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Enforcement on ban of single-use plastics starts in 2weeks – Tokunbo Wahab

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The Lagos State Goverment is set to commence enforcement on the ban of Single-Use Plastics, SUPs, in the next two weeks.

This comes as the mega pumping station being constructed in Ilubirin to permanently address the issue of flooding in Lagos Island is set for operations next week.

State Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Sunday, during an inspection tour of flood-prone areas and all on-going projects and new ones at Lagos Island and its environs climaxing at ilubirin, Waterfront.

Wahab, had last year December, at a stakeholders’ workshop and awareness on the implementation of the ban on the usage of Styrofoam and SUPs for packaging, saud enforcement would commence from January 2025, as part of measures by the State Government to put in place policy guidelines for plastic utility in further ensuring a sustainable management of plastic waste, healthy and safe environment.

The state government had in January 2024 banned the use of styrofoam in all government establishments and across the metropolis in general, following the increasing prevalence of plastic waste and its negative on the environment in recent years.

Speaking with newsmen at Ilubirin Pump Station, after the inspection, the commissioner, said, “

“In fairness to government, we saw the level of degradation there was infrastructure that was built by Julius Berger contracted by government, properly done with road network, functional drainage and walkway.

“However, bad human behaviour clogged-up the system.

“This tour became necessary as the Governor has re-awarded the regeneration of the total infrastructure of Lagos Island; we need to ensure the contractors are ready to commence and see if the contract period can be abridged and thus, reduce the delivery time to 18 months or less instead of the initial 24 months projects delivery,” Wahab said.

He maintained that the state government will continue to provide requisite infrastructure but the citizens must take ownership of the infrastructure with a mind that it is for the good of all.

“We will ramp up provision of resilient infrastructure and encourage people to take ownership while Government also take ownership of the responsibility impose by the statutes; our people must remember that tax payers funds are deployed to build these infrastructure,” he said.

The commissioner reminded all that there was no going back on the commencement of a total ban on single use plastics from January few days time, adding that Littering especially with styrofoam has reduced drastically compared to when enforcement of its ban initially started.

“There is no going back on total ban of SUPs. We are currently having conversations in respect on how to completely phase them off.

“The enforcement will take effect before the end of this month, January,” Wahab stated.

The commissioner said the ministry will in the new year continue its advocacy for attitudinal change adding that citizens must know that in order to experience change, attitudes towards the environment must also positively change.

Ilubirin 3m cubic litres per hr pumping station

At Ilubirin the commissioner, expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the pumping station projects, adding that the station will be energized within the next 10 days for test running.

He said the massive Ilubirin water pump project is the most critical part of the regeneration process majorly to de-flood Lagos Island and environs, adding that all drainage channels in Lagos Island would discharge into the Lagoon through the these pumps, stressing that these measures would permanently curb the menace of flooding in the areas.

Wahab explained that the Ilubirin project has three major pumps, two 500KVA Generators, three Control Panels with a pumping capacity of three million litres of water per hour, stressing that the project would be very beneficial to the entire community.

He explained that the big turbine pumps are designed to function automatically and self operating, to be powered majorly by public power electricity which will be backed up with a 500KVA generator.

According to him, “All the equipment are now in place, in 10 days or less, once the connection is completed, we would open the outlet for test running and this will also compliment the urban regeneration efforts to de-flood Lagos Island.

“Since Lagos is below sea level when the water rises from the lagoon, it can flow back from the city.”

He urged all agencies of government, especially the ministry to move out of their offices into the field and engage in responsibilities that is required of their respective agencies, adding that global warming and climate change is real and a serious issue that must be confronted from all fronts.

Wahab, warned developers and residents to desist from dumping building materials on the roads and drainage channels which causes serious blockage to natural flow of water, while ordering the immediate sealing of three buildings on Adeniji Adele Road which are: Number 65, 68 and 124 for dumping of building materials on the drainage channels.

The Special Adviser on Environment,
Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the urban regeneration of Lagos Island is the lasting solution to the menace of flooding in the area, stressing
that government will not relent in performing it’s responsibilities of maintaining flood free and clean environment.

He appealed to residents of Lagos Island to support the government when the project commences as it will be beneficial to all and for a sustainable environment.

Others in the entourage include: Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; Lagos Waste Management Authourity, LAWMA, Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin and some directors from the Ministry

The places visited by the team were: Bombata Multipurpose Market; Oroyinyin area,; Princess Street, Isale Gangan; Aroloya Street; Idumagbo Street; Adeniji Adele Trapezoidial Canal; Epe Collector Drain along Adeniji Adele Road and Ilubirin.

 

 

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How Mojisola Meranda Allegedly withdrew N5bn from LSHA account days after becoming speaker

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Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is embroiled in a fresh dispute with his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, for allegedly authorising the withdrawal of N5 billion from the assembly’s account just days after taking office.

