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.

Late Ghali Na’Abba: Salute to an Avatar of Democracy

By Ali M. Ali

Ghali Umar Na’Abba was a man with a protean face. Hate him or love him, no one will deny him his progressive credentials.

Any wonder why when he breathed his last on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s political capital where he once held court as the lead lawmaker in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, the panapoly of reactions was as varied as it was profound.

Born into power and affluence on September 27, 1958, Na’Abba was the archetype aristocratic turncoat! Not for him the acquiescence to class conspiracy as early in life, he had demonstrated an aversion for the status quo.

How did this young Turk born into a wealthy mercantile family become an avatar of progressive politics? The answer may well be in his foray into Political Science at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, which was then the hot bed of intellectual radicalism in Northern Nigeria.

It was not surprising that as a student, Na’Abba was elected as an executive committee member of the Ahmadu Bello University chapter of the revolutionary People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

The PRP, established by maverick politician and elder statesman, Aminu Kano, stood out as the lone champion of good governance and transparency in the then murky politics of Nigeria. These virtues certainly resonated well with the upwardly mobile Na’Abba.

Reading well the underpinnings of Nigerian politics and its intriguing contractions, Na’Abba was a formative member of the Peoples Democratic Party at the dawn of democracy in 1998, emerging the party’s candidate in the April 1999 National Assembly election in Kano Municipal Federal Constituency of Kano State.

Buoyed by the tremendous goodwill which his personae attracted and the popularity among his fellow lawmakers, Na’Abba sought the position of Speaker.

But he was to bow to pressure, allowing the youthful Salisu Buhari to emerge as the first Speaker of the Fourth Republic.

Buhari’s tenure was, however, short-lived, as he was consumed by the scandalous certificate forgery saga, opening the door for a triumphant Na’Abba to emerge Speaker.

One defining feature of Na’Abba’s emergence as Speaker was the utmost consensus among his colleagues about the fidelity of his politics and his farsighted vision of a Green Chamber built on the twin pillars of integrity and independence of each arm of government.

These twin virtues were to define his tumultuous relationship with the brusque President Olusegun Obasanjo who spiritedly sought to ride roughshod over the National Assembly.

While the Senate faltered under the onslaught of Obasanjo’s jackboot style of administration, it is to the credit of Na’Abba and his colleagues that the Green Chamber stood up to defend Nigeria’s nascent democracy.

But for Na’Abba and his colleagues, Nigeria’s march to an enduring and sustainable democracy would have been inexorably altered when Obasanjo sought a third term in office through the back door.

Indeed, Na’Abba’s tenure as Speaker was a defining period in Nigeria’s political oddessy as it witnessed vibrant and animated debates, well fashioned bills as well as articulated resolutions and motions.

Most remarkably, that House spoke truth to power as Na’Abba operated from a position of strength, ensconced in the fact that he could mobilise a two-third majority anytime there was a critical matter of state to be deliberated upon.

In those testy years of the Obasanjo presidency, Na’Abba once mobilised more than 300 members out of the 360 in the House of Representatives to overturn the president’s veto on bills such as that of the NDDC among others.

Many would also recall the daring attempt to impeach Obasanjo after the House detailed 32 impeachable offences against him.

A thorn in the flesh of a civilian dictator, it was understandable that ensuring Na’Abba does not win re-election became a presidential project.

In April 2003, Na’Abba sought re-election into the House of Representatives on the platform of his PDP.

After surviving many plots to remove Na’Abba as Speaker, the desperation of the behemoth presidency against his reelection bid was all too brazen.

In the conspiracy to force Na’Abba to lose the election, the PDP also suffered collateral damage with the victory of the All Nigeria People’s Party candidate.

After the 2003 elections, Na’Abba was to return to a life of bemused quietitude on the political sidelines, only regaling the nation once in a while with his seminal interventions

Even in death, Na’Abba remained the spartan image of Nigeria’s political establishment, living his last moments in a rented apartment in Abuja after his house was burnt down in 2011 for supporting then President Good luck Jonathan.

For a man who bestrode the political landscape like a Colossus, it is sardonic irony that members of the nation’s political class are visiting his family home in Kano to pay tributes to his memory.

As we mourn this avatar of pluralist democracy, my thoughts are with his family and all those whose lives he had touched.

May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in paradise.

Ali is the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria.

By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In the bustling streets of Osogbo, the vibrant heartbeat of Osun, a unique tale unfolds each day.

Amid the bustling routine of civil servants and ambitious entrepreneurs, a trio of young boys, aged between 11 and 14, captivates passers-by with spontaneous singing performances.

