State for unintentionally allowing the fire he set while clearing his site to engulf a property.
A statement by the police public relations officer in Ogun State, Miss Omolola Odutola, explained that the complainant, Yinka Dolamu a 33 year old from Ifalagba CDA, Kila, Orile Ilugun was in the church with his family around 4:30pm , when he received a call from a neighbor notifying him that his house was ablaze.
Miss Odutola said that the house and its contents were completely destroyed and extent of the damage could not be determined as the complainant was in a state of shock.
According to the PPRO, the suspect later surrendered to the station and was now in police custody, and that the case, will be transferred to the State CID Eleweran in Abeokuta for further investigations.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has inaugurated a 10-man Bodija Explosion Disbursement Fund Committee for immediate relief of the affected residents.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ibadan.
He said the explosion, which rocked the state on January 16, had greatly impacted negatively the socio-economy of the state, particularly the residents of Dejo Oyelese-Bodija Estate.
The governor said his administration would continue to provide support in due time to every resident of the state in times of need.
Governor Makinde while urging the fund disbursement committee to ensure transparency and timeliness in the disbursement to the affected victims, promised road building into and within affected Bodija streets and a memorial monument building in the area.
The ten-man committee members include the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal, former deputy governor, Iyiola Oladokun, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, member of the Nigeria Union of Journa in Oyo State, Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Society of Engineers, among others.
Traders at Araromi Motor Spare Parts, Agodi Gate, Ibadan have appealed to the Oyo State Government and well-meaning individuals for help.
The appeal comes on the heels of last Saturday’s fire outbreak which destroyed goods worth billions of naira.
The traders who spoke with Radio Nigeria during an assessment visit to the market explained that the inferno which started at midnight, completely razed many shops leaving tyres, and waste metals completely burnt.
Some of the traders including Mr Rafiu Akeem, who specializes in iron bending and Alhaja Toyin Ogundijo, an iron seller, lamented that their means of livelihood had been ruined by the fire.
Similarly, Alhaja Toyin Bologade and Mr Waheed Lukman who sell tyres, explained that they lost goods worth millions of naira to the inferno.
In an interview, the President, Ibadan Motor Parts Dealers Unit in the affected market, Alhaji Waheed Gbolagade, popularly known as Pele, said he could not ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak noting that many shops were burnt and properties worth billions of naira destroyed before the arrival of the Fire Service personnel.
While Sympathising with the affected traders, Alhaji Waheed Gbolagade appealed to the state government to come to their aid and provide more equipment to curtail fire disasters in future.
Reacting, Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Fire Reform and Chairman, Fire Service Agency, Dr Marof Akinwande, said men of the Oyo State Fire Service swung into action immediately they got to the scene to avert the spread of the fire to other parts of the market.
Dr Akinwande advised Nigerians to avoid unnecessary burning of items during the dry season and ensure electrical appliances are completely switched off when leaving their house to prevent fire outbreaks.
A new international report on the intensifying impacts of climate change has called for immediate action to avoid catastrophic consequences.
The Project Team Lead, Climate Justice Youth Ambassador, Mr. Oluwatobiloba Ojuoluwa made the call during an Osun Climate Awareness Walk in Osogbo, the state capital.
Mr. Ojuoluwa explained that a study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, has warned on accelerating global warming, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels as critical threats to human and environmental systems.
He said the effect of climate change necessitated the need to create awareness and enlighten the people of Osun state on the need to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse and deforestation.
Addressing the gathering, the District Governor, Rotary Club International, District 9126, Mr. Kayode Olowolagba said there is urgent need for government at all levels to prioritize climate action over short-term economic interests.
In an interview, Senior Researcher and Climate Advocate, Dr. Olanike Ogunsakin pointed out that human activities are driving unprecedented changes to the climate system, stressing the need to act collectively and decisively to mitigate emissions and adapt to the changes already underway.
Dr. Ogunsakin highlighted essential strategies to prevent the worst climate change to include the need for transitioning to renewable energy, protect natural ecosystems, and investing in sustainable infrastructure as well as increased international cooperation and financial support for developing countries to adapt to climate impacts.
