Environment

Nigeria, Cameroon, Sign Trans-Boundary Wildlife Conservation Agreement

By Web News 480

By Osamudiamen Idemudia (Abuja)

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.

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Environment

Road Construction : Ministry of Works Announces Diversion

By Web News 909

By Mojisola Oladele

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.

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Environment

Expect Three-Day Sunshine, Thunderstorms from Monday – Nimet  

By Web News 295

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted sunshine and thunderstorms from Monday to Wednesday.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja forecasts a sunny and hazy atmosphere over parts of Yobe and Borno states on Monday, with chances of thunderstorms over part of Kebbi.

According to NiMet, the remaining parts of the North should be sunny with patches of cloud during the morning periods.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Bauchi, Taraba and Kaduna States.

Sunny skies with few cloud patches are expected over the North central region with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Niger, Kwara and Benue during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, FCT, Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi ,” it said.

NiMet envisaged the South to be cloudy with spells of sunshine with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning hours.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Imo, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

” For Tuesday, sunny skies with few cloud patches are expected over the North with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba and Adamawa states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Bauchi states. The North Central region should be sunny with cloud patches during the morning hours.

“Progressing into the day, isolate thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue states,” it said.

The agency anticipated the South to be cloudy with spells of sunshine with increased cloudy condition over the coastal region during the morning hours.

It forecasts isolated thunderstorms over parts of Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers Bayelsa states.

The agency envisaged a sunny atmosphere over the North on Wednesday, with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Taraba, Kaduna, Adamawa and Bauchi states later in the day.

“Progressing into the day, isolate thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue states,” it said.

The agency anticipated the South to be cloudy with spells of sunshine with increased cloudy condition over the coastal region during the morning hours.

It forecasts isolated thunderstorms over parts of Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers Bayelsa states.

The agency envisaged a sunny atmosphere over the North on Wednesday, with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Taraba, Kaduna, Adamawa and Bauchi states later in the day.

NAN/Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Environment

Ogun Govt. Shuts Company over Environmental Infractions

By Web News 583

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Ogun State Government has warned companies that it will not condone any environmental infractions, especially those that have direct impacts on residents of the state.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Alhaji Farook Akintunde gave the warning while announcing the closure of a black oil, bio-char and steel wire producing company in the Sango Ota area of the State, over serious and harmful environmental infractions.

Alhaji  Akintunde explained that the Company was found guilty of operating under harmful, inhuman and substandard conditions as its production processes which involve the burning of tyres have impacted negatively on the residents of its immediate communities at the Excellence Estate which comprises four communities at Igboloye, Idiroko, Ota. 

The Special Assistant added that the investigation had revealed that the company was operating without necessary Environmental Approvals and Environmental Impact Assessments which was contrary to the state government’s guidelines, thereby committing serious environmental offences.

He urged companies operating in the state to obtain necessary documents that would guide them in their operations, stressing that despite the government’s friendly posture, it would not condone any environmental infractions.

In a remark, the Vice-Chairman, Riverview Community-one of the four Communities in the Excellence Estate, Mr Obanla Abel appreciated the intervention of the state government, saying the company’s operation had caused serious hazard to the residents of the communities through its incessant release of noxious gases and untreated waste-water.

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Environment

NiMet Alerts States of Impending Heat Stroke

By Web News 493

By Julian Osamoto

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has, in its weather prediction alert, warned of an impending heat stroke in Abuja, Kano, and many other northern states.

According to the agency, the situation is being aggravated by the scorching heat waves across the country.

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature.

NiMet on Saturday stressed that residents of the said northern states and Abuja might suffer extreme heat, which would make them prone to heat-induced conditions.

It said Abuja, Kano, Sokoto, and Kogi states were categorised under Extreme Danger,, advising residents to take precautionary steps as they were likely to experience heat or sunstroke.

Some other states in this category are Kebbi, Katsina, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, Niger, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Benue, and Kwara.

NiMET also warned Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Delta, Enugu, Edo, Ogun, Plateau, Borno, Imo, Abia, and Cross River to be prepared for increased heat waves, although the possibility of heat stroke is less likely compared to states in the red zone.

The agency emphasized the importance of staying well-hydrated and avoiding strenuous physical activities, especially during the peak hours between 12noon and 4pm.

