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

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

The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has laid out plans for strategic waste management in Lagos State. He also hinted that the state government would soon acquire 100 CNG trucks, for the operations of Private Sector Participants (PSP). Gbadegesin made the disclosure at a one-day stakeholders’ interactive forum on sustainable waste management, organized by the agency, at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.In a detailed presentation, he highlighted the progress recorded and future plans for waste management in the state, noting that the city’s 23 million residents generated 5.46 million tonnes of waste annually, which LAWMA aimed to manage through a range of initiatives, anchored on effective collection, treatment, and disposal.He said, “We are committed to providing efficient waste management services to all Lagosians. With our team of dedicated staff, we manage domestic, commercial, and medical waste across the state. We also sweep 963 routes and collect solid waste from the lagoons and waterways”.

Gbadegesin revealed that a large portion of the waste generated in state came from households, with LAWMA overseeing its transportation and treatment through partnerships with 420 Private Service Participants (PSPs), adding that the efforts were supplemented by sweeping services across major streets, managed by 16,361 street sweepers. He further highlighted the Authority’s waste recovery initiatives, emphasizing the growing focus on recycling and circular economy principles, pointing out that LAWMA had introduced a two-bin system for households, where one bin stood for general waste and the other for recyclables.

“This system will help households segregate waste at the source, boosting recycling efforts and reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills. We have already established community recycling centers and are partnering with retail points to promote extended producer responsibility,” he stressed.The LAWMA boss stated that, in line with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ agenda focused on health and the environment, LAWMA was exploring waste-to-energy projects, including the revival of a pilot biogas production plant at Ketu Fruit Market, where organic waste would be converted to energy.”We are committed to using advanced technologies to transform waste into resources, reducing Lagos’ dependence on landfills and contributing to the state’s energy needs,” he said.He said, as part of ongoing efforts, LAWMA was tackling marine waste and hazardous materials, to protect the state’s waterways and reduce environmental hazards, while planning to increase recycling rates by 25% in the next three years and transforming waste disposal facilities into eco-parks and waste treatment plants, for a more sustainable city.”Our work extends beyond the streets. We are involved in marine waste collection and the safe disposal of hazardous materials, ensuring a cleaner and safer Lagos. We are determined to build a cleaner, greener Lagos for future generations’, he concluded.In a goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, called for a synergy between players in the public and private sectors to achieve cleaner and sustainable environment in the state, adding that the state government had embarked on various initiatives, aimed at improving the environment.In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, represented by Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director, Sanitation , lauded the event as an important one, capable of proffering solutions to waste management challenges in the state.He said the peculiarity of the Lagos environment made it necessary for urgent actions to be taken, to tackle a myriad of environmental constraints facing the metropolis, urging the populace to join hands with the state government, to make the environment better.Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director of LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, highlighted that the ongoing challenges of managing the enormous volume of waste generated daily by residents, informed the Authority’s decision to launch the “Adopt-a-bin” initiative, targeted at promoting waste containerisation, adding that the stakeholders’ forum provided an avenue to explore workable options in meeting waste management needs of residents. “The task of managing the huge volume of waste remains challenging, hence the need for a forum like this, where we can jointly examine all workable options available to us, and fine-tune strategies to ensure that we remain on top of the situation,” he stated.The president of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAWN), Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to transforming the environment and waste management system in the state, While urging cooperate organisations to embrace the “Adopt-a-bin” initiative, as a CSR strategy, to enable every household in the state procure the bins.Doyin Oyefusi, Head of Marketing, Wastecare Solutions and Resources Management, enlightened participants at the event on the features of the LAWMA smart bin and the advantages they have over other types of bins. She said that the smart bins were equipped with RFID chips for tracking waste collection to ensure prompt service by PSP operators, came with geolocation for easy tracking if misplaced, feature color-coding to support waste separation (green for general waste and blue for recyclables), and are designed with a 15-year warranty for long-term durability, making them highly efficient compared to traditional bins.The Managing Director of Maladase Ecopreneur Management Limited (MECOM), Engr. Mayowa Elefin, in his presentation titled, “Recycling: Impact on the Environment”, talked about the importance of recycling to the environment, including reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emission, conserving natural resources, saving energy and promoting sustainable practices.The stakeholders’ forum also featured a question and answer session, where participants and members of the media asked questions on key waste management issues.For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

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IBEDC workers shut Ogun office, begin indefinite strike

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Workers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company on Monday commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, non-remittance of pension and cooperative deductions, and the alleged dismissal of 17 staff members, among other welfare concerns.When our correspondent visited the Ogun Region office of IBEDC in Abeokuta on Thursday, employees were seen milling around while the main gate remained locked.Speaking on the development, the Vice President of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Lagos/Ogun Zone, Abiodun Shobayo said the workers had no option but to embark on the strike after months of failed negotiations with the IBEDC management.Shobayo said, “We are here this morning to say enough is enough. The IBEDC management cannot continue to take us for granted on issues we have raised for about nine months,” Shobayo said.