As the world grapples with the enormity of the challenge, the message is clear: the choices made today will determine the future of generations to come.Funmi Ojo
The Ogun State House of Assembly has called on the State Ministry of Environment to begin immediate enforcement of the laws against those displaying items for sale on road facilities, thereby causing gridlock in the State.
The lawmakers made at a session with the Management of the State Ministry of Environment led by the Commissioner, Mr. Ola Oresanya to analyze the 2025 budget proposals of the Ministry before members of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Mr Lamidi Musefiu.
Mr Musefiu, alongside his colleague in the House Committee on Environment, Mr Samsideen Lawal and other lawmakers particularly requested that street traders that encroached the road under the Kuto flyover bridge and other parts of the State needed to be warded off to allow the free flow of traffic and prevent avoidable road accidents.
They also commended the Ministry for its efforts at dredging waterways across the State which had helped in reducing flash floods in some parts of the State.
Earlier in his presentation, the State Commissioner for Environment had proposed a total budget expenditure of 3.6 billion naira for the next fiscal year, out of which 2.9 billion would go for capital expenditure, while 754 million naira would take care of recurrent expenditure.
Other agencies that defended their budget proposals before the Assembly included the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the State Ministry of Transportation, the State Teaching Service Commission and the State Waste Management Authority.
The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, D. S. ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Abraham Adesanya ICT Polytechnic, Ijebu- Igbo, Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade and Sikiru Adetona College of Science and Technology, Omu- Ijebu were also at the House of Assembly Complex to defend their budget proposals.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State says his government will not relent in creating and recreating facilities to ease and enhance the economic and social life of Osun people.
Governor Adeleke stated this at the commissioning of the intercity road between the Otan-Ayegbaju and Iresi, breaking a 44-year jinx of abandonment.
Addressing hundreds of Iresi and Igbajo people, royal fathers and leaders who stayed up late into the evening waiting to receive him, the Governor said the commissioning of Iresi-Otan Ayegbaju inter-city road was a continuation of his midterm anniversary which he said will continue till next week.
The Governor said his administration is committed to equitable development of all parts of the state despite attempted blackmail by the opposition which is promoting ethnic division among the people.
“Today, we are here to open for public use, an historic road that has been in a state of disrepair since the second republic. For the past 44 years, this road has remained unattended to.
“I thank God that today our administration has broken the jinx of four decades. We have delivered on our promise to ensure productive connectivity between and among our people. I congratulate the people of Iresi and Otan Ayegbaju on this significant milestone”.
While noting that good governance is not dictated by ethnic or religious considerations, Governor Adeleke said his government is an agent of development for all people, treating all towns and cities as his constituency without fear or favour.
He maintained that his administration is opposed to politicisation of development adding that Politics must be an instrument of development and not a tool to divide and retard the progress of the people.
“As for me and my team, we will deploy state resources to build our roads, airports, water systems, schools, hospitals as well as attending to the social and soft Infrastructure needs of our people.
The road is a total of 7.5 kilometers, which includes three kilometres Iresi township roads and the 4.5 kilometers Otan Ayegbaju-Iresi road.
Presently, we are in the harmattan season, as applicable to every season.
This season is characterized with dust, scorching sun in the afternoon and cold at night.
To enjoy the season however, it is imperative to be well equipped to navigate through it.
The season is known for dry skin, lips, cough and catarrh as a result of the humidity.
Whande’s Diary-Wordpress.com
To cater for this, essential oils like coconut, rosemary and petroleum jelly should be used for the body while lip gloss will serve effectively for the lips.
Consumption of fruits like orange, pawpaw, pineapple, apple among other fruits will prevent cough and catarrh while plenty water should be taken to stay dehydrated.
Also, regular cleaning of the home to prevent accumulation of dust is inevitable during this season.
Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the executive arm through the waste management authority, to implement and enforce strict waste regulations at Lapite dump site, Akinyele Local Government to control the disposal of waste at the dumpsite.
This followed a motion brought to the House by the member representing Akinyele state constituency 1, Mr Lekan Abiola during plenary on Thursday.
