Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has ordered the immediate closure of Our Lady of Apostles Primary and Secondary Schools in Ijebu-Ode after a gas leak left 30 students and two teachers hospitalised.
The governor also directed a full-scale investigation into the incident, mandating security agencies to determine the cause of the leak.
Through the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, the governor approved the establishment of a situation room at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, to provide free medical care for affected students and residents of nearby communities, including Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto and Oke-Aje Market.
Governor Abiodun said findings from the investigation would inform measures to prevent a recurrence.
The government urged residents to remain calm and dismiss fears of any security threat linked to the gaseous release.
It added that safety officials, alongside a team from the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, OGEPA, have deployed gas analysers to trace the source of the emission.
The incident occurred shortly after morning assembly at the school, when an unidentified gaseous substance caused breathing difficulties, vomiting and fainting among students and staff.
Victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where authorities said most had stabilised, while the substance responsible had yet to be identified.
In many of Nigeria’s bustling cities, mountains of waste usually pile up on the streets, roadsides and in drains, creating pollution and public health risks.
But amid the trash, a growing number of people are turning refuse into opportunity—sifting, collecting, and selling recyclables—and in the process, reshaping both their livelihoods and the country’s approach to waste management.
Nigeria is regarded as the largest producer of solid waste in Africa, generating an estimated 32 million tonnes of waste annually, with only about 20 to 30 per cent effectively collected and managed.
Across many cities, heaps of refuse often litter streets and block drainage channels, contributing to the already huge environmental pollution problem.
However, the situation has gradually changed as waste recycling activities have begun to reshape the way refuse is handled.
In many residential and commercial areas, individuals now search through refuse bins in search of recyclable materials.
Often carrying sacks on their backs or in their hands, they sift through waste to pick plastic bottles, metal scraps, cartons, cans and other reusable materials which are later sold to recycling companies.
These waste collectors are known by different names in various communities, including scavengers, Iron Condemn, Baba Onipoti and Sagolo Sago.
Previously regarded largely as a menial occupation dominated by men, the waste recycling business is now attracting increasing participation from women, as more people turn to it as a source of livelihood that requires no formal educational qualification.
For an Accounting graduate, Mr Ahmed Sodiq, the venture began reluctantly after he struggled to secure employment and was introduced to the scrap business by a friend.
Over time, the work developed into both a passion and a viable means of income.
Mr Sodiq described his experience in the scrap industry as challenging but financially rewarding and encouraged young people to consider recycling rather than remaining idle while searching for white-collar jobs.
Experts say the recycling sector offers significant economic opportunities for both individuals and the government through employment creation and income generation.
A recycling entrepreneur in Ibadan, Mr Toyese Esan, who operates a recycling plant employing 52 workers, noted that the industry has the potential to address several environmental and economic challenges facing the country.
Mr Esan, who has been involved in the recycling business for about ten years, called on the government to pay greater attention to the waste management sector, noting that it could help tackle unemployment while improving environmental sanitation.
Some experts also recommend that households support recycling efforts by separating recyclable materials from other waste and delivering them to recycling plants as part of efforts to achieve a zero-waste environment.
A section of Omi-Asoro Sawmill along Breweries Expressway in Ilesa, Osun State, has been razed down by fire.
According to witnesses, the inferno which started around four ‘o’ clock Monday morning completely burnt down four plank shops.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, one of the plank shop owners within the sawmill, Mrs Eniola Olowoyeye said no one could ascertain the cause of the fire, saying the whole sawmill had been disconnected the from public electricity due to the poor power supply to the area.
Mrs Olowoyeye, who spoke in Yoruba, said it took the combined efforts of the men of the Federal Fire Service and sympathisers to contain the fire from spreading to other parts of the sawmill, noting that a security guard at one of the shops beside the sawmill alerted his boss to alert others.
Also speaking, another plank seller, whose shop was affected, Mr Olasunkanmi Olowoyo, called on the Osun State government and well-meaning individuals to come to their aid, stressing that the amount of goods burnt in the shops was about sixty million naira.
Mr Olowoyo explained that a customer paid about eighteen million naira on Sunday for his roofing planks and would have come Monday to pack them,only to hear that his goods had been burnt down
He said lifting the financial burden off the shoulder of the owners of the shops requires government’s intervention at this difficult time.