“For instance, our pension and cooperative deductions, running into billions of naira, have not been remitted. We are not given imprest, and workers have been using their personal funds to fix electricity faults and distribute bills.

“The management is not ready to implement the new minimum wage or even negotiate, claiming there is no money. They have also been sacking workers indiscriminately without following due process.“Seventeen of our members have already been affected, and we have said this cannot stand. We have exercised patience, but it seems the management has a hidden agenda. Just recently, 900 staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company were sacked; we do not want the same situation here.

“Seventy per cent of the workers here are casual staff, which is unacceptable. This strike is indefinite until the management sees reason. The action affects all IBEDC franchise areas, covering the six states of the South-West, as well as Kwara and Kogi.”Shobayo added that the union’s demands include the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements and the reinstatement of sacked workers before any negotiations to end the strike can begin.

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Rite Foods Partners NASRE Foundation to Support Ailing Journalists

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Rite Foods Limited, a leading indigenous manufacturer in the Food & Beverages sector, has partnered the Noble Association of Social and Resourceful Editors(NASRE) Foundation to provide support for ailing journalists and widows of deceased media practitioners in the country .

This collaboration comes as part of NASRE’s ongoing efforts to assist journalists facing health challenges across the country, having embarked on three outreach programmes last year.

The NASRE team was warmly received on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, by the management of Rite Foods at its Head Office in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Receiving NASRE team on behalf of the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Saleem Adegunwa, the Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management , Mr. Ekuma Eze was elated with the visit.

Earlier during the visit, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NASRE, Mr. Adeyemi Obadimu had outlined the foundation’s mission and the purpose of the meeting. He revealed the health and financial challenges facing most veteran journalists, who had, during their active years, served the country meritoriously, but are now struggling to survive.

Obadimu highlighted that NASRE’s outreach programme last year was a success, benefiting over 70 individuals, including journalists suffering from partial stroke, widows, and widowers of deceased practitioners . He emphasised the importance of taking care of journalists in need, especially, the veterans who have contributed greatly to the industry.

“Journalism is a thankless job, and as much as we may be appreciated in our bylines, it is crucial that we care for our colleagues who have dedicated their lives to the profession,” said Obadimu.

Butressing his point, the Director, Public Engagement, Mr. Bunmi Obarotimi who represented the President of the association, Mr. Femi Oyewale said: “NASRE’s intends to launch the Foundation officially in this current year and we are proud to have Rite Foods as our partner going forward.”

In his response, Ekuma Eze commended NASRE Foundation for its noble and impactful initiatives, recognising the significant difference it has made in the lives of journalists and their families. He praised the foundation’s efforts in providing assistance to over 70 journalists and their dependents last year. Eze reiterated Rite Foods’ unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that foster the well-being of the media community.

“At Rite Foods, we are deeply invested in contributing to the development of our society. We understand the importance of health and well-being, especially for those who dedicate their lives to sharing vital information with the public. We believe in the mission of NASRE and are committed to supporting your work in every way possible,” Eze stated.

“This partnership will go beyond just providing financial support; we are dedicated to helping create an ecosystem where journalists can thrive, even in the face of adversity,” he added.

He also spoke about the company’s long-term goals, highlighting Rite Foods’ plan to expand beyond Nigeria and into other African countries. “We have exciting plans for the future,” he added. “Rite Foods is committed to not only strengthening its footprint within Nigeria but also extending our reach to the wider African continent. We believe that our growth will not only benefit our business but also contribute to the national economy, creates job opportunities, and foster the development of the beverage and food sectors.”

Eze emphasised that Rite Foods has been actively involved in national economic development, focusing on reducing unemployment and improving service delivery. As one of the leading manufacturers in the beverage, drinks, and sausages sectors, Rite Foods remains committed to excellence in all its business operations, he said.

Through innovation, quality products, and partnerships like the one with NASRE, the company aims to continue breaking new ground in the industry.

He concluded that, “Our mission at Rite Foods is clear: to improve lives, deliver quality products, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. We are proud to partner with organizations like NASRE that share our values of social responsibility and community development.”

The partnership between Rite Foods and NASRE marks a significant step in supporting the health and well-being of journalists, ensuring that those who have dedicated their careers to the industry receive the care and recognition they deserve.

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Public Assault; Ogun State Government Suspends Olorile of Orile-Ifo for six months

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February 03, 2025

In a bid to ensuring dignity of persons and for the protection of sanctity of our revered traditional institution, the Ogun State Government led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, has placed Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo on six months suspension for his uncivil conduct not befitting the status of an Oba.

The decision was reached after the Kabiyesi and his victim were invited by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs for interrogation.

This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space.

After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.

The foregoing decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.

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