According to Mr Abiola the Lapite dumpsite on the Oyo-Ibadan expressway is reeking out disgusting smell to people in the communities and road users thereby becoming an alarming threat to both human health and the environment.
Mr Abiola also hinted that the practice of burning waste at the Lapite dumpsite is causing severe air pollution, noting that the harmful chemicals and particles released during burning are a direct threat to the respiratory health of nearby residents.
He said “Without immediate intervention, the health risks and environmental damage caused by the Lapite dumpsite will continue to escalate. The well-being of the community and the preservation of the local ecosystem are at stake”.
“The unchecked disposal of waste at this site, driven by rapid population growth, industrial activities, and urbanization, has led to severe environmental damage. The disturbing practice of burning waste at the dumpsite adds to the problem by releasing harmful fumes into the atmosphere, endangering the health of nearby residents“.
The lawmaker however stressed the need for the government to enforce 100m setback and perimeter fencing around the dumpsites.
Considering the motion, lawmakers on the floor of the house decried indiscriminate dumping of refuse by residents which they said was capable of causing erosion and flooding especially during the rainy season.
Reacting, Speaker of the House, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin called on the executive to develop and implement a detailed waste management plan that includes regular monitoring, effective waste segregation, recycling, and safe disposal methods
Mr Ogundoyin also urged the executive through the Ministry of Information to launch awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform the public about the dangers of improper waste management and encourage community participation in maintaining environmental health.
The State House of Assembly has passed a resolution seeking urgent need for effective flood control across the state to save the lives and properties of the people.
The State lawmakers passed the resolution following a debate, after which the motion converting the debate into House resolution was move by the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by mr Yusuf Amosun and supported by a unanimous voice vote by all the lawmakers.
Earlier, opening the debate on the house resolution, Mr Folawewo Salami said that there was need for the residents of the state, the State Ministry of Environment, and the 20 Local Government Councils to take proactive measures for effective flood control across the state.
Mr Salami noted that it had become imperative in the light of the 2024 weather forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET, which predicted significant rain and coastal flooding due to rising sea levels.
He however called on the State Government to ensure that all residents, commercial centres, and companies take proactive measures in maintaining and dredging their respective tertiary drainage channels according to the specifications provided by the State Ministry of Environment.
Others who took turn to contribute including the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff, Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye, Deputy Chief Whip, Mr Babatunde Tella, Mr Adeyanju Adegoke and Mr Segun Kaka stressed the need for the Ministry of Physical Planning to always enforce compliance to approval for construction of drainage and necessary set back away from water channels before property developers begin construction.
In his response, the Speaker, Mr Oludaisi Elemide who called on the Physical Planning Ministry to synergize with its Environment counterpart to supervise, desilting and clearing of drainage and waterways, and also advised people of the state to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse; while counselling property developers to avoid erecting structures below the water level.
The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun has called on the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to step in and lend support to the recovery and rebuilding efforts in the Ekosin town.
Prince Egbedun in a Statement through his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Olamide Tiamiyu disclosed this, following a recent fire outbreak which occurred in Ekosin town, Odo-Otin Local Government Council Area of the state.
He stressed that as a result of the inferno, property worth millions of naira were destroyed.
Prince Egbedun, however, appealed for monetary donations and volunteer efforts, from well- meaning individuals in the state to assist those affected by the inferno in Ekosin town .
Ogun State government has introduced the “Green Book” as a comprehensive document for residents on the sustainability, preservation and protection of the environment.
Governor Dapo Abiodun who unveiled the publication in Abeokuta at a programme to commemorate the 2024 world Environment day explained that the book contained necessary rules, regulations and best practices on managing the environment.
Governor Abiodun who spoke through his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele emphasized the importance of ensuring a sustainable urban environment in the bid to address the challenges posed by climate change.
In a paper entitled ” achieving the smart city agenda through climate change resilience and urban afforestation” the Director General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Professor Zachariah Yaduma said urban resilience to ecological disasters could be strengthened through the adoption of green roofs, establishment of parks, open green space and naturalization of woodlands.