Recently, the boys, fuelled by passion and circumstance, created an open-air concert outside a popular restaurant in the city.

Their lyrics weave through the air, leaving onlookers enchanted and reaching for their smartphones to capture the daily spectacle.

Meet 11-year-old Waheed Adekunle, a charismatic member of this musical trio. As I inquired about their journey, he shared a story that spanned two years of dedication and resilience.

Adekunle’s father, a person with disability, sits by the side, watching the children do their thing.

“We do this every day; we’re friends. I am in primary six, I attend Salvation Army Middle School in Alekuwodo,” Waheed explained with a sparkle in his eyes.

Their street performances, a harmonious blend of singing and dancing, serve a dual purpose – artistic expression and financial sustenance.

Waheed illuminated the economic connection to their passion, revealing that they made between N2,000 and N3,000 on a daily basis.

“Singing brings us joy, and some people even ‘dash’ us money. We’re making ends meet while pursuing our dreams,” he told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

When asked about his musical inspirations, Waheed pointed to icons like Portable and Naira Marley, expressing his desire for fame.

Another member of the group, 13-year old Olaleke Ahmed, said they visit other popular places to show their craft, saying they are want to support their parents with the little things earning.

In these spontaneous performances, young talents like Ahmed and Adekunle find a stage to showcase their aspirations and give joy to their audience.

In the heart of Nigeria, a harsh reality unfolds beneath the shadows of economic struggle as more young people, inspired by the success stories of others seek to use their various talents to improve families’ financial fortunes.

In the bustling streets and hidden corners, young children find themselves caught in the web of poverty, compelled to enter the workforce at an age when their dreams should be taking flight.

Nigeria, a country with diverse landscapes and cultures, bears witness to a narrative that often goes unnoticed –pervasive issue of child labour.

There is an intricate connection between poverty and the exploitation of the innocence of these young souls.

As the sun beats down on the crowded streets, one can’t help but notice the silent struggle etched on the faces of children who should be playing, learning, and dreaming.

Instead, they navigate the path of economic hardship, their small hands engaged in work meant for more experienced fingers.

Take a walk through the impoverished neighbourhoods, and you’ll encounter heart breaking scenes where children, as young as eight or nine, labour in various capacities to contribute to their families’ income.

The dream of education becomes a distant mirage as survival takes precedence.

Andrew Aina, is a 10 year-old boy with dreams as vast as the Nigerian sky. However, his reality paints a different picture.

“I sell things like sachet water and drinks at Owode market in Osogbo after school hours to help my family.

“We struggle to make ends meet and I want to contribute,” he said sharing, a glimpse into the daily sacrifice that poverty exerts on these young shoulders.

The removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu has not helped matters.

The removal of the fuel subsidy was supposed to boost the economy, after a brief period of pain, but for the urban poor who live balanced on thin margins, it is having a deep effect.

To cushion the effect of this policy, the government has promised to increase the supply of grain and fertiliser, raise award a special allowances to civil servants, and supply palliatives to the poorest households.

But none of these have so far made a significant difference to the quality of life of most Nigerians, who are increasingly looking to God and their neighbours for support.

Dr Sarah Aguocha, a child psychologist, said the nexus between poverty and child labour is complex.

According to her, families trapped in the cycle of deprivation often see no alternative but to send their children into the workforce.

“Education, which holds the promise of a brighter future, becomes an unattainable luxury.

“In this intricate dance between destitution and survival, the dreams of these children are pawned for the immediate relief of economic burden”, she said.

Aguocha said the twin challenge of absence of proper legislation; and enforcement of existing ones exacerbate the issue, allowing the exploitation of youthful vigour at the cost of their innocence.

She said it was crucial for the society to acknowledge this silent crisis and work collectively towards breaking the chains that bind these young spirits.

The psychologist said that through awareness, advocacy, and targeted interventions, there could be a Nigeria where every child is afforded the opportunity to learn, grow, and chase their dreams. (NANFeatures)

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

By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The launch of e-Naira in Nigeria on Oct. 25, 2021 marked a significant milestone toward positioning the country as a pioneer in Africa’s digital currency landscape.

Mr Godwin Emefiele, then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had explained that the digital currency was expected to complement the traditional Naira while offering a range of benefits, including cost-efficiency, enhanced monetary policy effectiveness, and improved financial inclusion.

Notwithstanding these potential advantages, the e-Naira has continued to face acceptance and adoption challenges, more than two years after the currency was officially launched.

Financial experts attribute the reluctance to embrace the e-Naira among Nigerians to the inherent skepticism and concerns surrounding digital currencies and their impact on the economy.

