By Thompson Yamput, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

As former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello hands over to his successor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, analysts have continued to assess his stewardship in the eight years he led the North-Central state.

The posers are many. What will be his place in his history? What will he be remembered for? Is he a hero or a villain?

Bello, who was sworn in on Jan. 27, 2016 and served two terms, was favoured by providence to become governor following the passing of Prince Abubakar Audu, who won the off-cycle governorship election held in 2015.

He had contested for the All Peoples Congress (APC) ticket with Audu and lost to him. Audu went into the election and won but died just when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner.

That incident handed over the seat to Bello, then 40, thanks to his second position in the primary elections.

On assumption of office on Jan. 27, 2016, Bello met several uncompleted projects and opted to complete them and put them to use.

Among the uncompleted projects were the Ganaja Flyover Lokoja, Zone 8 – Paparanda Square Road (IBB Way), expansion of Kogi water project and Kogi Hotel.

He also met a lot of security challenges and is credited with effectively tackling them.

It is to his credit that many of such criminals got neutralised, some arrested, prosecuted and jailed, while others fled the state.

It is, thus, to his credit that Kogi, in spite of being bordered by nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is one of the most peaceful states in the country.

This feat earned him both national and international awards, including the “Governor Of The Year” award at the 2023 edition of Global Excellence Awards.The committee for that award described Bello as “an achiever.”

But, for many observers, Bello’s best moment was when Muhammadu Buhari, then President, inaugurated many projects he executed.

Among such projects were the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, the Ganaja flyover, and the General Hospitals in Gegu and Isanlu.

Others included the Referral Hospital, Okene, Lokoja, three GYB Model Secondary Schools, Zone 8 – Paparanda Square Road, Lokoja and Gegu-Beki General Hospital.

He also upgraded the General Hospital in Idah.

Bello also executed many road projects across the 21 Local Government Areas, and lighted many rural areas with electricity projects.

Analysts have also observed that one area that enjoyed the most attention was the education sector, especially with the establishment of Model Secondary Schools to upgrade the quality of early education.

It is also to Bello’s credit that Kogi has three State Universities – Kogi State University, (KSU), Kabba which he established in 2023 after establishing the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC), Osara in Okene.

The Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Ayingba, Dekina, had earlier been established by his predecessor, the late Audu.

With the establishment of KSU, which had its maiden matriculation on Jan. 15, Bello was able to ensure that each of the three senatorial districts of the state had a university.

Only Bello has that distinction in the country.

Another stride Bello will be remembered for, is the payment of N497 million registration fees for students writing the senior secondary school certificate examination organised by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

On Jan. 23, 2024, Bello approved the payment of N115,000,000 to cover the cost of UTME organised by JAMB, for 15,033 students in public schools across the state.

The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wemmy Jones, who made the disclosure during a news briefing in Lokoja, said that the gesture is a further demonstration of Bello’s commitment to giving all Kogi children free access to education.

According to Jones, the action is a follow-up to the earlier payment of about N497 million to WAEC to ensure no student in Kogi public schools is made to pay a dime before writing any internal or external examination.

According to him, Bello’s vision is that no Kogi child should be deprived of the chance to be educated on account of poverty.

In December 2023, Bello achieved another feat when he presented 25 ambulances to all the local government areas and some tertiary institutions. He also presented fire fighting vans to the state’s Fire Service in Lokoja.

The gesture was part of efforts to further aid the smooth functioning of the state’s health sector and a quicker handling of emergencies.

On the same day, Bello also presented 40 SUVs and four Hilux vans to the state’s lawmakers and Judges to ease the execution of their mandates.

Analysts also credit Bello with sound economic policies and programmes that saw a 300 per cent rise in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Kogi.

Bello will also be remembered for creating a huge political space for women to thrive in the state after appointing most of them into various offices with.

He made it a cardinal policy by ensuring that all Vice Chairmen of the 21 Local Government Areas were women.

His ADC was a woman throughout his eight years as governor.