Earlier, The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya had listed the environmental protection programmes of the present administration in Ogun State to include the conversion of more than 3,000 tons of wastes into industrial fuel.
Mr Oresanya also announced the government’s plan to embark on the conversion of tricycle and motorcycles to electric powered in line with the federal government’s move to achieve 47 percent reduction in emission by 2030.
Oyo state government is to set up a task force against illegal mining pronounced in Olorunsogo, Irepo and Orire local government areas and to protect other mineral resources in the state.
The Director General Solid Mineral Development Agency, Mr Abiodun Oni made this known while speaking with journalists after a stakeholders meeting held with the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
Mr Oni explained the task force which would consist of all security apparatus from federal agencies and the state would come up with a template within 2 weeks to be approved by the Governor to secure the mineral resources of the state for the benefits of the people.
The DG Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency assured the residents of the state that government is doing its best to stop illegal mining stressing that the days where mineral resources are taken away without authority are gone in the state.
The task force on illegal mining is to be chaired by the Director General, Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency.
In order to avoid non- biodegradable pollution in the environment, there is the need to encourage recycling of some wastes such as sachet of nylon and plastic bottles.
Chairman, Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, SOFPON, Oyo State Chapter, Dr Oluwafemi Okedare stated this at a news briefing to mark this year World Family Doctor’s Day held at NMA Office, Total Garden, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Dr Okedare explained that the earth is faced with unprecedented challenges from climate change to pollution and habitat destruction capable of causing harm to human health.
He noted that the environmental changes contributed to a rise in communicable and non Communicable diseases.
Dr. Okedare said, Family doctors had observed the Health impacts of climate change such as increased respiratory illnesses due to pollution to the spread of vector borne diseases with changing climates.
He maintained that Family Doctors would promote and improve outcome and lower emissions by minimizing energy.
Similarly, Public Relations Officer, PRO, of SOFPON, Dr Folajimi Senjobi decried the high rate of carbon emissions emanating from generator, blasting and industrial engines.
Dr Senjobi called on government and relevant stakeholders to avoid the use of fossil fuels and combustion engines, calling for utilization of cleaner energy and make it affordable to people such as hydro power, solar power and wind energy to safeguard environment rather than causing radiation.
Oyo state government has frowned at illegal mining activities in some parts of the state, warning that the perpetrators of the act would be decisively dealt with.
The Executive Assistant to the governor on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya Retired, stated this while speaking with journalists at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan shortly after a meeting of the community leaders in Kishi, Irepo local government with the Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal following illegal miners operation at Sooro Market over the weekend.
The Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal had during the weekend led clearance operation against illegal miners at Sooro market in Irepo local government
During the raid of the illegal lithium mining market, the Deputy Governor ordered the immediate evacuation of all illegal structures and shanties built across the market, the precious stones, as well as the closure of the Sooro Community market.
Mr Odukoya spoke of the need for stakeholders to stand up to their responsibilities to secure natural resources and maintain peace in their respective areas.
While noting that the Iba of Kishi, Oba Masoud Lawal has assured government to rid the area of hoodlums, Mr Odukoya maintained that the Sooro market where the incident happened remained closed until further notice.
Also speaking, the DG operation Burst, Colonel Oladipo Ajibola Retired, who explained that the illegal minners during the weekend had conveyed the natural resources products in about 8 vehicles said it took the efforts of combined security agencies and community leaders to stop them.
Retired Colonel Oladipo noted that security operatives had arrested 32 culprits in connection with the illegal mining including two Chinese nationals.
Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke says his government is committed to solving the developmental issues facing the state.
Governor Adeleke who stated this at the flag-off of the Lagere Flyover bridge and 55 kilometers of roads across the 30 local governments and the area office in Ile-Ife said his administration is applying phased project implementation strategies due to the huge infrastructural deficit with attendant low funding capacity.
He assured that his administration’s strategy would fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of all the people.
“Even with funding constraints, our government has delivered on various fronts for the Ife area”.
