Author: Gabby

A call for intensified efforts to combat environmental degradation and improve sanitation has been made by experts during a community clean-up initiative in the Federal Capital Territory. The event, organized under the theme ‘Deploying the Power of IT-Engaged Youths in Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management 2.0’, was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Small Grants Programme (SGP).

Dr. Ibukun Odusote, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment and CEO of Digital Peers International (DPI), emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to unite in fostering environmental sustainability. She advocated for responsible plastic consumption, community-driven cleanliness, and youth-led innovations to tackle plastic waste across the FCT and beyond.

Odusote highlighted the critical role of informal waste collectors, locally known as Baban bola, in recycling plastics and keeping streets clean. While acknowledging controversies surrounding their activities—including links to crime—she stressed their positive environmental contributions and called for support rather than outright bans.

Echoing the sentiment, Engr. Sherifat Lawal, represented by Eyo Maureen of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), warned that indiscriminate waste disposal and poor hygiene practices are endangering public health, causing flooding, and harming ecosystems. She noted that environmental responsibility extends beyond government agencies to include every citizen, household, and organization.

Lawal urged proper waste disposal, recycling of reusable materials, and consistent cleanliness to prevent diseases, protect drainage systems, and enhance community aesthetics. The experts collectively urged behavioral change, innovation in waste management, and sustainable opportunities for youth, while recognizing the vital role of informal recyclers in the plastic value chain.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced that a total of 43 ships laden with petroleum, food items, and various cargoes are expected to dock at the Apapa, Lekki Deep Sea, and Tincan Island ports in Lagos. The announcement was made via the NPA’s Daily Shipping Position released on Tuesday, indicating the vessels will arrive between May 26 and June 6.

According to the authority, eight of these incoming ships are carrying containers filled with diverse goods, while the remaining 35 vessels are bringing products such as fresh fish, petrol, general cargo, bulk wheat, aviation fuel, diesel, and gasoline. The NPA also confirmed that 11 ships and tankers have already reached the three ports and are waiting for berthing clearance, transporting containers, gasoline, bulk fertiliser, petrol, crude oil, diesel, condensate, and bulk salt.

Furthermore, the NPA revealed that 21 vessels are currently offloading various consignments at the ports, including bulk urea, containers, petrol, trucks, bulk sugar, wheat, millet, and bulk gypsum. This influx of shipping activity underscores the ongoing vitality of Lagos ports as a critical hub for Nigeria’s maritime trade.

The Kano State Government has launched a special committee tasked with tackling the rising incidence of unauthorized construction and planning infringements across the state. The 11-member body was officially inaugurated to identify, examine, and act against structures erected without due approval or those flouting existing development codes, especially within the Kano metropolis.

During the inaugural ceremony, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the Secretary to the State Government, highlighted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s growing concern over the proliferation of unlicensed developments. Ibrahim noted that the administration has channeled substantial resources into urban renewal initiatives aimed at upgrading infrastructure and enhancing the environment. He remarked that these projects, including road construction, drainage systems, and beautification efforts, are designed to transform Kano into a more organized and livable urban center.

Ibrahim warned that illegal structures present a major obstacle to effective urban planning and could jeopardize the progress of ongoing development works. He called on committee members to execute their duties with equity, honesty, and expertise, emphasizing that their selection was based on competence and trustworthiness. The government, he added, is determined to uphold the Kano master plan and ensure sustainable growth for future generations.

The committee is chaired by Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System. Other members include professionals and officials drawn from relevant fields. Mustapha Ibrahim Fagge serves as Secretary, with Yusuf Yakubu Ismail acting as Co-Secretary.

The task force’s mandate includes locating unauthorized structures in local government areas such as Nassarawa, Fagge, Tarauni, and Kumbotso; reviewing building permits issued over the past two years; and halting any ongoing construction that contravenes planning regulations.

In response, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani expressed gratitude to the government for the confidence placed in the team and pledged that the committee would carry out its assignment with diligence and professionalism.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) for sealing the Falomo Mosque in Ikoyi, describing the move as unjust and deliberately provocative. The organization issued a statement through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Tuesday evening.

According to reports, LABSCA sealed the mosque just hours before the commencement of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. MURIC noted that the timing of the action appeared calculated to disrupt worship, as the mosque was scheduled to host Eid prayers on Wednesday.

In the statement, Akintola called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene and order the immediate removal of the seal. He revealed that all necessary documents for the construction had been obtained, making the sealing unwarranted. “We demand the immediate removal of the seal from our mosque. Every necessary document has been procured for the construction. We also call on His Excellency, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to intervene,” Akintola said.

MURIC emphasized that the action not only violates the rights of Muslims but also creates unnecessary tension in the state. The group urged the government to ensure that such incidents do not recur, especially during religious festivals.

Security forces from Sector 7 of Operation Enduring Peace successfully rescued two individuals who sustained injuries during a bandit assault on Lusuru village, located in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when armed men stormed the community, causing many residents to flee for their lives.

According to a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X, troops acted quickly after receiving a distress call at approximately 12:15 am. They engaged the attackers, compelling them to retreat toward the River Kaduna area.

Security sources confirmed that the rescued victims, Mrs. Charity Sunday and Mrs. Asabe Ayuba, were found with injuries and immediately taken to Saint Louis Hospital in Zonkwa for medical care.

Following the incident, military personnel have increased patrols in the region and are actively pursuing the fleeing bandits. They remain on high alert to deter any further attacks on neighboring settlements.

Security forces have taken down a high-profile kidnapping figure, Idi Yaya, during a mission in Kaduna State’s Kauru Local Government Area. The operation was detailed by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X.

Intelligence received around 6:10 am on Monday indicated that the wanted suspect had been spotted in the region after a lengthy period of hiding. Troops tracked him to Kikoba community, where they carried out a coordinated arrest at about 11:15 pm that same day.

The suspect’s identity was confirmed by a victim who had managed to escape his captivity earlier. Under questioning, Yaya admitted to his involvement in kidnappings and disclosed the location of his weapon and hideouts used by his gang.

While being taken to one of these hideouts around 9:35 pm on Tuesday, the suspect tried to flee by grabbing a soldier’s weapon. During the struggle, he was neutralized. Eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were used in the incident.

Authorities are continuing to hunt down other members of the kidnapping network as operations persist in the area.