By Mercy Omoike

The Lagos State Government is to set up a material recovery facility at Badagry in an effort to boost waste management.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Gbadegesin said that the initiative was part of LAWMA’s effort to reduce waste pollution and promote a circular economy.

The managing director said that LAWMA would close the Olusosun Dumpsite at Ojota and other dumpsites to pave way for establishment of the facility and other waste-to-energy plants.

He said that construction of the material recovery facility would take about 15 months.

“When we close the dumpsites, we will divert the waste to a material recovery facility at Badagry.

“We will extract all the biogas to generate electricity and cover the waste.

“In the case of Olusosun, we are looking at working with industrial facilities at the back of the dumpsite, which can use the gas to power their generators,” he said.

The managing director said that the state government was partnering with some investors to establish the waste-to-energy plants in strategic places.

“We are planning a biogas facility, we completed the feasibility study last year in partnership with the Swedish Government.

“Sweden has achieved zero waste because it takes up its sewage and organic waste and uses them to produce biomethane in large quantities.

“If they can do it, we can. We are planning to replicate the Swedish model here.

“Out of the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos State, 6,500 tonnes are organic which should not be going to  landfills.

“We should be able to use the organic waste to produce compost for greenery and for agriculture and also to produce biomethane.”

Gbadegesin told NAN that the feasibility study for the biogas facility was done by LAWMA in partnership with Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.

“It will be bringing in 2,000 compressed natural gas-powered buses.

“Once the biogas plant is completed, they will be using it,” he said.

He added that LAWMA was in partnership with a Dutch company to generate electricity through waste.

“We want to set it up at Epe. We have closed the landfill at Epe to set up the waste-to-energy plant.

“This will be set up in partnership with a private investor, a Dutch company, Harvest Waste.”

Gbadegesin said that the Dutch company would support setting up of the plant to the tune of 100 million euros.

According to the managing director, the plant would take about 2,500 tonnes of waste daily and produce 60 megawatts to 80 megawatts of electricity.

“From the development, we are moving to another level. It gives us hope that if we put our minds to development, we can be the best,” he said. (NAN) Read More

By Mercy Omoike

Some Ondo-based environmentalists have taken the advocacy on the importance of wildlife conservation and waste-to-wealth creativities to Lagos State.

The Ondo State Goodwill Ambassador for Environment, Ms Olayemi Olapeju, at an art exhibition on Monday, urged Nigerians to desist from killing wildlife for food.

Olapeju said the art exhibition was organised to sensitise the public against killing wildlife for food.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the drive against the extinction of the African bush elephant and other wildlife in the country was inspired by America’s preservation of the American eagle from extinction.

The art exhibition involved the transformation of TV screen into canvas to unveil America eagle coins ‘thorncarving’.

The NO TO EXTINCTION ‘thorncarving’ exhibition takes centre stage in Lagos, as the artist and her team transform refuse TV screens into canvas to unveil America Eagle coins thorncarving.

The specific aim of the exhibition was to address the extinction of African bush elephants and promoting waste-to-wealth artwork.

The art exhibition, chaired by former Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Funso Esan, was to sensitise the public to the importance of wildlife conservation and waste to wealth creativities.

In his keynote address, Esan said that Africa should adopt a strong policy for habitat protection and conservation action.

According to him, wildlife is decimated by habitat destruction and illegal shooting, causing decrease in population.

“Extinction is forever and the wildlife current endangered state means there is still hope to pull the wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

“So, we need concerted efforts of both government and the public for our wildlife to be protected,” Esan said.

“The ‘thorncarving’ coins artwork we are showcasing today, that features the stately image of the celebrity United States of America bald eagle, which is glued on the screen of discarded skyworth television screen is to exemplify both waste to wealth initiative.

“It also portrays how wildlife that are at the risk of disappearing completely can soar back like we saw the soaring back of bald eagle bird in America.

“In 2008, U.S. government minted coins featuring bald eagle image to commemorate the return of bald eagle to America, so in due course, Africa Bush Elephants’ return from endangered will become a success story too,” he said.

On her part, Olapeju, explained that the artwork was created by NO TO EXTINCTION or L’EXTINCTION artist from Ondo State.

She explained that the thorn carving coins were carved by herself, Mrs Bolajoko Ayeni and Mr Charles Olulaja Akeredolu, son of thorn carving inventor, late Chief J. D. Akeredolu.

“We decided to transform junked television screen into valuable art canvas as part of waste-to-wealth artistic creativity to reduce environmental impact of non-biodegradable electronics on our landfills.

The eagle coins are also to represent wildlife that have made strong return from the brink of extinction,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Mercy Omoike

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says the state will generate up to $2.5 billion annually from circular economy when adequately harnessed.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

A circular economy is an economic system based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products, especially as a means of continuing production in a sustainable or environmentally friendly way.

Gbadegesin said the authority was looking at an economic value of $2.5 billion from a circular economy annually when harnessed.

Gbadegesin said the initiative would need much advocacy and public sensitisation to achieve the desired result.

He said the era of linear model of waste collection was over; hence, the need to apply circular economy in waste management.

“We were used to applying the linear model of waste collection. Here, waste is collected, taken to a landfill, and then buried.

“Now, we are introducing circular economy. All of that waste buried before, now has value.

“Circular economy is a major initiative because we are talking about a radical transformation of the current system of transporting 13,000 tonnes of waste per day to a point.

“Ten thousand tonnes of that waste can be pushed into other uses in a circular economy,” Gbadegesin said.

He stressed the importance of waste sorting at source to achieve the requirements of a circular economy.

“Ninety per cent of our waste still has value if sorted. We must begin to sort at source, which will require a lot of education and advocacy.