He explained that after compliance with the due process and procurement laws, the flyover bridge was awarded to Messrs Sammya Nigeria Limited at a total project cost of Fourteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-one nairas, forty-five kobo (N14,938,924,771.45) with completion period of Twelve Months.
Also, the construction of 55.86km of Local Government Roads is to cost N30,677,814,099.42, to be completed within twelve months.
Governor Adeleke urged various contractors and the host communities to collaborate for the successful execution of the projects, stressing that community relations must not be downplayed.
Residents and road users in the Olodo area of Ibadan have lauded the Oyo State government for keeping up to its promise to open up a section of the Olodo Bridge under construction for pedestrians by April 30, 2024.
The State Commissioner for Public Work and Transport, Professsor Daud Sangodoyin while opening the bridge appealed to residents and road users to be cautious and abide by the directives of the construction workers while using the bridge as works is still ongoing.
Professor Sangodoyin restated the determination of the state government towards ensuring that the section of the bride opened for pedestrians is made use of by other road users by May 22,2024.
Two of the residents who spoke with newsmen, described the development as a great relief for the people of the area just as he expressed appreciation to the state government for the prompt response to the cries of the people.
The State Governor,’Seyi Makinde during a recent inspection of the bride project, promised to make a section of the bride accessible for pedestrians on April 30, while motorists would also ply the road by May 30, 2024.
It would be recalled that the bridge was devastated by flood following a torrential rain on July 23, 2023, a situation that has left residents and road users in agonizing experience.
Residents of flood-prone areas in Ogun State have been charged to relocate and adopt safety measures against flooding in view of experts’ prediction that some parts of the state will experience flash and urban flooding this year.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya who announced this at the State Flood Alert News Conference in Abeokuta, said the warning was premised on the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET.
The Commissioner also announced the government’s plan to construct proper drainage channels, mini bridges and culverts, in identified flood-prone areas across the three senatorial districts, as part of measures to address the situation.
He encouraged the people to take advantage of the newly introduced Drainage Permit, to guide intending businesses to appropriately discharge their stormwater into final discharge points and guide residents against building on flood plains and wetlands.
The Commissioner gave the assurance that the state would collaborate with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to resolve the age-long Isheri flood, pointing out that the comprehensive study of the drainage pattern in the area was ongoing.
In a remark, the Managing Director, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Mr Olufemi Odumosu who said the agency would focus more on structural measures to control flooding, promised that the water release would be properly controlled to suit the right purposes.
Mr Odumosu charged residents living in wetlands areas of the state to relocate to safer ground or create higher elevation within their residence before the full commencement of raining season.
Representatives of many Communities around Magboro, Ibafo, Oke- Afa, and Isheri along the Lagos – Ibadan expressway were in Abeokuta to witness the flood alert conference.
Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has affirmed his commitment to executing his administration’s multi billion Naira infrastructure projects which started with Phase 1 expected to be completed by December 2024.
Governor Adeleke stated this at the flag-off of Dualisation of Ilesa – Akure expressway Junction – Brewery – Ereja/Palace Square, Ilesa, shortly before the commencement of the second edition of an interactive program IPADE Imole.
The Governor who called for maximum collaboration with the people of Ilesa during the duration of the project, assured that the people whose houses are marked for demolition would be duly compensated.
The Governor disclosed his administration’s plan to construct a total of 16.5KM of roads across the Osun East senatorial district with at least 1.5KM per Local Government.
He added that the flag off of Ile-Ife part of the infrastructure plan would be done soon.
In his remarks, the Paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran stated that the infrastructure plan of the current administration under Governor Adeleke is all inclusive.
He urged the people of Ijesaland to continue to support Governor Adeleke led administration in his efforts to develop the State and enhance the welfare of Osun residents.
Earlier, the state Chairman of PDP, Mr. Sunday Bisi commended Governor Adeleke for fulfilling his promises to the people of Ijesaland.
The road which is 6.2KM with 9.0m width at each side of the carriage, Solar Light at the median section of the carriage way is to Cost N16,570,862,248.07
Ogun State Government has sealed off a private company whose truck was involved in an accident that caused an explosion in the Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta North Local Government Area on Saturday.