The African Union, AU, has set water security and sanitation as its central priority for 2026, adopting a theme focused on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to drive the goals of Agenda 2063.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said the decision was taken during the bloc’s 39th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, noting that water remains fundamental to Africa’s development, public health and economic growth.
Mr Youssouf said water scarcity and poor sanitation continue to hinder progress across the continent, with millions still lacking access to clean water and basic sanitation, particularly in rural communities.
He stated that the situation disproportionately affects women and girls, who often travel long distances to fetch water, limiting opportunities for education and economic participation.
The AU Commission Chairperson warned that climate change is worsening the crisis through increased droughts, floods and changing rainfall patterns, threatening livelihoods dependent on agriculture.
Mr Youssouf added that nearly 60 per cent of Africa’s freshwater resources are transboundary, stressing the need for stronger cooperation among countries to prevent conflicts and ensure equitable use.
He said the African Union is developing an implementation strategy to promote innovation, strengthen water governance and expand sanitation infrastructure, with a focus on community participation and inclusion of youth and women.
Mr Youssouf called on governments, the private sector and development partners to invest in water and sanitation systems, noting that Africa’s growing population will intensify pressure on existing resources.
He maintained that success would be measured by improved access to clean water and functional sanitation systems, rather than policy declarations.
Veteran filmmaker and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga has responded to claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is broke.
Ayoyinka sparked online reactions after alleging financial hardship despite his long-standing role in the popular TV series Papa Ajasco and Company.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga dismissed insinuations of neglect and described the narrative as “false and misleading,” while providing details about his relationship with the actor and the structure of their professional engagement.
“My first impression when I watched the Papa Ajasco video now trending on the internet and local TV channels was: ‘Okay, so this guy has taken Papa Ajasco comedy into the public space!’ It is all well and good. I am happy for him, as his money-making strategy using social media has apparently worked for him,” Adenuga said.
The media executive described Ayoyinka as a “versatile actor” who closely resembles the original character he created in 1976, adding that there had been no irreconcilable differences between them.
He said, “Candidly, I want to address the wave of misinformation, emotional commentary, and uninformed public intervention that has followed his recent media interview. I am doing this not with malice, but in the interest of truth, transparency, and the integrity of a legacy that has entertained millions of Nigerians for decades.
“I am doing this not with malice, but in the interest of truth, transparency, and the integrity of a legacy that has entertained millions of Nigerians for decades. Abiodun Ayoyinka was a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over three decades. He was even the face of the state’s cultural troupe, which endeared him to the likes of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his time as governor, as well as his successors. He retired not too long ago. In fact, we used to seek permission from his office anytime we needed him on location.
“He bears the closest resemblance to the cartoon version of the Papa Ajasco character, which I created on my dining table in 1976 during my publishing days. He is very close to me, and so far, there has been no irreconcilable difference between us.”
Addressing claims of neglect, Adenuga stated that the production company had supported the actor over the years.
“On the car issue, we once gave him a car — and Pa James as well. He has also used at least five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times. And to the best of my knowledge, he has a house in Ogun State,” he said.
He explained that the restriction on the use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand name for personal ventures was necessary to protect its integrity, but clarified that actors were free to take on other jobs.
“Also, he has not been barred from accepting advert jobs. As he himself stated, all that is required is to seek official approval from a TV station. This is part of brand protection,” Adenuga said.
Questioning Ayoyinka’s claim of financial hardship, he added, “Now, the question is: why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service with the Lagos State Government? What happened to his gratuities?”
Adenuga further noted that other cast members, such as Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan and Oduma regularly feature in other productions, indicating that the company does not restrict artistes from external engagements.
He added that actors typically spend only six weeks annually on set, allowing time for other pursuits.
“The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as and when due. Therefore, any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organisation is entirely false and misleading,” he said.
Adenuga reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining professional relationships and thanked the public for its concern and support.
More than 50 shops have been damaged and property worth millions of naira destroyed after a heavy rainstorm ravaged parts of Akinyele, particularly the Moniya area.
A visit by our reporter to affected locations, including Akinyele Trailer Park, Old Oyo Road, Ibadan-Oyo Expressway and the new Pepper Sellers’ Shops, revealed that strong winds accompanying the rainfall blew off the roofs of several buildings.