“We advise the public to stay well hydrated. Reduce strenuous physical activities during the peak hours, that is between 12 and 4 pm.,” the statement said.

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Environment

Minister Expresses Dissatisfaction on Ado-Akure Road Construction

By Web News 1733

By Kazeem Ayodeji

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi has expressed dissatisfaction with the progress and quality of the ongoing construction of the Ado-Akure federal road.

During an inspection of various road projects in Ekiti state, particularly the Ado-Ijan-Ikare federal road, Senator Umahi highlighted several issues which include discrepancies in performance from the contractors handling the project.

He said he had summoned the contractors responsible for the project from both Ondo and Ekiti states, emphasizing the need for necessary adjustments.

Assessing the recently awarded Ado/Ikare road dualization project, the Minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s economy through road infrastructure development.

Senator Umahi, acknowledging Governor Oyebanji’s passion for maintaining the route, announced that the federal Ministry of Work would revisit the road on Saturday to assess the necessary logistics for its rehabilitation.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji praised the alignment of vision between states and the federal government, just as he commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to sub-national development and responsiveness to the Ekiti people’s concerns regarding the Ado-Ijan-Ikare road.

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Environment

Makinde Lays Foundation for NUJ Mall in Oyo

By Web News 492

By Iyabo Adebisi

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has turned the sod for building a mall for the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State chapter, at the NUJ press centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The mall, a partnership between the Oyo NUJ and a private company, will house 40 shops, a 1,000-capacity hall, children’s play-station, chalets, a relaxation spot, swimming pool side.

Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde represented by his Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal, said that such a project by the NUJ was long overdue.

He said the Oyo NUJ was bound to benefit from the economies of having such a mall in a prime location as Iyaganku.

He lauded the present Ademola Babalola-led Oyo NUJ for the vision, admonishing the union to ensure they tighten any loose ends peculiar projects on a Build Operate Transfer scheme.

This, he said, would prevent a stall or delay to the timely completion of the project.

In a remark, the project developer, Architect Ayo Ogunlade said two and a half years timeline was set for the completion of the project.

He said the company would leverage the prime location of the centre to attract the needed funding for the project assuring that the mall would be built by international and modern standards. 

The Oyo NUJ chairman, Ademola Babalola said the project was envisioned to enable the NUJ to have a source of Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

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Environment

Ogun Govt. Shuts Sorghum Plant over Environmental Infractions

By Web News 373

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

As part of efforts to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for all, the Ogun State government has shut down a malted sorghum-producing company located at Ijako, Sango-Ota for serious environmental infractions and disobedience of government order.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Alhaji Farook Akintunde said the company was found guilty of bye-passing its effluent treatment plants and releasing its untreated wastewater into its immediate environment most especially onto the newly rehabilitated Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

He described it as destroying public infrastructures and exposing residents of the area to untold hardship.

Alhaji Akintunde added that the company was equally culpable of degrading the environment through oil spillage which is not only harmful but would eventually have a negative effect on the groundwater of its immediate communities.

He said the company would remain shut until all identified infractions were corrected and it was certified by the state government.

Alhaji Akintunde added that the government would not shy away from enforcing needed environmental compliance.

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Environment

Fire Razes 3 Buildings in Lagos Market

By Web News 297

Fire, on Wednesday, razed three buildings at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Docemo in the Idumota area of Lagos Island, Lagos State. This was revealed in videos shared on X by citizens. The state Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed the incident on its X handle, stating that the fire affected two two-storey buildings and one three-storey building. It also said that firefighters have been deployed to the scene to salvage the situation.

The Director of LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye, said, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has been alerted to a Fire emergency at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Docemo in Idumota, Lagos. At 07:41 hours, the call was received, and emergency services swiftly mobilised.

“Upon arrival at 07:58 hours, it was discovered that the fire encompasses three buildings, including two 2-storey structures and one three-storey building.

“Currently, firefighting efforts are underway at the scene.

“The fire stations at Ebute Elefun, Ilupeju, and Alausa have deployed resources to mitigate the situation effectively as firefighting operations are ongoing.”

Adeseye added that the cause of the fire is yet to be known, and no casualties have been recorded.

She added, “The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing. Casualties have not been confirmed at this time.