Mr Yinka Rabiu, a director at the Ilorin branch of the CBN, says the concept of digital currencies is relatively new to many individuals, and there is a natural hesitancy to trust a system that operates solely in the digital realm.

Additionally, he says there is a lack of understanding among the general public about the operational mechanisms and security features of the e-Naira, leading to apprehensions about potential risks and vulnerabilities.

“First, it is a new innovation and we need to do more awareness for people to understand the need to change to e-Naira.

“Similarly, commercial banks are not happy with e-Naira because it is free of transaction charges.

“While little merchants are unbothered, market women have little knowledge on it and rural area without network or smart phone can not have access unless using USSD *997#,” says the senior CBN official.

Corroborating, Mr Femi Babatunde, a financial expert, said that the digital currency represents a fundamental shift in currency which promises the convenience of digital money with the reliability of government backing.

“Its significance lies in the potential to modernise financial systems and streamline transactions, marking the next step in the evolution of money.

“Digital currencies stand to revolutionise the financial landscape by enhancing liquidity flow and streamlining banking operations. The advantages they offer extend to cross-border transactions, reducing costs and time involved,” he says.

A widespread adoption, he notes, could drastically improve financial inclusivity and efficiency, transcending traditional banking models.

Furthermore, he avers that the broader technological infrastructure in Nigeria presents a significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of the e-Naira.

According to this expert, limited internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, poses a challenge for individuals who may not have consistent access to the internet or smartphones, which are often essential for digital currency transactions.

He explains that enhancing the technological infrastructure to support a seamless transition to digital currency is crucial for overcoming this barrier to adoption.

But for Mr Jude Osunbunmi, an entrepreneur, low enlightenment and serious security concerns contribute to the hesitancy surrounding the e-Naira.

With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and fraudulent activities, he says he is apprehensive about the security of the digital assets and the potential vulnerabilities of the e-Naira system.

Osunbunmi asserts that addressing these concerns through robust security measures and educational initiatives is essential for building trust and confidence in the e-Naira among the public.

Despite these challenges, Rabiu, the CBN director, says there are numerous benefits that the public is missing by not embracing the e-Naira.

Besides the fact that the e-Naira presents the CBN an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy and streamline the government’s capacity to deploy targeted social interventions, Rabiu says it holds the promise of expanding financial inclusion and providing access to formal financial services.

“This is especially critical in a country where a sizable portion of the population remains excluded from the traditional banking system.

“By enabling individuals to transact digitally and access a range of financial services, the e-Naira has the potential to empower marginalised communities and stimulate economic growth,” says the CBN official.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Mr Ben Eze, who is a financial advisor, observed that the adoption of the e-Naira could offer Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) greater access to a broader customer base, streamline their financial operations, and reduce the reliance on cash transactions, thereby enhancing efficiency and transparency.

To address the barriers to adoption and maximising the benefits of the e-Naira, Eze advocates collaboration among various stakeholders is paramount.

“The CBN, in partnership with financial institutions, technology providers, and other relevant entities, must prioritise educational initiatives to enhance public awareness and understanding of the e-Naira.

“By demystifying digital currencies and elucidating their potential advantages, the misconceptions and skepticism surrounding the e-Naira can be mitigated.

“Moreover, investments in enhancing the technological infrastructure are imperative to ensure equitable access to digital currency transactions across urban and rural areas.

“This necessitates strategic partnerships with telecommunications companies and internet service providers to expand connectivity and promote digital inclusivity,” says the financial advisor.

For many analysts, the e-Naira represents a transformative opportunity for Nigeria to modernise its financial landscape, drive inclusive economic growth, and foster innovation in the digital economy.

They note that while the challenges of adoption are significant, the potential benefits of the e-Naira are equally compelling.

They agree that through collaborative efforts among stakeholders, proactive measures to address concerns and targeted initiatives to enhance accessibility and usability, the e-Naira can pave the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient financial ecosystem in Nigeria. (NANFeatures)

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

By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Gaily dressed graduates of University of Ilorin were all smiles as they celebrated their achievements of bagging fresh degrees in October 2023.

For them, it was a great moment with families and friends all joining in the celebrations that signified a turning point in their lives.

That joy was, however, replaced with fear and anxiety when many of the graduates received an unexpected broadcast message from Sen. Saliu Mustapha who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

The message, which congratulated the graduates, raised a crucial question: Where did Sen. Mustapha obtain the graduates’ data? And by whose authority?

“I received the message too and it was purely a congratulatory message. I wasn’t bothered initially, but later realised it is a breach of my data rights since I didn’t authorise the release of my school information to a third party,” Mohammed Yakubu, a graduate of Civil Engineering, fumed.