Reacting to the incident, the President of Akinyele Trailer Park Market, Akinyele Town, Chief Akeem Abdul-Ganiyu, said the rainstorm caused extensive damage in the area.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Arewa Communities in Akinyele, Mr. Basiri Bala, lamented that the incident had affected many traders who could no longer display their goods for sale.
While sympathising with the affected traders, the Chairman of Akinyele East Local Council Development Authority, Ikereku, Moniya, Ibadan, Alhaji Kazeem Hammed, appealed to them to remain calm, assuring them that government would provide the necessary support.
Meanwhile, many traders were seen repairing damaged shops, while others were clearing debris and salvaging what remained of their goods.
Association of Women Town Planners, Oyo State Chapter, has sought collaboration with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station to educate the public on the procedure of lands and property acquisition as well as planning.
The indication emerged when executive members of the association, paid a courtesy call on the Zonal Director of FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Olufemi Fulani.
Led by the Chairperson of the Association, Mrs Ibiyinka Oladiran explained that collaborating with the station would enable the body to achieve its objectives.
Mrs Oladiran congratulated the new Zonal Director, FRCN,lbadan, on his appointment saying the association believed in the power of Radio Nigeria as a credible broadcasting platform.
Responding, the Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Olufemi Fulani,who appreciated the Women’s Forum for the visit, pledged that the station’s readiness to support the association’s mandate.
Mr Fulani urged the Association to sustain its good name in the society, irrespective of the challenges facing the profession, saying the Association should not hesitate to bring any of its sponsored programmes to the station.
Highpoint of the visit was presentation of gift by the Association of Women Town Planners to the Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station.
Community Development Committee, CDC, Ido in Ido local government area of Oyo State has sought for robust collaboration with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station in the quest to achieve its humanitarian service to the community.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Lawal Salaudeen said this when he led other executive members on a courtesy visit to the Committee of Management of FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station.
Mr Salaudeen explained that CDC requested a cordial relationship with Radio Nigeria Ibadan in view of its mandate to ensure that people at the grassroots benefit from the dividends of democracy through promotion of governments’ policies and programmes to the public.
He commended the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Mr Sherrif Adeojo, for his selfless service and giant strides in the construction of developmental projects in the local government area.
Also speaking, one of the committee members, Mr Akinade Akintayo, who described Radio Nigeria as the flagship of broadcasting, urged employees of the Corporation to come up with more grassroots programmes.
Responding, the Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Olufemi Fulani, who affirmed that Radio Nigeria would continue to uplift the people and unite the nation, said that security of lives and property should be a collective responsibility, hence the need to be more vigilant.
Mr Fulani enjoined the committee members not to relent in monitoring and achieving their core mandates to the community.
Other members of the Community Development Committee, CDC, Ido who were part of the courtesy visit were the Vice Chairman, Mr Damilola Ogunsawo, Secretary Mr Salaudeen Olawale, Social Welfare, Mr Babajide Babatunde, Ex Officio, Pastor Samuel Adesanya, and Project Coordinator, Mr Tirimisiyu Ajibike
The Okere of Sakiland, Oba Khalid Oyedepo, has called on Oyo State Governor, Governor Seyi Makinde, to urgently rid the state of illegal miners, warning that their activities pose grave security, environmental and economic threats. Speaking at the Okere Palace in Saki, Oba Oyedepo cited the recent violent attack in Kiama, Kwara State, as a stark reminder of how weak oversight of rural operations can expose communities to heightened insecurity. The monarch described illegal mining as a growing security risk capable of attracting criminal elements and destabilising border communities if authorities fail to act decisively. Oba Oyedepo urged the Oyo State Government to intensify enforcement measures, strengthen collaboration with security agencies and integrate traditional institutions into intelligence gathering and community surveillance efforts to avert a similar crisis in Oyo State.
He also warned some community heads in Saki over alleged involvement in unlawful activities. The monarch disclosed that the palace had received credible reports implicating them and declared that the traditional institution would not shield any title holder found culpable. He reaffirmed his commitment to accountability and integrity within Sakiland. The event also featured the presentation of brand-new cars to three senior chiefs—High Chief Basapa, High Chief Iba Apefin and High Chief Lasingbon—in recognition of their service.Oba Oyedepo said the gesture aims to strengthen traditional governance by enhancing the mobility and effectiveness of palace officials, reflecting a leadership approach that combines firm action against illegality with support for loyal service.