“We urge residents to cooperate with emergency personnel and avoid the area for their safety.”

According to reports, no fewer than 6,700 traders lost their goods to the fire that gutted the popular Mandilas building on Broad Street, Lagos Island Local Government Area.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency, 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels, and five restaurants were also destroyed by the impact of the fire, which affected the 14-storey building.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Environment

Downpour Wreaks Havoc in Ilesa, Kajola, Iloko-Ijesa

By Web News 545

By Oyinlola Olaberinjo

Residents of Kajola, Orita-Iloko and some notable areas in Ilesa, Iloko-Ijesa and Ijebu-Jesa have been counting their losses due to the significant damages caused by the downpour Monday night.

The incident resulted in the destruction of properties worth millions of naira, causing financial losses for business owners and landlords of the affected premises.

As at the time of this report, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, officials are were working on the electricity poles and cables that were destroyed at Kajola Area of Ilesa with the hope to touch other areas that were affected.

The heavy rainfall also disrupted some business activities causing concern among residents and business owners.

However, no injuries or life was lost.

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Environment

Fire Razes Sokoto Central Market

By Web News 507

The Sokoto Central market is currently on fire, with the motorcycle section of the market affected.

According to reports, the fire started early this morning, but its cause cannot be immediately established.

However, another source revealed that the Sokoto Central market fire emanated from a dump site close to the motorcycle section.

Reacting, the Chairman of Motorcycles Marketers Association, Shehu Muhammad, said they could not quantify the number of motorcycles destroyed by fire because the fire was still raging.

“We cannot quantify the number of motorcycles burnt down by the fire now because the fire is still raging.

“But many people lost their shops along with their motorcycles because they could not come in time as the fire started around 6am.

“But men of the Federal and State fire services are currently battling, but I know it will take some time before they can quench it all,” he said.

He, however, appealed to the state government to come to the aid of those who lost their property during the inferno.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Environment

OSHA Calls for Template Design to Differentiate Survey Payments

By Web News 351

Osun State House of Assembly wants the office of Surveyor – General of the State to design a template aimed to differentiate Survey payments for towns and villages.

The Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development , Mr. Lawrence Adeoti made the call during a maiden meeting with officials of Surveyor General Office and surveyors officers across the Local Government in the State.

Mr. Adeoti noted that Survey fares given to Urban areas should be differ from local areas, in order to curb inadequacy.

The Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development  called on the Surveyor- General office to organized seminars and sensitization for staffs to improve their skills and emphasize need for periodic sensitization for members of the public on the implications of land without survey plan.

In their separate contributions, other Members of the Committee urged the Survey General office to curb the activity of fake surveyors in the State.

They also directed the officials to improve on Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, to boost the Economy of the State.

Earlier in his remarks, The State Surveyor – General, Surveyor Soladoye Ayodele used the opportunity to showcase the challenges affecting the Survey activities in the State and sought support of the State House of Assembly.

Other members of the committee present at the event included, Mr. Abiola Ibrahim, Mr. Kofoworola Babajide,Mr Elisha Oderinwale, Mr. Oladimeji Adekunle.

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Environment

Kidnapping: Police Beef Up Security on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

By Web News 487

By Rasheedah Makinde

The police public relations officer in Ogun state, Omolola Odutola says the command has placed different measures at Lagos-Ibadan Expressway over an alleged kidnap.

Mrs Odutola, said the divisional police officer, DPOs in the area have been ordered to intensify patrol along the area.

She said The DPOs comprising Mowe, Ibafo, Redeem and Sagamu patrol the axis to secure that territory against ‘one chance.’”

PPRO also reassured the public that any complaint related to the menace would be promptly investigated and the culprits prosecuted.

It would be recalled that motorists and passengers plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had lamented the increase in the operations of one-chance robbers in the Mowe/Ibafo-Berger area of the road.

Some passengers who spoke with newsmen said the road was no longer safe for them to use due to the activities of one-chance’ criminals.

Environment

Mr. Ibu Dies at 62

By Web News 522

Veteran actor, John Okafor, known as Mr Ibu, is dead.Mr Ibu died on Saturday at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State.He was 62.

News of the death filtered in on Saturday evening, but the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, would later confirm it on his official social media handles.

“Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today, and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest, according to his manager for 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor.“I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace,” Mr Rollas wrote.

The late actor battled with clotting of blood in his leg, stemming from diseased blood vessels and other strange illnesses for months, which led to the amputation of the affected leg.

On 18 October 2023, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ibu cried out on his Instagram page to solicit prayers and financial assistance from his fans.

Several people donated for the ailing actor, including the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation which paid all of Mr Ibu’s medical expenses.

But on 6 November 2023, Mr Ibu’s family announced that one of the actor’s legs was amputated after undergoing seven surgeries.

Also, on 17 December 2023, the family said the actor was unable to fly overseas for the additional therapy because doctors deemed him ‘Not Fit to Fly.’This, the family said, nullified his treatment overseas because it was challenging due to the airlines’ refusal to fly him.

The late Mr Ibu returned home a month after his family announced his recovery at one of Nigeria’s largest and finest hospitals.

On 22 January 2024, his colleague actor, Ken Erics, visited him. He shared an exciting video of both of them on his Instagram page.In the video, Mr Ibu sat in the living room wearing a burnt orange Jalabiya (a flowing robe-like Islamic attire) and chatting with his junior colleague.

He captioned the video: “Happy Sunday Lovelies Something to brighten your day.”The Enugu-born actor featured in more than 200 Nollywood movies.

They include Mr Ibu (2004), Mr Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr Ibu in London (2004), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).

Premium Times/Olaolu Fawole

Environment

NSCDC Promises Monthly Sanitation in Markets

By Web News 358

By Rasheedah Makinde

As part of its social responsibility, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has promised a monthly environmental sanitation in all markets across Oyo state.

NSCDC Commandant in Oyo state, Mr Augustine Padonu stated this during a community service at Mokola market in commemoration of this year’s Civil Defence Day.

Mr Padonu said in line with this year’s theme, “honour heroes and safety skills“ the command was ready to always contribute its quota to the society.

Mr Augustine said apart from security issues, the command is also involved in community services to ensure that Nigerians enjoy a clean and tidy environment.

He said the command would be picking one market monthly for cleaning in assisting the Ministry of Environment.

Reacting, the Oyo state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdul-Mojid Mogbonjubola appreciated NSCDC’s involvement in Environmental Sanitation as the government could not do it alone.

He said It encompasses a wide range of practices aimed at maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the surroundings, ultimately ensuring the health and safety of both humans and the ecosystems we inhabit. 

Mr Gbonjubola said a clean environment was not just aesthetically pleasing but essential for physical and mental well-being. 

“Proper sanitation reduces the risk of diseases and infections, improves air and water quality, and fosters a sense of pride and belonging within communities.”

“When we neglect environmental sanitation, we jeopardize our health and compromise the quality of life for ourselves and future generations. Now, let’s talk about the actions we can take to promote environmental sanitation.”

The Environment commissioner therefore called on other stakeholders to emulate the culture of assisting the Government in all aspects.

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Environment

Desist from unauthorized depletion of forest reserves- Ogun Warns Foresters 

By Web News 356

By Olusegun Folarin 

Forestry Officers have been warned to refrain from collaborating with loggers and other unauthorised people in felling and loading trees as well as other forest resources.

Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Mr Taiwo Oludotun, gave the warning while addressing management and Forest Officers at the Ministry’s headquarters, Abeokuta. 

Mr Oludotun described the officers as catalysts, whose actions or inactions might make or mar the output of the Ministry, warning that stiff penalties would be meted out to erring ones.

He urged team leaders to hold regular meetings, at least on a weekly basis, to review activities, progress and monitor habitual absentees among them.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji who reiterated government’s commitment to human capacity development,  appreciated the Commissioner for his usual support, especially at the just concluded training programme, tasking officers to allow knowledge gained at the retreat reflect in their daily activities and not see it as a jamboree or exercise in futility.

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Environment

Millions of Naira Lost in Kano Market Inferno

By Web News 334

A midnight fire has destroyed over 50 shops and property worth N150 million at Yan Katako Market Rijiyar Lemu area of Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

Speaking to newsmen, the chairman of the market, Alhaji Mamuda Abdullahi, explained that the blaze started at about 1 am on Monday.