Speaking with Journalists after sealing off the premises of the company located at Onijoganjogan, Abeokuta, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Environment and Chairman, Special Task Force on Environmental Matters, Alhaji Farouq Akintunde noted that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the company.
Alhaji Akintunde who expressed regret over the loss of lives and destruction of property during the incident said the company failed to do the needful as regards the truck.
He pointed out that the company would be unsealed as soon as all necessary steps and precautions were put in place, adding that the present administration remained commitment to business-friendly policies and does not take joy in sealing business premises perpetually.
A raging rainstorm on Sunday wreaked havoc at Sango-Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State plunging over 40 communities into darkness.
The storm pulled down electric poles and cables, disrupting traffic on the Sango-Ota highway on Sunday afternoon.
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the incident, appealing to residents to avoid contact with the broken poles and cables.
In a public notice, the IBEDC said due to broken poles occasioned by the heavy downpour at Ota and Mowe, customers in the following communities: lyana lyesi, Osuke Town, Egan Road, lyana Ilogbo, Ijaba, Ijagba, Itele, Lafenwa, Singer, Joju, Alishiba, Oju Ore, Tollgate, Eledi, Akeja, Abebi, Osi Round About, Ota Town, Ota Industrial Estate, Igberen, lju, Atan are experiencing power outages.
Others included Onipanu, Obasanjo, Lusada, Arigba, Odugbe, Ado-Odo, Igbesa, Owode. Olokuta, Hanushi, Bamtish Camp Lufiwape, Eltees Farm, August Engineering, Spark Cear Soap Ayetoro, Amazing Grace Oil, Christopher University, Royal Garden Estate, Pentagon Estate and environs.
The DISCO urged residents not to tamper with the electrical installations in an attempt to have them repaired, saying its technical team was working to clear and replace the affected poles and cables.
It is imperative that people refrain from activities that are inimical to the environment to ensure sustainability of the earth for the future generations.
A lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Oluwayemisi Arowosoge gave the advice on the commemoration of this year’s International Mother Earth Day.
Professor Arowosoge identified factors that may deplete the environment to include deforestation, pollution, and intensive use of agro chemicals, bush burning and dumping of waste into drainages.
He emphasized that damaging the environment could lead to health implications such as respiratory disease, skin disorder, various types of cancer as well as flooding and erratic weather condition.
The don, however, stressed that prediction by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency that Thirty-One out the Thirty-Six States would experience flood this year was a result of damages done to the earth.
She called for enforcement of laws to regulate vehicle emissions in order to guide against loss of biodiversity, scarcity of food and water.
To also protect the environment, the Don emphasized the need for farmers to practise organic farming by using animal droppings.
The United Nations in 2009 set aside April 22 as International Mother Earth Day to promote harmony with nature and protect all the different species on the planet, and the theme for this year is “Planet versus Plastic”.
Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a cooperation framework agreement on trans-boundary ecosystems conservation and sustainable management to enhance protection of endangered animals, like gorillas and chimpanzees, preserve critical habitats and tackle illegal wildlife trade across the border.
The Cooperation Framework Agreement signed in Abuja, by representatives from both countries, is to address the urgent challenges of habitat loss, widespread illegal hunting, and wildlife trafficking.
It also represents a strong joint commitment to collaborate closely on various fronts related to wildlife conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass said both countries will continue to engage in constructive dialogue, and remain steadfast in ensuring that shared natural resources are sustainably managed and conserved for the benefit of present and future generations.
“The agreement underscores the commitment of both countries to work together to manage and conserve shared natural resources and also demonstrates the importance of bilateral cooperation in tackling global challenges”, the minister noted.
In a keynote address, the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Cameron, Mr. Jules Doret Ndongo,who expressed concern on smuggling of illegal wildlife particularly elephants tusks and pangolin scales across the Nigerian-Cameroon border, urged all parties involved to be more committed in the implementation of the agreement.
In a remark, one of the stakeholders who is the Executive Director at Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, Mr Tunde Morakinyo, said, “the agreement will enable national parks such as Gashaka-Gumti and Cross River in Nigeria to work closely with their counterparts in Cameroon to protect the incredible biodiversity they share including chimpanzees, gorillas and elephants, for future generations.”