The move came in the wake of her brief stint as speaker following a short-lived impeachment in January.

According to sources familiar with the unfolding drama, the fresh conflict between Obasa and Meranda centers around her approval to disburse the N5 billion for the purchase of 40 units of 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, one for each of the 40 lawmakers.

This newspaper gathered that the purchase was made just days after Meranda was sworn in as Lagos State’s first female speaker on January 13.

“Another serious crisis is brewing in the Lagos Assembly,” a source revealed.

“Mr. Obasa is furious that Meranda didn’t even wait for weeks before withdrawing N5 billion to buy 40 Land Cruisers for lawmakers after replacing him as speaker.”

Obasa, who had plans for the same vehicle purchase before his impeachment, was re-elected as speaker on March 3 following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

Upon his return, Obasa immediately began pressuring Meranda to return the N5 billion, claiming that she had no authority to make such a large disbursement from the assembly’s account.

Meranda’s tenure as speaker lasted just 49 days before she was forced to resign, following intense pressure from President Tinubu and the Lagos APC leadership to restore Obasa to his position.

Sources revealed that before his removal, Obasa had already planned to disburse N7 billion to purchase 45 units of Toyota Fortuner SUVs, intending to give one to each of the 40 members of the Lagos House of Assembly, one for the House clerk, and the remaining vehicles for himself. However, Meranda’s approval of the N5 billion purchase has now disrupted these plans.

“As soon as Obasa was reinstated as speaker, he began putting pressure on Meranda to return the N5 billion used to purchase the Land Cruisers,” one source explained.

“Obasa was about to finalize plans to disburse N7 billion for 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs, but Meranda’s actions have thrown those plans into disarray.”

In response, Obasa has demanded that Meranda return the 40 vehicles already purchased, a request that has sparked resistance from lawmakers.

Many of the lawmakers, who had opposed Obasa’s return to power, are refusing to hand back the new Land Cruisers in exchange for the older Toyota Fortuner models.

“Obasa is not backing down,” a source said. “He’s insisting that Meranda and the other lawmakers immediately return the Land Cruisers, but they are refusing. They don’t want to give up the latest model of Land Cruisers for the older 2020 Fortuner vehicles, and this is creating more tension in the assembly.”

The dispute continues to escalate, as the standoff between Obasa and Meranda threatens to deepen divisions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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Tingo AI: The First AI-Driven Innovation Hub in Africa

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Campus Comprehensive College, Lagos Students Dive into the World of AI and Robotics at Tingo AI’s Educational Tour

 

 

Tingo AI, Africa’s leading artificial intelligence research and innovation center, hosted an interactive and inspiring educational tour for students from [SCHOOL NAME]. The visit was designed to introduce students to the real-world applications of AI, robotics, and automation, providing them with an early glimpse into the future of technology.

 

The students participated in hands-on activities and discussions that explored AI’s impact on education, business, entertainment, and public services. The engaging session included:

 

✅ AI for Everyday Life: Students saw live demonstrations of how AI enhances industries like healthcare, finance, and creative arts.

✅ Robotics Challenge: Teams designed and programmed robots to complete problem-solving tasks, sparking their creativity.

✅ AI Ethics & Innovation Discussion: Experts engaged students in thought-provoking conversations about the future of AI and ethical technology use.

✅ Career Pathway Insights: Students learned about exciting AI-related career opportunities and the skills required for success in the digital economy.

 

Tingo AI’s visionary founder, Dozy Mmobuosi, also shared his enthusiasm about empowering young minds with AI knowledge, stating:

“Exposing students to AI early is critical for Africa’s technological future. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s innovators, and experiences like this help shape a new generation of tech leaders.”

 

The visit reinforced Tingo AI’s commitment to bridging the gap between AI education and practical application, ensuring that students across Nigeria have access to cutting-edge knowledge and inspiration.

 

Stay connected with us @tingoai_ for more groundbreaking innovations and educational experiences.

 

#TingoAI #AIinAfrica #FutureLeaders #ArtificialIntelligence #TechRevolution #DozyMmobuosi #NextGenTech #InnovateAfrica #AIForEducation

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Senate advises Natasha to obey rules as she refuses to stand up for Akpabio’s entrance

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The Senate on Thursday advised Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect and obey the rules and orders of the legislative institution.

Rising on Order 55(1), the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno pointed out that “it is the Rules and Order of the Senate that when the Senate President is being ushered into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-arms, all senators must stand up”.

The chief whip regretted that Natasha disrespected the Rules and Order of the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday by refusing to stand up like other senators, as required, when Akpabio entered the chamber.

He called on the female lawmaker to abide by the rules, irrespective of any circumstances, noting that the institution must be protected at all costs.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio sustained the order and urged all senators to be guided.

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