To Dr Joseph Ikani of the Centre For Public Accountability, Abuja, Bello’s achievements will be the bench mark on which his predecessors and successors would be judged.

“Key projects such as the establishment of universities, the Ganaja flyover, several roads and electricity projects will always tell his story.

“Today, we can boast of a reference specialist hospital in Okene that has been adjudged the best in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“The Referral Hospital, Okene has world class facilities with qualified Doctors and Nurses.

“It is the only hospital that has a Citi Scan in the whole of Kogi and offers hope to Kogi people and the nine neighbouring States in the provision of basic healthcare delivery services.

“The ambulances he recently procured will help in the handling of emergencies within the shortest possible time towards an efficient health care delivery,” he said.

Bello has, indeed, made it clear that promoting a healthy populace was his major concern.

“We have made the health needs of our people top priority under our administration. This is the reason the 2024 budget is basically aimed at employment generation for health care providers and consolidation of the available infrastructure that has made us a reference in north-central Nigeria,” he said last year.

He also spoke on the judiciary.

“It is also our avowed determination to ensure that our judicial officers are provided with the needed means to make them deliver justice without fear or favour.”

“Over the years, we have witnessed some fire incidents that could have been averted but for want of the necessary equipment. It is our determination that henceforth, we will, with the provision of the fire service vehicles, fight fire incidences promptly and efficiently,” Bello had also said while inaugurating fire fighting equipment.

The Speaker, Kogi House of Assembly, Mr Umar Aliyu, has also spoken on Bello’s place in history.

“Bello will always be remembered for being a proven advocate of the well-being and welfare of the legislators.

“Under his watch, legislators have witnessed unprecedented support which improved their productivity.”

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Usman Zakari, also spoke on Bello’s place in contemporary Kogi.

“Following a baseline and needs assessment carried out in 2018, the administration of Governor Bello employed more than 3,000 health workers and improved the infrastructure in all health institutions.

“I see Bello as a game changer in the state’s health sector.

“He procured ambulances for all the Local Government areas. This gesture has provided the opportunity to prevent maternal deaths and to be able to transport patients for emergencies, for linkages and referrals,” he stated.

“One of the last projects Bello inaugurated at the tail end of his administration was Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child 110-Bed Hospital at Iruvichonomi community in Adavi Local Government Area, Kogi. Generations yet unborn will remember him for this,” he said.

For the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Abubakar, Bello’s exceptional achievements have rejigged Kogi’s economy.

Abubakar, in a letter to Bello, said Kogi is more prosperous and transformed due to his (Bello’s) exceptional achievements.

Abubakar said: “It is a fact that your exceptional achievements rejigged Kogi’s economy. I wish to congratulate you on your notable strides since assuming office as governor.

“Your various infrastructural projects opened up the state as one of Nigeria’s main trade routes.

“You’re leaving Kogi more prosperous, developed and transformed as seen in your infrastructural projects such as the renovation of the Okene Reference hospital and the establishment of Omi Rice Farm.

“You have enhanced public services and facilities and have added value to agricultural production and rejigged Kogi’s economy.

“As your tenure winds down, I write to congratulate you and acknowledge the notable achievements of your administration during your two tenures as governor.

“During your time as governor, the various infrastructural projects you undertook significantly improved the state’s connectivity and accessibility as one of Nigeria’s main trade routes from the West and South to Northern parts of the country.

“The renovation of the Okene Reference hospital is a testament to your dedication to enhancing public services and facilities.

“Similarly, the establishment of Omi Rice Farm, one of the largest in Nigeria, is a clear demonstration of your administration’s commitment to adding value to agricultural production.”

Like Abubakar, many observers and analysts believe that Bello left indelible marks on the sands of Kogi and will always be remembered as the architect of its supersonic growth. (NAN features)

**If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By its Resolution A/77/327, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared Jan. 26 as the International Day of Clean Energy to serve as a call to raise awareness.