The Oyo State Government has commenced a 24-hour surveillance operation to curb illegal scavenging in Ibadan metropolis.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Ademola Aderinto, stated this during an interview with newsmen.
Mr Aderinto explained that the action was targeted at regulating the activities of metal scavengers, popularly known as “BOLA,” in order to prevent infrastructure vandalism, enhance public safety and promote environmental sustainability.
He reiterated that the Ministry has a statutory responsibility to keep Oyo State clean and free from activities that pose as environmental and public health hazards, noting that unchecked scavenging has contributed to environmental degradation and insecurity in some parts of the state.
Mr Aderinto emphasized that open scavenging is prohibited in Oyo State and assured that the government would not relent in its resolve to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders in line with existing environmental laws.
According to the Commissioner, violators are liable to penalties including fines ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, community service and possible jail terms, depending on the severity of the offence.
The Commissioner revealed that, as part of the ongoing enforcement drive, a total of nineteen illegal scavengers were apprehended and prosecuted.
In a related development, Mr Aderinto said the Ministry also sealed a food processing facility located within a residential area at Wofun, Ibadan, following findings that its boiler was emitting excessive carbon soot into the environment, thereby contributing to air pollution.
Mr Aderinto stressed that the facility would only be reopened after full compliance from the company.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde urged the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ademola Aderinto to lead reforms that would significantly improve environmental management across the state.
He said this during the swearing-in ceremony of Mr Ademola Aderinto at the Executive Council Chambers, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, describing the Ministry of Environment as a critical but challenging sector of his administration.
Governor Makinde noted that environmental issues in the state were deeply rooted in cultural practices, making reforms difficult, but stressed that the situation must change.
The governor said the ministry is an area where his government expect stronger performance, enjoining the commissioner to justify the confidence reposed in him through improved environmental policies and service delivery.
In an interview, the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Ademola Aderinto pledged to intensify efforts in waste management, climate action, and environmental protection, assuring residents that his ministry is entering a phase of consolidation and visible action.
Mr Aderinto added that existing laws against noise pollution and other environmental interactions would now be strictly enforced.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has appealed to the Federal Government to help solve the ecological problems affecting Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.
Oba Ladoja made the appeal during a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, in Abuja office.
According to the statement issued and signed by his Media Aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan, who is the Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, acknowledged the previous interventions of the Federal Government and World Bank on Ogunpa channelisation.
The royal father, however, added that the Ogunpa ecological problem gained more prominence because the areas affected are elitist areas stretching from Mokola, Ekotedo, Ogunpa, Oke Ado, to Molete.
He called on the Federal Government to extend its support in addressing the environmental threats confronting his subjects in Oranyan, Kudeti Agbongbon, and other parts of the historic city.
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed a major fire outbreak at the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, affecting several industrial facilities and adjoining residential buildings.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, Mr Oluseyi Babaseyi said the inferno was traced to a gas-related explosion at a foam-manufacturing company located within the trade zone.
Mr Babaseyi explained that the fire rapidly spread to surrounding structures due to the presence of flammable materials and the close proximity of industrial buildings.
The Ogun State Police Command added that a full investigation had been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire and to review safety compliance by companies operating within the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone.
Ekiti State has recorded its first rainfall of the year 2026.
The rain, which lasted for about an hour, was witnessed in towns such as Ifaki and Aramoko Ekiti, while light showers were also recorded in Ado Ekiti, Iworoko Ekiti and some other parts of the state.
Some residents who spoke on the development described the early rainfall as a positive sign, expressing optimism that the new year would be prosperous.
Others said the rain brought relief from the intense heat currently being experienced across the state.
Residents, however, expressed hope that the rainfall would continue in the coming weeks to support farming activities and improve agricultural productivity across Ekiti State.
The Ogun State Government has suspended three environmental consultancy firms over professional negligence linked to alleged acid battery pollution in the Ogijo area of the state.