He pointed out that the conflagration destroyed over 50 shops containing plywood, foam, spray machines, chairs, and other carpentry tools.

The chairman said the cause of the incident had yet to be ascertained.

He, however, commended the Kano State Fire Service personnel for their prompt response.

He called on the state government and philanthropists to support them, as many traders have lost their means of livelihood.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident.

He, however, explained that about 25 shops were completely razed down by the inferno, while several other shops were also touched or partially affected by the fire.

“We received distress calls around 1am and our men were able to put out the fire around 2am,” Abdullahi said.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Environment

Early Morning Downpour Leaves Olodo Residents Stranded

By Web News 555

By Olawale Asake

Following today’s early morning downpour in some parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, the ancient bridge on the alternative road created by the State Government for motorists and residents of Olodo, Lagelu Local Government Area, has been submerged, causing motorists and commuters to be stranded.

Two of the stranded motorists, Mrs Faithia Olayiwola and Mr. Jide Oluwole said the floodwater on the bridge made them spend hours watching the flow as they could not go to their various places of work.

According to them, the volume of the flood on the bridge and spread to other parts of the road affected the movements of vehicles and Pedestrians.

Others who spoke with Radio Nigeria maintained that they were on their way to work, while they suddenly met the flood that nobody could navigate through on the Alternative Road.p

Our Correspondent, reports that motorists going to Osun State through Iwo/Ibadan Road were seen lamenting, calling on the government to expedite actions on the Main Road where Bridge construction is ongoing.

It was also observed that the floodwater rose to the level of the barricades on the bridge, indicating that the bridge had no tiny outlet to empty the floodwater occasioned by the downpour.

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Environment

Shops Gutted by Fire in Anambra Market

By Web News 296

A midnight fire outbreak has razed no fewer than four shops at the Nkwo Market, Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Eyewitnesses said the fire was ignited by a suspected power surge and raged for several hours before the arrival of the men of the state fire service who battled to control it, and affected traders were seen gathering the remnants of their burnt properties.

Although no life was lost during the fire incident, goods and properties were destroyed in the affected shops which were mainly provision shops, plastic and attachments shops.

The inferno follows the two fire incidents recorded on Friday at a residential building at Rockland Estate, Awka and at a telecommunication mast in Agu Awka.

Already, the state has recorded about 24 fire incidents between September 2023 and February 16, 2024. In January 2024, there were about nine fire incidents in different parts of the state while about eight fire outbreaks occurred in February alone.

Confirming the incident when contacted, the state fire service chief, Martin Agbili, said the firefighters received the call of the incident at about 1:20am.

“At about 0120hrs (1.20am) of Wednesday 21-02-2024, Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call of a fire outbreak at Nkwo Market, Umunze.

“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and gallant firefighters to the fire scene. We fought, controlled and extinguished with the assistance of some traders and the public who came out at that incident time.

“The cause of the fire was unknown but suspected power surge. There was no casualty or loss of life during the fire incident but about four shops were affected, mainly provision shops, plastic shops, and attachments shops,” Agbili added.

He also advised residents to always remember to switch off electrical and electronic appliances when they are not in use to avoid power surges.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Environment

Flood: Residents Appeal for Rehabilitation of Ojere-Oba Road

By Web News 503

By Olusegun Folarin

Residents of communities along Ojere-Oba Road in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to relevant authorities to find a lasting solution to the perennial flood affecting the area.

The people who appealed in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta said the flood had remained a nightmare for the residents in the area whenever it rained.

A civil servant, Mr Ajala Sheriff who described the productive hours being wasted on the road as unfortunate, identified the lack of a drainage channel as the major challenge affecting the area.

Mr Sheriff appealed to the lawmaker representing Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda in the House of Representatives, Mr Olumide Osoba to use his influence to urgently address the problem in the interest of the people of the area.

Also, the chairman of Abule Ake Community, Mr Habeeb Adenariwo who said the road remained impassable especially when it rained, called on the present administration in the state to rehabilitate the road to alleviate their sufferings.

Contributing, a community leader, Mr Olanrewaju Ojetola implored the Director of Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency, OGROMA, to fulfil his promise to rehabilitate the road before the rainy season.