The UN also seeks to use the opportunity to mobilise action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global intergovernmental agency established in 2009 to support countries in their energy transitions, was also founded on Jan. 26, 2009.

Among other things, IRENA serves as a platform for international cooperation and provides data and analyses on clean energy technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment.

According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the best time to adopt clean energy was yesterday and the next best time is today because adopting clean energy is fundamental to the fight against climate change.

“A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the Sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas) to generate electricity and heat,” it said.

The UNEP also said the world needs to completely end its reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable.

“Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.”

It is impossible to turn a blind eye to the threat of climate change, with devastating natural disasters in many parts of the world.

From deadly heat waves to fatal mudslides; unrelenting floods to raging wildfires, the world keeps experiencing extreme weather conditions that scientists say are climate change-related.

According to the UN, fossil fuels, coal, oil, and gas, are responsible for nearly 90 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, they still dominate global energy production.

Although significant progress is being made, renewable sources of energy, such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal, still only power about 29 per cent of electricity worldwide.

The Paris Agreement (or the Paris Accord), a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted in 2015, was signed by 195 countries to cover climate change mitigation, adaptation and finance.

However, those three components – mitigation, adaptation and finance – seem to be exclusively within the reach of wealthy nations who, ironically, are the biggest polluters.

For instance, a 2022 report by IRENA, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), indicted rich nations when it comes to just and inclusive transition to clean energy.

The report showed that Africa has significantly been left out of the energy transition, as only 2 per cent of global investments in renewable energy in the last two decades were made in Africa.

According to the report, less than 3 per cent of global renewables jobs are in Africa.

“In Sub-Saharan Africa, electrification rate was static at 46 per cent in 2019 with 906 million people still lacking access to clean cooking fuels and technologies.”

This damning revelation is despite Africa’s huge resource potential in wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy.

Speaking on “Harnessing Africa’s renewable energy potential” at the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in 2023, AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, underlined Africa’s tremendous potential in energy which remains untapped.

“Africa has an almost unlimited potential of solar capacity (11 TW); abundant hydro (350 GW), out of which only 5-6 per cent is being harvested; wind (110 GW), of which only 2 per cent is being used; and geothermal energy sources (15 GW).

“This is not acceptable. We must make sure we achieve universal energy access, optimising and maximising the potential that Africa has, including natural gas, which is a great part of the energy mix,” he said.

Climate advocates say the impact of climate change on developing countries, especially in Africa, is an indication that the support, funding and awareness required for adaptation needs have been inadequate.

IRENA said COP28, held in Dubai provided a unique opportunity to take stock of the global solutions for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees and to advance a positive, action-orientated energy agenda.

The conference agreed to triple renewable energy capacity globally and double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

However, some stakeholders warn that if a just and inclusive transition to clean energy is not prioritised, regions that pollute less but are in more danger would have to make other economic choices.

On this year’s International Day of Clean Energy, the world is reminded that with six years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity.

Also, about 970 million people in the continent lack access to clean cooking, with about 300,000 women dying every year trying to cook a meal.

As French President Emmanuel Macron said at the ACS, “No country should have to choose between fighting poverty and protecting the planet.” (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

By Lucy Ogalue, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Africa is home to enormous mineral, human and material resources. Huge deposits of gold, oil and natural gas, copper, zinc uranium, timber among others resources dot the landscape of the continent.

Unfortunately, these resources have not translated to the desired industrial transformation, wealth generation and economic empowerment.

“Africa is at the bottom of the global value chain with its share of global manufacturing at around only 1.9 percent.

“African economies still rely too heavily on raw commodities; between 2011-2013 manufactured goods made up only 18.5 percent of exports, while 62 percent of total imports were manufactured goods, a commercial imbalance that drains wealth away from the continent,“ says an African Development Bank Group report.

Industrialisation is the process of transforming the economy of a nation or region from a focus on agriculture to a reliance on manufacturing on a wide scale.

According to economists, industrialisation leads to economic transformation, increased productivity, improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, improved livelihoods, increased employment rate, high income and poverty reduction.