The unsolicited broadcast sparked up concerns about data privacy as it threw up a significant challenge on the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people.

The Ilorin data breach is not an isolated incident; it is just one of many such breaches in the Nigerian cyber space.

That such breaches are becoming so common raise questions about the protection of individuals’ personal information in Nigeria.

According to Surfshark, a cybersecurity firm, data breach incidences in Nigeria increased by 64 per cent in Q1 of 2023, recording 82,000 cases of data breaches in Q1 2023, up from 50,000 recorded in Q4 2022.

Experts observe that data breaches in Nigeria come in various forms, ranging from unauthorised access to personal information, to the unlawful use of individuals’ data without their consent.

These breaches, they observe, do not only violate the privacy of individuals, but also present a direct threat to their security and rights as enshrined in the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

The Nigeria Data Protection Act, which came into force in June, according to data rights advocates, is designed to safeguard the privacy of individuals and regulate the processing of personal data.

The Act outlines the rights of individuals with regards to the collection, use, and sharing of their personal information, so the prevalence of data breaches highlights the urgent need for enhanced awareness and enforcement of these rights.

In the light of the data breach incident involving the unsolicited broadcast message to University of Ilorin graduates, experts in data protection and privacy have emphasised the significance of upholding individuals’ rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

Dr. Ada Nwosu, a cybersecurity expert and advocate for data privacy, comments on the incident.

“The unauthorised use of individuals’ personal data, as demonstrated in the case of the unsolicited broadcast message to graduates, is a clear violation of their privacy and rights.

“It is essential for both public and private entities to adhere to the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act to ensure that individuals’ personal information is adequately protected.”

Nwosu further stressed the importance of raising awareness about data protection rights among the Nigerian populace, urging government agencies, educational institutions and businesses to prioritise the implementation of robust data protection measures.

Mr Tunde Adeleke, a legal practitioner specialising in data privacy law, highlights the legal implications of data breaches and the enforcement of individuals’ rights under the Data Protection Act, which include fines and imprisonment.

“The unauthorised access to individuals’ personal data, as exemplified by the incident involving Sen. Mustapha’s unsolicited message, constitutes a breach of the Data Protection Act.

“Individuals have the right to control the use of their personal information and must be protected from unlawful access and exploitation of their data,” he stated.

Adeleke stressed the need for stringent enforcement of data protection laws and the imposition of penalties on entities found to be in breach of individuals’ privacy rights.

The legal practitioner described as critical, the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing compliance with the Data Protection Act and holding accountable, those responsible for data breaches.

Besides the unauthorised broadcast message incident, experts assert, as well, that the issue of data breach in Nigeria extends to the realm of SIM card registration.

The mandatory registration of SIM cards aimed at enhancing security and curbing criminal activities, they note, has raised concerns about the potential compromise of individuals’ privacy and personal data.

Mr Ibrahim Yusuf, a telecommunications industry analyst, sheds light on the challenges surrounding SIM card registration and data privacy.

“While SIM card registration serves the purpose of identity verification and security, the process has given rise to apprehensions regarding the protection of individuals’ personal information.

“There have been cases of unauthorised access to the database of registered SIM cards, raising questions about the effective protection of individuals’ data,” he said.

The telecom expert made a case for comprehensive measures that would ensure the security of SIM card registration data and prevent unauthorised use, or disclosure of, individuals’ personal information.

He underscored the importance of striking a balance between security considerations and the protection of individuals’ privacy rights within the framework of the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

Amidst the prevailing concerns over data breaches and privacy violations in Nigeria, experts believe public awareness and education is important so as to empower individuals to assert their rights under the Data Protection Act.

Dr. Amaka Okafor, a consumer rights activist, describes as imperative, education of the Nigerian populace about their data protection rights.

“Many individuals are unaware of their rights with regards to the collection and processing of their personal information.

“It is essential to embark on comprehensive public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about their rights under the Data Protection Act, and the steps they can take to safeguard their personal data,” she says.

Okafor also states that it is the responsibility of government agencies, educational institutions and civil society organisations to disseminate information about data protection rights so as to empower individuals to exercise greater control over their personal information.

According to her, there is a need for accessible resources and channels through which individuals can seek guidance and redress, iyn case of privacy violations or data breaches.

Like Okafor, many Nigerians believe that as the country navigates the complexities of data protection and privacy rights, policy makers, regulatory bodies, stakeholders and the public must build a robust framework that upholds fundamental rights.

They posit that the protection of personal data is not only a legal imperative, but also a fundamental aspect of ensuring trust, security and dignity for all Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)