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Environment

Ogun Demolishes Shanties, Warns Monarchs

By Web News 380

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Ogun State Government has warned traditional rulers in the state against allocating road setbacks and public spaces to unauthorized users for pecuniary gains.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Alhaji Farook Akintunde gave the warning when he led the state Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement to carry out the demolition of shanties and makeshift structures in the Akute area of the state.

Alhaji Akintunde said the illegal structures erected around the Akute Under- Bridge and along the fence of a primary school in the area had exposed residents to environmental hazards and noise pollution while putting the school pupils at risk of social vices and unnecessary distraction.

Alhaji Akintunde said the Anigilaje Community Development Association and the management of Zumuratul Primary School had earlier petitioned the government on the illegal allocation of the public spaces in the community by a traditional ruler as well as the unwholesome activities of the traders.

He cautioned the displaced traders against going back to the recovered spaces, pointing out that Environmental Marshals had been detailed to apprehend anyone caught.

In a remark, the Chairman of Ifo Local Government Council, Mrs Kikelomo Delano who commended the state government for dislodging the illegal occupants also pledged that the local council would enforce the no-trading order in the demolished areas.

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Environment

24-hour Repair of Third Mainland Bridge Ongoing

By Web News 307

The Third Mainland Bridge is currently closed for 24-hour for traffic bound from Iyana Oworonshoki to Lagos Island, effective from midnight on Sunday, February 18, until midnight on Monday, February 19.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, announced this on Saturday.

Mrs Kesha said the aim of the closure is to address critical repairs needed on a section of the bridge.

According to her, motorists travelling from the Island towards Oworonshoki would maintain unrestricted access to the bridge during the entire 24-hour closure period.
“Notification of 24 hours closure of Iyana-Oworonshoki – Lagos Island bound Traffic From 12.00 a.m on Sunday February 18th to 12.00 am on Monday February, 19, 2024.
“The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works wish to inform the motoring public that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos will not be available for 24 hours for motorists from Iyana Oworonshoki- Lagos Island bound.
“Traffic resumes on Monday by 12.00 a.m on this bound.

“However, motorists coming out of the Island and heading towards Oworonshoki will have full access throughout the 24 hours closure.
“The temporary 24 hours closure of the Iyana Oworonshoki- Adeniji Adele bound traffic is to enable the ministry carry out effective repairs on an important section of the bridge,” Kesha said.

Drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes, follow instructions from traffic authorities, and remain patient with government officials during the 24-hour closure of the bridge for repairs.

The suggested alternative routes for motorists during the repair period include Ojota-Ikorodu Road-Funsho Williams Avenue-Eko Bridge-Apogbon-CMS, Ojota-Ikorodu Road-Jibowu-Yaba-Oyingbo-Iddo-Carter bridge-CMS, and Gbagada-Anthony-Ikorodu Road-Funsho Williams-Eko Bridge-Apogbon-CMS.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Environment

Illegal mining fueling insecurity in Nigeria says Deputy Speaker

By Web News 284

By Tanimu Salihu (Abuja)

The Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the current practice of mining in Nigeria has contributed largely to the insecurity confronting the nation.

The Deputy Speaker stated this in Abuja at a Public Policy Dialogue on Solid Minerals organized by the House Committee on Solid Minerals.

The Public Policy Dialogue brought together Policy Makers, experts and actors in the mining sector to deliberate on how to harness and improve the potential of the sector for the Socio-economic development of the country.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Kalu, affirmed that the nation’s mineral resources have remained untapped, said the tenth Assembly is working on legislation that if passed would transform the mining sector.

Mr Kalu explained that if the mining sector was properly harnessed, it would create millions of jobs to Nigerians as well as increase the nation’s GDP.

The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said to achieve the desired growth in the mining sector, there was a need to reform policies that had hindered the progress of the sector.

The Chairman House Committee on Solid Minerals, Mr. Gaza Jonathan, said the new legislation if passed would ensure five percent for host communities where mining takes place.

 Mr. Gaza, urged stakeholders in the sector to work cohesively and leverage technology to develop the mining sector where more opportunities would be created for sustainable development.

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Environment

Fire Razes Kano Police Station

By Web News 363

The police command in Kano State says the Divisional Police Office in Nasarawa Local Government Area has been gutted by fire.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Usaini Gumel, disclosed in Kano that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday.