With huge unemployment rate but massive youth population, industrialisation process should therefore be at the forefront of Africa’s development initiatives.

“More than one in four young people in Africa – around 72 million – are not in employment, education or training“, according International Labour Organisation.

How does Africa take advantage of its young and growing population to push industrial growth and development?

Ethiopian president, Ms Sahle-Work Zewde, says that effective governance and political will remain key to an industrialised Africa.

According to the Ethiopian president, an industrialised Africa is not a luxury but critical for economic growth on the continent.

“Political will is at the heart of what we do, and policies must incorporate updated tools. Political frameworks should emphasise principles that promote improved productivity and competitiveness.

“There is the need to change Africa’s industrialisation narrative through inclusive and sustainable industrial development, ensuring none is left behind.

“Therefore, government institutions and structures must ensure that public policies, strategies, and national plans are gender-sensitive,” she told her audience at the African Economic Conference in November.

Mr Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), says there was need for sustainable industrialisation, inclusive development, and structural transformation in the continent.

He said this was not possible without good policies and their effective implementation.

“We envision a prosperous Africa with sustainable development that maximises opportunities for income growth, local employment, poverty reduction, and social development.

“Industrialisation is the key to sustained growth and transformation, providing jobs, skills acquisition, innovation, and formal employment, especially for women and youth.

“Effective governance and development planning are crucial for industrialisation and structural transformation,” he said at the conference.

Gatete said that as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement target year (2030) approaches, member states must review progress and identify the remaining tasks.

“At the heart of our efforts to rescue and fulfil our commitment to Africa lies in our call for accelerated industrialisation for sustainable and inclusive development“, he told Africa’s economic eggheads.

Prof. Kevin Urama, Chief Economist and Vice-President, African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, reiterated that African governments should have the political will to leverage the vast opportunities available on the continent.

Urama said the pace of sustainable industrialisation and structural transformation in Africa had been slower than required to lift Africans out of poverty.

“We need to demonstrate strong political will to promote industrialisation and maintain a stable and predictable macro-economic policy environment that facilitates ease of entry, exit, and safety of capital.

“We should develop and consistently implement a strategic industrial policy encouraging local production, consumption, and domestic/regional value chain development.

“We must develop and implement a national education and skill development strategy fully embedded in the National Industrial Policy and Development Plan“, he said.

According to him, to succeed, African countries must think differently, adopt, and implement transformative policy actions that accelerate endogenous manufacturing capacity and encourage consultation of locally manufactured products”, he said.

Industrialisation in modern era requires long term planning, and as in the case of Africa with mass land mass and different governments and varying economies, inclusive economic integration that guarantees equity.

According to Director, Macro Economic Policy Division, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Adams Elhiraika, therefore needs to integrate to create regional value chains that support industrialisation.

“Now is the time for African policymakers and economists to move beyond orthodox, mainstream economics theories that used to tell us that we cannot integrate.

“Theories that say we cannot industrialise or finance our development and that we need aid for trade. We cannot continue to receive aid to produce primary commodities we export for processing elsewhere,” he said.

A Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, Olawale Ogunkola, called for policies and strategies that foster efficient industrialisation in Africa, such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

“Mass production is required to meet market demands, and this will not be profitable if trade costs are not reduced through infrastructure development.

“The case for infrastructure development is critical for regional value chains. If we do not address trade costs, making a profit will not be possible” he said.

Similarly, Grace Nshemeirwe, the Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Private Sector Federation, emphasised the need for national governments to address trade barriers and obstacles to financing businesses.

“Harmonising trade policies across the region is vital to facilitate trade and enable African countries to compete effectively.

“Access to finance and capacity building cannot be overemphasised; we must also do more in product standardisation and packaging in Africa”, he said.

Dr Hauwa Ibrahim, Department of Economics, Nassarawa State University, Nigeria, said Africa stood at the crossroads of opportunities and challenges.

“The demographic population is vital and should be considered because Africa has many young people; what they are learning now should matter to us.