“We must be able to collect the sorted waste through community recycling centres, where people within that area can bring recyclable materials like PET bottles, papers, metal and even food waste, where off takers will receive in exchange for incentives.

“The circular economy drive is a major undertaking. We are not doing this in isolation. We are working with sister agencies.

“We are so busy pushing this initiative that we do not have enough time to tell the stories of what we are doing,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Onyeje Abutu-Joel

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the upgrade of the Buruku-Gboko water supply project, valued at ₦18.8 billion.

The project, located in Ameladu, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, is a major underground water collection site in the region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, originally conceived in 1992 by former President Ibrahim Babangida to provide clean and safe drinking water to Gboko, Buruku, and environs, was neglected by successive administrations.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Tinubu, represented by the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the project aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The project is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of providing one of the most essential necessities to the populace.

“The Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project was initially conceived as the ‘Gboko-Yandev Water Supply System’ but has now been renamed the ‘Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project, “Utsev explained.

The minister stated that the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme aimed to restore the vandalised waterworks at Ameladu, Mkar in Gboko, and the Buruku Water Supply Scheme.

He noted that the project would improve the lives of an estimated 506,000 residents by providing access to potable water and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Utsev explained that water would be sourced from the Katsina Ala River via an intake structure on the riverbank.

“It would then be transported over a distance of 17 kilometres for purification and treatment before being distributed as potable water to Gboko, Mkar, and neighbouring communities”.

He disclosed that the project would be executed by Messrs Ceylon Construction Services Limited at a cost of N18.8 billion, inclusive of all relevant taxes, with a completion timeline of 18 months.

“The scope of work includes the complete rehabilitation of the water intake and treatment plant at Gboko, the supply and installation of three low- and high-lift pumps with a motor power rating of 400V/50Hz.

“It has a discharge capacity of 380–440 m³/h at a head of 18–22 metres, along with an associated control panel adaptable to a solar power source using an RSI Hybrid 30KW VFD inverter.

“Other works at Buruku include the supply and installation of a 150m³/hr package water treatment plant with associated electromechanical equipment at Buruku station,” Utsev added.

He urged the Benue Government to provide the necessary support to the team of engineers and experts handling the project to ensure its successful completion.

In his remarks, Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia commended President Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promise to address the people’s long-standing challenge of accessing safe drinking water.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Samuel Odeh, Alia described the project as monumental, noting that it had been abandoned for decades.

He urged residents to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability.

“The project belongs to the people of Benue. I appeal to you not to harass the contractors so they can complete the work on time,” Alia said.

Also speaking, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, assured that the community would take full ownership of the project and protect it. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

By Gabriel Agbeja

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Monday sought stakeholders’ partnership to enhance climate-resilient economy globally.

By Tosin Kolade

The Murshid of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Galadanchi, on Thursday pledged support for Nigeria’s efforts to end open defecation before 2030.

Galadanchi made this commitment while receiving the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and his delegation, who were on an advocacy visit for the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

Represented by Prof. Kabir Adam, he assured the government of the mosque’s full support in raising awareness about proper sanitation.

He noted that the mosque’s sanitation facilities currently cater to 5,000 to 6,000 worshippers daily and include toilets and ablution areas capable of serving 300 people simultaneously.

He further emphasised that the mosque maintains designated spaces for funeral rites, ensuring the proper cleansing and preparation of the deceased before burial.

Adam stressed that proper sanitation aligns with Islamic teachings, stating that every household is religiously obligated to have a toilet, while open defecation is strictly discouraged.

He attributed its persistence to cultural practices rather than religious beliefs.

“The National Mosque will continue to promote this message, not only within this mosque but across other mosques in Nigeria.

“We will encourage Imams nationwide to incorporate this campaign into their sermons and community engagements,” he said.

He noted the visit as a sign of growing collaboration between religious institutions and government agencies, acknowledging that secularism had previously created a disconnect between places of worship and public health campaigns.

He however noted that such divisions were no longer sustainable, as achieving national development goals required cooperation across all sectors.

“This campaign is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to playing our part in ensuring Nigeria becomes open defecation-free by 2030,” he affirmed.

He assured the minister that the National Mosque and the wider Muslim community stood ready to support the initiative for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Earlier, Utsev called for greater collaboration between religious institutions and government agencies in advancing the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

He highlighted the Tinubu administration’s dedication to public health and sanitation, stressing their importance to food security and economic growth.

He explained that the campaign, first launched in 2019, was re-inaugurated under Vice President Kashim Shettima, who now chairs its steering committee.

Utsev noted that 142 local government areas had already been declared open defecation-free, with Jigawa being the only state to have fully achieved this status.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to extend this success nationwide.

The minister noted the influence of Imams and religious leaders in shaping public behaviour, emphasising the role of the Abuja National Mosque in spreading awareness.

“Through sermons, public teachings, and community engagement, the mosque can serve as a powerful platform to promote hygiene and sanitation practices across the country,” he stated.

He urged religious leaders to incorporate sanitation messages into their teachings, ensuring that worshippers understand the importance of hygiene and the dangers of open defecation.

He also called for mosques to lead by example by providing adequate and accessible toilet facilities, setting a standard for cleanliness within religious institutions.

“Beyond places of worship, we encourage individuals to take responsibility for sanitation in their homes and workplaces, fostering lasting behavioural change”.

Utsev thanked the Murshid, Imams, and staff of the National Mosque, as well as the media and other stakeholders, for their support in advancing the campaign.

He expressed confidence that, with unity, commitment, and action, Nigeria could achieve its goal of becoming open defecation-free by 2030.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Clean Nigeria Campaign seeks to end open defecation by promoting sanitation through community and government efforts. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru