The Chairman, IBD Impex Ltd, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun (IBD Dende) has expressed his willingness to be supportive to the uplifting spirit of the members of Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) for the Association’s caring disposition towards journalists’ widows and orphans, as well as veterans who were indisposed or facing serious financial challenge.

Moved by NASRE’s sincerity of purpose, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun has charged Nigerians home and abroad not to relent in their acts of being their brother’s keepers.

Chief Egungbohun issued the words of encouragement while hosting the Executive members of NASRE at his Ilaro office during the last few hours of year 2024.

“I feel for our loving media people who are in need of our show of love. I am imploring fellow Nigerians, in any positive way possible, to rise to the occasion, because we have got to uplift each other as our brother’s keepers.

“Journalists, as the fourth estate, must continue to function effectively for us to have a developmental and beneficial democracy.

“As such, journalists’ individual wellbeing and welfare should be our collective priority.

“As a devout Muslim, I believed strongly that Allah has created us for each other regardless of religious affiliations or status in this part of the entire planet.

“Where lies the true happiness when people around you are not happy? I still hold the fact that doing uplift is not always having much to do with giving of money, rather it is making ourselves available to other people in their trying times.

“As you continue in your good work, NASRE, always count on me for my widow’s myth”, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun assured NASRE.

Lagos State, Nigeria’s bustling economic powerhouse, has long grappled with complex environmental challenges. From waste management and flooding to pollution and urban sprawl, the city’s sustainability has often hung in the balance.

However, under the stewardship of Honorable Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Lagos is experiencing a remarkable transformation.

Since his appointment in September 2023, Wahab has emerged as a dynamic and visionary leader, implementing groundbreaking policies and projects to address the state’s environmental issues.

His hands-on approach, strategic foresight, and commitment to community engagement have set Lagos on a path toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Waste management has been a perennial problem in Lagos, but Wahab’s innovative “Waste-to-Wealth” program is changing the narrative. By establishing modern recycling plants, the program transforms the city’s daily waste into valuable resources such as compost, energy, and recyclable materials. This initiative not only reduces waste but also creates economic opportunities by integrating informal waste pickers into the formal economy.

In a further bold move, Wahab introduced a ban on single-use plastics, set to take full effect this January 2025. To support this transition, his ministry has launched extensive public education campaigns, encouraging residents and businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives and rethink their reliance on plastics.

Flooding, a significant threat to Lagosians, has received Wahab’s focused attention. His administration has undertaken proactive measures, including clearing major drainage systems in flood-prone areas such as the Lord Chosen Canal and Orchid Corridor.

These efforts have not only alleviated immediate flooding risks but also laid the groundwork for long-term resilience against climate-related challenges.

Recognizing the importance of nature in urban living, Wahab has prioritized the restoration and expansion of Lagos’ green spaces. Through the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), his administration has launched tree-planting campaigns and rehabilitated parks, improving air quality and providing recreational areas for residents. These efforts underscore his belief that a vibrant city must balance urban development with ecological preservation.

Wahab has made environmental law enforcement a cornerstone of his tenure. Crackdowns on noise pollution, illegal dumping, and sanitation violations have brought much-needed relief to Lagosians. By holding offenders accountable, he is fostering a culture of compliance that ensures a healthier and more livable city for all.

One of Wahab’s most significant accomplishments is securing international support for Lagos’ environmental goals. A €120 million partnership with the Dutch government will establish a waste-to-energy facility capable of processing 2,500 to 3,000 tons of waste daily.

This project promises to not only reduce the city’s waste burden but also contribute to its energy needs, demonstrating Wahab’s ability to align local challenges with global solutions.

Honorable Tokunbo Wahab’s leadership is reshaping Lagos’ environmental landscape. From waste-to-wealth programs and flood mitigation to enforcing laws and restoring green spaces, his initiatives address the city’s immediate concerns while laying a foundation for long-term sustainability. His tenure is a testament to the power of visionary governance.

As Lagosians witness the tangible benefits of his efforts, Wahab continues to inspire hope and action, proving that with purposeful leadership, a cleaner, greener Lagos is not just an aspiration but an achievable reality.

This article celebrates Tokunbo Wahab’s achievements and invites every Lagosian to join in building a sustainable future for the city they call home.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified investigations into the activities of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, over an alleged N1.3 trillion fraud with the arrest of the Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs Joy Enwa.

The arrest of Enwa by the anti graft commission we gathered is part of investigations into the alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion linked to Okowa.

Other officials being questioned by the anti-graft agency, including a former Director of Finance and Administration.

EFCC sources hinted that the contentious funds include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation meant for oil-producing states from the monthly Federation Account revenue.

It was widely reported that former Governor Okowa was detained at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office in November over allegations of using his office to divert state funds for personal gain.

Among the assets allegedly tied to the fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Company and investments in the oil sector.

Spokesperson of the Commission, Dele Oyewale, who confirmed the arrest, said; “Mrs Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated.”

Mrs. Enwa, who served as Deputy Accountant General during the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020.

When contacted to comment on her engagement with the anti-graft agency, Mrs. Enwa declined to provide details, stating; “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”