“We need to recognise the role of technology and ensure it is applied at all levels.

“We cannot take out the role of education in defining technology because we do not want to industrialise and have to invest elsewhere, away from the continent, in certain labour forces.

“Therefore, while we invest in technology, we must also invest in the education of young people so they can help drive the technology,” she advanced.

Prof. Fiona Tregenna, University of Johannesburg and Chair of the Industrial Development, National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa, said transformative industrialisation was crucial and would pave the way for the continent’s advancement.

While acknowledging some progress, she said several challenges that hindered efficient and effective industrialisation on the continent persisted, adding that: `getting the Africa we want is not business as usual`

Mr Ibrahim Sall, former Minister of Planning, Senegal, said engagement with various stakeholders would engender the continent’s sustainable industrial development.

“We need a flexible, agile, high-impact industrialisation that is robust. We need to implement industrial policies; there is no policy that cannot be selective.

“Otherwise, we will be sprinkling without impacting or wasting capital. Therefore, there must be a selective national champion.

“How do we build with major stakeholders? What matters most is to look at selectivity and information and inform the states to understand that policies are not made on the ground.

“The engagement of states is key, and they must pay attention to the industrial sector,” Sall said.

According to him, selective criteria are critical in achieving the goal.

“The vertical policy of African nations focuses on processing raw materials, and we also have horizontal and selective policies.

“This involves all actions: sustainability, infrastructure, human capital, and technology; with this, states do not need to be flexible but focus on sustainability,” he said.

Perhaps the position of African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, more succintly points path to success.

“The door to poverty is from the export of raw materials; the highway to wealth is industrialisation. To industrialise, Africa must solve its major challenges’’, he said.

The choice between industrialisation and its attendant economic and social benefits; and poverty through corruption and wasteful spending is there for African leaders to make. (NANFeatures)

By Aderonke Ojo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Coaching is a process that aims to improve performance. Some sports psychologists argue that irrespective of what the coach imparts on the athlete, the biggest obstacle to success is internal (the individual athlete) rather than external.

They say that as a coach, there would be time would be led by the person being coached. However, there may also be times when you are the expert, and imparting information and knowledge.

Coaching also includes making decisions about when a particular activity is safe for the athlete and why.

Though coaching may mean different things to different people, generally it is all about helping individuals to solve their own problems and improve their own performances.

There is no sport this has manifested more than football, a national sport and unifying factor for the nation.

Over the years, many coaches at different cadres of national football team have been fired due to the perception that they have failed in their coaching roles.

While some are sacked weeks before major tournaments, others are relieved of their jobs at the end of such tournaments such as Africa Nations Cup (AFCON).

This calls for the grooming of coaches of international standards who will create a national identity and philosophy in any sport as obtainable in football power house nations such as Brasil, Argentina, Spain, Italy and Germany.

No wonder the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh-owan described coaching as a critical aspect of sports development that should have more attention if the country is to return to its sporting best.

“There must be a conscious plan for the progress and development of our coaches because the quality of our teams in different sports is largely going to be a function of the quality of coaching.

“The sports sector is a very dynamic one with the teams increasingly and ever changing, so you need to be up to date with our coaching.

“ Pledging readiness to work with relevant stakeholders to beam focus on the coaching sector with a view to raising the standard in line with international best practices.

“Attention will be given to the coaching aspect of our sports developments. Now we pay more attention to the athletes themselves than to those who produce these athletes, those who bring out the best of this athlete.

“So it is important we re-direct our focus,” he said.

To do that requires enormous fund and the minister is banking on partnership between both the public and private sectors.

One of the approaches, he said, is the National Institute for Sports (NIS), exploring ways to partner with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in the areas of training and research.

One area coaching is very crucial is at the talent hunt level and this should occur at the grassroots.

Conscious of this, the minister said efforts would be geared towards improving the skills of grassroots coaches and revamp sports facilities at the grassroots.

He also assured that sports events at the grassroots would be well funded through collaborative model between public and private sectors.