The suspension follows findings from a process audit of closed Used Lead Acid Battery, ULAB, recycling companies in the area.
The affected firms are Vyne Nurt Limited, Core Environmental Services Limited, and Saag Chemicals Nigeria Limited.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, announced the decision during a review meeting held at the Ministry of Environment Conference Room, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Dr. Oresanya said the firms were found culpable during the audit process.
He explained that pollution abatement devices expected to be installed by the firms were either missing or not installed at all.
The Commissioner said this amounted to clear professional negligence.
He said the state had no option but to suspend the firms from all environmental consultancy services in Ogun State.
According to him, the suspension will remain until the firms are able to clear their names of all complicity allegations.
Dr. Oresanya added that the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Enforcement Agency, NESREA, have been formally notified of the state’s decision.
He said the firms’ operations will remain suspended pending their exoneration.
One person has been killed while another sustained injuries in a lone motorcycle accident that occurred on Tuesday night at the Jagilegbo area of Ifetedo, in Osun State.
According to the Osun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the fatal crash occurred at about 9:45 p.m. along the township route.
The FRSC State Public Education Officer, Mrs. Agnes Ogungbemi, said the accident involved two adult males riding a single unregistered motorcycle.
Mrs. Ogungbemi explained that the motorcycle, a black TVS model, was travelling at high speed before losing control.
“The motorcycle, a black TVS model, was said to have been travelling at high speed before the crash occurred and overspeeding was the possible cause of the accident.
One of the riders died at the scene, while the second victim sustained head injuries and bruises.”
She added that the injured victim was immediately rescued and taken to a general hospital for medical attention, while the corpse of the deceased was deposited at the Divine Haven Morgue in Ondo.
“The injured victim was promptly rescued and taken to a general hospital for medical treatment and the corpse of the deceased was deposited at Divine Haven Morgue in Ondo,” she stressed.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Sector Commander of the FRSC,Mr. Leye Adegboyega, cautioned road users against excessive speeding.
He urged motorists and riders to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and to comply strictly with traffic regulations, noting that such measures would significantly reduce road accidents.
The Ogun state government has warned metal recycling companies in Ogijo not to violate the March 31, 2026 deadline to upgrade their operations with modern technology or face strict sanctions.
General Manager, Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, Mr Kehinde Bello, stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting with the company representatives and Ogijo community leaders at the Ministry of Environment, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Mr Bello said the state would permanently shut down any company that failed to comply.
While stressing that obsolete equipment have continued to endanger the safety of the communities, he noted that past administrations had issued fines, stop-work orders and closures for over fifteen years, yet compliance remained poor.
The OGEPA General Manager told community leaders that no extension of the March 2026 deadline would be considered and urged them to support government efforts to restore a safe and healthy environment in Ogijo.
The Ogun State Government has announced free lead poisoning tests for residents of Ogijo following allegations of contamination linked to seven sealed Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling factories.
Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr Tomi Coker, disclosed this during a meeting with Ogijo Community Development Associations at the Ologijo Palace.
She said a fully equipped Lead Testing Centre staffed with medical experts has been established at Ogijo Primary Health Centre, with testing to begin Monday, December 1, 2025.
Dr Coker urged community leaders to mobilize residents, stressing that the Dapo Abiodun administration prioritizes citizens’ health and that early detection is vital to preventing long-term effects of lead exposure.
Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, announced an immediate comprehensive process audit of the seven ULAB plants and nearby steel industries, warning that non-compliant facilities would remain shut until they meet updated environmental standards.
Responding on behalf of the Ologijo of Ogijo, Oba Kazeem Olaonipekun Gbadamosi, the Lisa of Ogijo, Chief Sunday Lawal, commended the government for its prompt action and the provision of free testing for residents.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has assured original land owners affected by the Ibadan Circular road project that their concerns would be fully addressed under his administration.
Governor Makinde made the assurance while meeting with landowners from Ido local government area at Ologuneru, Ibadan.
The Governor who confirmed New Towns and Cities Development Authority as government’s genuine representative to address outstanding issues related to the project, urged the landowners to establish a 10-member committee to work closely with the authority.
He also pledged that no property would be demolished without adequate compensation.
Governor Makinde, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, promised landed owners that their trust would not be betrayed.