“It is hard to explain how excited I am by this historic agreement. The idea of trans-boundary collaboration on conservation was proposed as far back as 2008 recognising the spectacular national parks on both sides of the Nigeria-Cameroon border”, he said.
Mr Morakinyo explained that his organisation been pushing for this trans-boundary cooperation for a while alongside others, including the Nigeria Programme of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Ministry of Environment, National Park Service and their counterparts in Cameroon.
Also, the Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency UK, Mary Rice, noted that, “This isn’t a problem that can be tackled by one country alone,” “Wildlife trafficked from Africa to Asia invariably crosses several land borders before being exported, so international cooperation to enforce those borders is essential”.
“From being the epicentre of wildlife smuggling in Africa, Nigeria is now making great strides, such as this agreement and the pending new wildlife law, to show leadership in protecting biodiversity,” said Peter Knights OBE, CEO of Wild Africa Fund.
Other international partners congratulated Nigeria and Cameroon, emphasizing that stronger collaboration along the border is necessary especially to combat wildlife trafficking.
A new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024, which would update and greatly improve current Nigerian laws and support international cooperation, recently passed first reading in the House of Representatives while a public hearing on the bill is scheduled for May.
Nigeria, Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Our correspondent reports that Nigeria and Cameroon share a 1,975-kilometre border.
This region with beautiful landscape, forests and mountains, is home to Africa’s most endangered ape, the Cross River gorilla, as well as the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, drill monkey, forest elephants, leopards, crocodile, and hundreds of butterflies and bird species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Yet, the survival of these unique species is threatened by livestock grazing, illegal logging, artisanal mining, expanding agriculture, poaching, and growing human population.
Fortunately, the international border between the two countries is lined with several contiguous national parks on either side.
The Cross River National Park in Nigeria, with a total area of around 4,000 square kilometres, is adjacent to Takamanda National Park and Korup National Park in Cameroon.
Similarly, Nigeria’s 6,731-square-kilometre scenic Gashaka Gumti National Park, home to one of the largest populations of the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, is right on the border of Faro National Park and the proposed Tchabal Mbabo National Park in Cameroon.
In the north, the Chad Basin National Park is almost adjacent to Cameroon’s Waza National Park.
This trans-boundary agreement will enable these parks to work across the international border on joint protection activities.
Smuggling of illegal wildlife products, particularly elephant ivory and pangolin scales, across the Nigeria-Cameroon border is a serious challenge.
In February this year alone, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and seized 52 elephant tusks weighing 200 kilograms in the southern Nigerian border town of Mfum near Cameroon.
The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in Osun State has announced that from today to Monday routes leading to LAMECO roundabout and Okefia would be temporarily closed, while it will be permanently closed to traffic as from the early hours of Tuesday next week.
A statement by the Permanent Secretary Engineer Bashir Bello indicates that on Tuesday next week, motorists coming from Ilobu/Agunbelewo road en-route Jerry Paul/West Bye-pass would be diverted to a road beside LAIM Hotels, Oroki Estate area, to their destination.
The statement enjoins road users from Ilobu/Agunbelewo road en-route Stadium roundabout to take a diversion created just before Abe Igi Aanu relaxation centre, and would then burst out at NNPC Mega station and towards Stadium.
It states further that motorists from Okefia en-route Capital area/Dada Estate are to divert at a road beside Osun State Property Development Authority, while those coming from Okefia en-route Stadium will pass through the GRA to get to their destination.
Also, motorists coming from LAMECO Junction axis en-route Dada Estate will no longer get to Okefia roundabout before negotiating a new diversion beside Government House Annex to link Dada Estate road as the Okefia roundabout will be blocked and motorists towards Old Garage will continue onwards.
Meanwhile, the ministry says traffic control officers such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and Osun Traffic Marshals, OTRAM would be stationed at strategic locations and junctions to direct motorists and road users.
It adds that the inconveniences the blockade or diversion would cause motorists and other road users is highly regretted.