“At about 05.45 a.m. the Divisional Police headquarters was engulfed by fire and a major part of the building was burned down completely.

“This is in spite of prompt response by the State Fire Service,’’ he said.

Gumel said an investigation was ongoing to unravel the cause.

“The area has been cordoned off to prevent intrusion by on-lookers and miscreants, the arms and ammunition in the office are very safe.

“The Divisional Police Officer is currently sorting out some of the affected documents,” he said.

Earlier in the year, the Kano Police Command headquarters in Bompai was engulfed by fire on Saturday, January 13.

It was gathered that the fire, which started in the provost’s office, spread to the Finance Department, Conference Room, the office of the Police Public Relations Officer, the office of the Assistant Police Commissioner (Administration), and that of the Deputy Commissioner (Admin), among others.

It was learned that the entire offices on the top floor of the Police Command built in 1967 were engulfed by the fire, while the office of the Police Commissioner was not affected.

NAN/Adebukola Aluko

Environment

Flush out illegal miners, bandits, Govt to Oyo LG Bosses

By Web News 402

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Government has directed all the 33 local government chairmen in the state and traditional rulers areas to flush out illegal miners, bandits and land grabbers in their respective council areas to curb illegal mining and other criminal activities in the state. 

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters,  Olusegun Olayiwola stated this while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with the council chairmen at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan. 

The commissioner while declaring that the state government has zero tolerance for crime and criminality said it would not stop at nothing to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens. 

Mr Olayiwola also noted that the meeting had mandated the council bosses to compulsorily hold a joint security meeting every last Thursday of the month in their respective councils while the outcome of such meeting must be made available to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for necessary actions.

He said ” one major point that was extensively discussed today, is the issue of security of lives and property in Oyo state. You will recall that about three weeks ago, there was an explosion at Bodija, Ibadan which eventually turned out to be as a result of illegal activities of illegal or legal miners who are not supposed to keep such terrible equipment in residential areas. 

” As a result of this, Chairmen and women in the 33 local government areas of Oyo state were invited to the office of the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters on Monday and after the end of the meeting, the meeting decided to address the press about the outcome of the meeting. 

“The security situation in Oyo state is very fluid, and as a result of this, the chairmen and chairwomen in the 33 local governments of Oyo state have decided that the three critical areas that the people and government of Oyo state need to look into are in the area illegal mining, land grabbing and banditry. 

” We have been coping with the issue of banditry for a while now, but unfortunately, the issue of land grabbing has taken center stage of the insecurity of lives and property of the citizens of Oyo state now and the meeting discussed this extensively today and  decided that forrtwith, the chairmen and chairwomen of the local government are being saddled with the responsibility of taking charge of the security situations of their local government as the construction of the federal republic of Nigeria have given them the power to do as the chief security officers of their local government. 

” As a result of this we decided at today’s meeting that the illegal miners wherever they may be , the chairmen of various Local Governments should go after them, the men and women hunt and fish them out wherever they are

“This can easily be done with the collaboration, assistance and support of royal fathers and traditional chiefs all over the councils, when they see and say something, we will be able to apprehend these people. 

“Our traditional rulers and chiefs knows where these people are operating because they live amongst them and cannot deny the fact that they don’t know the works of the people living in their domain. 

“The meeting of today, as a matter of urgency, have saddled the chairmen of each of the 33  local governments to back home, hold an emergency meeting with security committees of their various Local Governments and come to the conclusion that the committee will serve as task force that will embark on the manhunting illegal miners, land grabbers and bandits. 

While citing the recent suspension of the Onido of Ido , Oba. Gbolagade  Babalola by the state government over alleged links with illegal miners urged royal fathers in the state expose anyone known to be having ties with illegal miners to inform the relevant authority for prompt action. 

In a remark, the state Chairman, Associations of Local Government of Nigeria ALGON. Sikiru Sanda assured the state government that the council bosses would ensure adequate security surveillance in all the local governments to make the state not only safe for the citizens but also for investors. 

The Director General, Solid Minerals Development Agency,  Abiodun Oni urged citizens of the state to take security issues as their responsibility and not the state government alone, enjoining traditional rulers indulging in granting letters of consent to miners without consultation with the relevant authorities to desist from the act.

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