He urged affected property owners to disregard any markings on buildings beyond the approved 150-meter setback in developed areas, emphasizing that the project would not exceed the designated limits.
Speaking earlier, representatives of the property owners, appealed to Governor Makinde to consider reducing the setback and document the agreement to avert future reoccurrence.
At the meeting were Ibadan Mogajis including Abass Oloko, Mogaji Adanla, Wale Ladoja, government functionaries, among others.
Oyo State Housing Corporation has conducted a fact-finding mission to the Owode Housing Estate Phase II, Apata, Ibadan, urging those yet to develop their allotted lands in the estate to do so in order to avoid losing such lands.
This is sequel to an outcry by residents over insecurity and constant attacks by men of the underworld using the area as a hideout.
Residents of Owode Estate Phase II had earlier sent a Save Our Soul message to the Corporation, decrying the spate of insecurity in the estate, noting that the massive forest in the estate had become a criminal hideout and that the few residents, who had developed the plots, could not sleep with their two eyes closed.
Speaking shortly after conducting newsmen round the wide expanse of land, chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Demola Omotosho, pointed out that though the estate was inaugurated close to 50 years ago, only about 20 per cent of it had been developed.
He noted that the fact-finding mission to the estate with newsmen became imperative following protests from residents, who reported cases of burglary, rape, and violent attacks.
Mr Omotosho pointed out that a recent incident involving a 76-year-old man who was brutally attacked, triggered the latest round of protests from residents, who had developed their plots but were made to live at the mercy of allottees, who failed to develop theirs and whose lands have become criminal hideouts.
He decried that despite the estate having been established in the 70s, there are close to 1,000 hectares of undeveloped lands.
Mr Omotosho maintained that in order to curb the insecurity in the axis, the state government had called for a Public-Private Partnership to transform the Owode Phase II into a residential district.
Assuring residents that significant development would take place between now and June 2026, Omotosho noted that the Corporation would put up a Police Post, an Amotekun security base and also install solar-powered streetlights across the estate.
He added that similar interventions are underway in Ajoda New Town, where the first batch of 1,000 housing units are expected to be completed and delivered by June next year.
He declared that the Corporation would revoke the undeveloped plots, while those who are ready to develop immediately should approach the Corporation for a discussion, explaining that the move to revoke is backed by the Oyo State Housing Corporation Law of 2001, which stipulates “that any plot left undeveloped for more than two years, or any allocation not fully paid for within twelve months, is automatically revoked.
Earlier, a representative of the residents of Owode Estate Phase II, Mr Idowu Aladejobi, said that residents of the estate had, indeed, sent a Save Our Soul to the Oyo State Housing Corporation, noting that criminals frequently hid in the numerous undeveloped plots around the estate, launching attacks on residents both day and night.
According to him, the abandoned lands have become danger zones and that it took repeated complaints to get the attention of the Housing Corporation to identify owners of the undeveloped plots.
Other residents, who spoke with newsmen, expressed hope that the inspection and promises made by the Oyo State Housing Corporation would mark the beginning of meaningful action to secure and fully develop the estate.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Belem, Brazil.
He is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a major United Nations climate conference.
The conference is the 30th Session of the UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP30.
It is being held in the capital of Pará State, in the Brazilian Amazon.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva convened the summit and the theme is “Climate Action and Implementation.”
The meeting brings together world leaders, development agencies, and business executives.
Discussions will focus on adaptation, forests, biodiversity, and climate justice.
Vice President Shettima’s official schedule will begin with the Leaders’ Plenary where he will deliver Nigeria’s national statement on climate action there.
He will also participate in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund and attend a high-level roundtable on Climate and Nature which Brazilian President Lula will chair.
Vice President Shettima will also join an Amazonian Cocktail Reception for Heads of Delegation a reception the Brazilian leader is hosting.
This year’s COP30 marks ten years since the Paris Agreement and it is expected to renew the global commitment to limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C.
Another key focus will be mobilizing climate finance of which the goal is to secure $1.3 trillion annually for developing nations by 2035.
Ogun State Government has flagged off its “Renew and Reuse Programme” in Ipokia Local Government, distributing renewed clothes and shoes to residents, as part of efforts to promote proper waste management and support the less privileged.
Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, said the programme promotes proper waste management and human kindness by converting items considered waste into useful materials for others.
Represented by the Director, Environmental Quality Control, Water Regulatory Enforcement and Advocacy, Mr. Kayode Akinwande, Mr Oresanya, explained that the renewed clothes and shoes were donated by residents who initially considered them waste but were refurbished by the state government for others who could make good use of them.
The commissioner urged residents to donate unused items through collection boxes across the state instead of dumping them in waterways and drainages.
In a remark, the Ipokia Local Government Chairman, Mr Johnson Avoseh, commended the state government and the Ministry of Women Affairs describing the initiative as beneficial to both the environment and the less privileged.
Two beneficiaries, Madam Esther Akovoyan and Mr. Simon Gandonu, appealed to residents of the local government and the state to donate generously so that more less-privileged people can benefit from the initiative.
Ipokia Local Government became the third in the state to benefit from the Renew and Reuse distribution since the programme was launched last year.
The Ogun State Government has sealed Adatan Market in Abeokuta, for environmental infractions and roadside trading.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, and Chairman, Ogun State Task Force on Environmental Compliance, Mr Farouk Akintunde, disclosed this to newsmen at Oke-Mosan, after an enforcement carried out by the task force.
Mr. Akintunde explained that the market was shut down following the traders’ persistent dumping of refuse in drainage channels, and displaying goods on walkways and across drains, thereby obstructing free flow of water and movement of people.
He warned that the government would no longer condone disregard for environmental laws and public sanitation, noting that the action followed months of engagement and warnings issued to the affected traders.
He reaffirmed the government’s zero tolerance for environmental abuse and its renewed commitment to a cleaner, healthier state.
In a related development, Alaga Restaurant along Mercy Road, Panseke, and Sintinatti Bar at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, were also sealed for discharging wastewater from their businesses indiscriminately.
In the city of Ibadan and other major cities in Nigeria, heaps of plastic bottles and used nylons are no longer seen as waste.
As science, innovation, and human redefine waste recycling, a quiet revolution is transforming trash into wealth.
For years, many towns in Nigeria have battled environmental pollution as a result of overflowing dumpsites.
However, the story is changing daily due to growing environmental awareness and innovative recycling models.
With the introduction of mechanical recycling, composting, e-waste recovery, and even waste-to-energy technologies, waste is being reimagined as a resource that can fuel both economies and cleaner environments.
At the core of this movement are end users of plastic bottles and informal waste collectors who collect, sort, and sell recyclables for survival.
Plastic recycling companies are now integrating these collectors into formal systems, providing safety gear and fair prices.
It is worthy to note that this kind of labour and technology is not only cleaning cities but also providing job opportunities.
On the part of the recycling industries, they have found creative ways to make waste valuable.
Plastics and nylons waste have been turned into furniture, bags, tiles, or packaging materials, while organic waste are being processed into fertilizer.
While recycling in Nigeria still faces some teething problems such as poor waste segregation, weak infrastructure, and unstable markets, experts have called for friendly policies, to sustain recycling and make it a long-term profitable business.
Turning trash into cash is not just a child’s play, but a science-driven path to Africa’s cleaner, circular future.
Every bag of sorted waste is not all about income; it is a climate action, an avenue for job creation, and local industry rolled into one.
The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Ogun State Command, is collaborating with stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability and beautification.
The NIS demonstrated this commitment at a symbolic tree-planting exercise in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Abeokuta Royal, held at its Oke Mosan, Abeokuta headquarters.
The Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs Olufunke Odusote, described the exercise as a legacy project symbolizing life, nature’s continuity, and posterity.
Comptroller Odusote commended the Rotary Club and other partners for their support while encouraging officers to participate actively in sustaining the environmental preservation initiatives.
The President of the Rotary Club of Abeokuta Royal, Rotarian John Ogunmuyiwa, said the project aligns with the club’s global focus on environmental protection, climate action, and community development.
Also, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Paramount 94.5 FM, Abeokuta, Mrs. Oluremi Olugbenro, who planted a tree on behalf of the station, lauded the initiative as a timely step toward safeguarding the environment and called for more public enlightenment on climate-friendly practices.
Symbolic trees were planted in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, among other dignitaries.