Sports Coaches Association of Nigeria, President Gabriel Opuana, canvassed proper training of coaches to serve as the catalyst for Nigeria’s resurgence in sports.

“It is difficult to think of the future of sports in Nigeria without the active participation of qualified coaches.

“This will be done in such a way that their dignity and integrity is acknowledged and guaranteed through access to quality education, jobs, sports amenities and facilities,” he said.

He called on the minister to immediately set up a proactive committee to raise funds through the private sector for the development of sports since government alone cannot do it.

Afolabi Olanrewaju, a sports affairs analyst, said that proper training of coaches would enhance their capacity to identify and nurture talents.

“There should deliberate plans to bring in sports veterans sports into coaching. This will not only give them a sense of belonging but also give them a sense of belonging.

“Our desire to go back to the grassroots to scout for talents can be achieved by regularly organising various coaching and sporting activities at that level,” he said.

Olanrewaju also said that coaches development should be seen as a process with the ultimate end of building their ability engineer high performance as well as to coach at all levels.

“It is extremely important for the coaches and managers to keep data of every athletes and update same on regular interval. This is the heart of any sports development program,” said the coaches association head.

Similarly, Adaeze Adam said that one empowered the coach has the potential to change the lives of hundreds of young athletes.

“I urge our athletes who have passed age of playing to key into coaching instead of looking for offers where there is none.

“I have been saying it time without number that athletes should always try to make sure they hit the peak of their careers before the age of 30 years.

“Subsequently if they unfortunately pick up injuries that will force them into early retirement they can become coaches,” Adam said.

Just like in many aspects of human endeavour nowadays, technology has played a crucial role in revolutionalising coaching and Praise Ayodele, a sports enthusiast says Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in this transformation.

He said coaches could get some decision right through data analysis as captured using various technologies, including video clips and chips.

Temitope Solomon, another sports enthusiast agrees, particularly in the area of training methodology.

“Sports managers and club administrators, and school sports organisers need to ensure that their coaches have the correct and up to date training methodology.

“They must equip them with the skill to in adapt to new technologies and sports software tools.

“There should be consolidation of existing knowledge, a structured curriculum, innovative drills, reporting structure and assessments tools, and technological innovation that can create impact on coaches,” said Solomon.

According to him, to enhance the skills of coaches in the country, all stakeholders who share the same vision and goals should be involved. (NANFeatures)

By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Edo prides itself as The Heart of Nigeria with its indigenes feeling so proud to hail from there, but residents of the South-South state have a major worry – dirt that dot every space.

In most corners of the state, the stench of such dirt fills the nostrils, reducing its picturque landscapes to nothing.

The beauty of Edo is marred by poor waste management with overflowing dumps scattered all over. With environmental health hazards staring everyone in the face, concerned analysts have continued to emphasise the need for urgent measures to tackle the trend.

One such concerned analyst is Mrs Melody Enyinnaya, an environmental expert.

“Benin City, one of the busiest cities in Nigeria, is unfortunately facing a significant challenge when it comes to waste management.

“The improper handling and disposal of waste have led to severe environmental, health, and socioeconomic consequences.

“Majority of wastes generated and dumped in the dumpsite are mostly organic, residual, plastics and hazardous waste.

“The practice of burning waste is still a regular practice within the city metropolis, generating greenhouse gases that give rise to climate change which is already telling in our weather condition.

“The environment suffers tremendously as improperly disposed waste contaminates water bodies, pollutes the air, and degrades soil quality, leading to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption,” Enyinnaya says.

Enyinnaya, who is the Project Officer, Waste Management, of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), notes that the case of plastic pollution has particularly thrown the city into a flooded city at the slightest drop of rain.

According to a recent brand audit report of the ERA/FoEN, she claims, these plastics are all recyclables and the throw-away culture has adversely affected the environment.

Pakam Innovation

But as Edo grapples with this concern, the activities of Lagos-based Pakam, an innovative initiative that has revolutionised waste management in the former Nigerian capital, is offering some hope of a possible solution.

Pakam is an initiative of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in partnership with Pakam Technology led by Mr Adeleye Odebunmi, its Chief Executive Officer.

Pakam, a digital marketplace for waste, recyclingmand smart enforcement, utilises cutting-edge software applications and data to promote a circular economy and sustainability through efficient waste management and recycling practices.

The central tenet of Pakam’s success lies in connecting waste generators with collectors across the entire value chain.

Besides waste collection, the Pakam Initiative also promotes recycling and waste segregation practices, where households are paid for their recyclable materials.

Pakam’s innovative waste-on-demand solution, often likened to an “Uber for waste,” environmental experts say, has the potential to alleviate the burden of waste collection and disposal.

The platform unifies diverse waste entities under a single digital roof, offering an end-to-end data aggregation and insights that prove invaluable for stakeholders.

Mr Hodok Orok, one of the household users of the software app in Lagos, describes it as an efficient and effective transformative force.

“I had these two bags of plastic waste in my backyard for quite a long time, hoping to get a local recycler to come and pick them up. Then, I heard of Pakam. I called Mr Taiwo Adewole who explained to me how the Pakam app works. I requested a pick-up and the response was swift,” Orok testifies.

Similarly, another user, Mr Michael Ogunleye, describes the system as very fast, efficient and reliable.

According to him, once a pickup is scheduled, the collectors will always find a way to pickup.

“It’s very fast, efficient and reliable. I recommend it for every household,” Ogunleye says.

On how the app works, Odebunmi of the Pakam tech firm, says that users register with their mobile numbers as well as email addresses, after which the required services such as regular waste collection, recycling services or special waste disposal for hazardous materials is selected.

According to him, the users will input their locations and schedules before they get matched with service providers and book services before proceeding to make payments.

“The app also offers environmental reporting and educational resources for sustainable waste management,’’ he says.

The success of Pakam is not just in its connections but in its adept use of technology. Real-time data collection and analysis empower officials to make informed decisions, optimise resource allocation and identify areas for improvement.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr Ibrahim Odumboni, recounts the gains of the recycling initiative.

“It has helped to tackle plastic pollution in the state.

“With the initiative, plastic materials have become valuable commodities for economic gains through recycling. The authority is working with a private firm to establish a bottle-to-bottle recycling facility soon.”

For many experts, this technological advantage is crucial to tackling Edo’s waste management concerns.

The experts believe that Edo can draw vital lessons from Pakam’s commitment to stakeholder engagement. By actively involving all relevant stakeholders, they say, Edo has the opportunity to build a coalition of support and collaboration, turning waste management into a collective mission.

“The Pakam initiative in Lagos can be a solution to the plastic pollution in Benin City as it encourages segregation from source and gives incentives to individuals.

“This can reduce the number of plastics that have blocked our waterways/drainage systems,” Enyinnaya of the ERA/FoEN says.

Besides success in waste management, Pakam’s success also extends to building a circular ecosystem.

Mr Umar Idris-Momoh, a resident, who is familiar with the successes, says Edo can also replicate the approach, thereby fostering inclusivity and shared responsibility among stakeholders.

“From individual households to commercial establishments, everyone becomes a crucial participant in the vision of a cleaner and healthier environment,” Idris-Momoh says.

However, inadequate infrastructure, high population density as well as poor environmental behaviour are generally believed to be among the challenges facing the initiative.

But with Edo standing at the crossroads of waste management challenges, analysts insists that the success of Pakam in Lagos is more than just a story – it has become a roadmap for transformation.

They say that the digital marketplace for waste recycling and smart enforcement offers not only a solution, but a vision of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.

For the experts, Pakam’s innovation offers the opportunity to rewrite Edo’s environmental narrative and make it a beacon of change in Nigeria.

Thus, they opine, the lessons from Lagos become the cornerstone of Edo’s environmental renaissance, setting the stage for a greener and more prosperous tomorrow.

This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.