The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is to procure compactor trucks and lease them to Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators in waste management to boost operations and ensure a cleaner Lagos.
A compactor truck
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, who gave the assurance in an interview in Lagos, said that LAWMA had continued to support the PSP operators to ensure that they would be better equipped to discharge their duties more efficiently and responsibly.
He noted that their operations were being subsidised by the state government monthly to encourage them.
According to him, the growing population of Lagos State requires more efficient and effective waste management.
“Unfortunately, because of the economic situation, volatility in the foreign exchange market and increasing cost of diesel, a lot of the PSP operators are struggling.
“We are developing an intervention programme where we are going to bring in trucks and make them available to them on lease basis,” Gbadegesin said.
The LAWMA boss said that the intervention had become necessary to eliminate gaps in service delivery by the operators.
He said that LAWMA, with the support of 428 PSP operators, had been evacuating waste from all parts of the state, plying 40 routes two or three times daily to ensure a cleaner Lagos.
He appealed to residents of the state to desist from indiscriminate dumping of waste to ensure sustainability of the environment.
Some Ondo State-based environmentalists have taken the advocacy on the importance of wildlife conservation and waste-to-wealth creativities to Lagos State.
The art exhibition
The Ondo State Goodwill Ambassador for Environment, Ms. Olayemi Olapeju, at an art exhibition on Monday, March 31, 2025, 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 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 on the importance of wildlife conservation and waste to wealth creativities.
In his keynote address, Esan noted that Africa should adopt a strong policy for habitat protection and conservation action.
According to him, wildlife are 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.
Kloto 1, Golfe 1 and Golfe 7 communes in Togo have officially signed a pioneering insurance policy aimed at reinforcing their resilience against flooding. This parametric insurance project, designed to provide rapid compensation in case of extreme rainfall, marks a significant step forward in climate risk management in the West African nation.
Togo’s Minister of Environment and Forest Resources, Katari Foli-Bazi. Photo credit: Site officiel du Togo, République Togolaise
The groundbreaking mechanism was conceived in collaboration with AXA Climate, a specialist in parametric insurance and climate change adaptation solutions. The insurance package was underwritten by SUNU Assurances Togo, selected as a local insurer, while ARC Ltd. was chosen as reinsurer thanks to its recognised expertise in parametric insurance.
The collaboration was carried out in coordination with the Direction Nationale des Assurances du Togo.
Fatou Acolatse, Managing Director of SUNU Assurances IARD Togo, said: “SUNU is proud to support the Togolese communes in this innovative project. As a local insurer, we put our expertise at the service of people’s resilience.”
Anaïs Symenouh, spokesperson of ARC Ltd., said: “This partnership with SUNU Assurances and the Togolese communes exemplifies our commitment to developing innovative and accessible solutions, closely aligned with the needs of local communities. By joining forces, we are laying the foundations for a proactive and supportive response to disasters.”
The implementation of the project was supervised by the Agence Nationale de la Protection Civile (ANPC), which also played a key role in the elaboration of contingency plans for each township. The Agence Nationale de la Météorologie (ANAMET), meanwhile, ensured the installation of 10 TAHMO weather stations in the communes, enabling precise measurement of rainfall to activate the compensation mechanisms.
Each weather station will be able to trigger up to 50 million CFA francs when it measures a given rainfall threshold over the course of a day. The funds will be used to pump water and help the victims.
Winny Dogbatse, Mayor of Kloto 1, said: “Our residents have already suffered the dramatic consequences of the floods. This insurance gives us the means to act immediately to protect the most vulnerable populations.”
Koamy Gbloekpo Gomado, Minister for Regional Planning and Development and Mayor of Golfe 1, said: “This is a major step forward for our commune. Thanks to this system, if the hazard or parameter is realised, we will autonomously obtain the necessary resources for a rapid and effective response.”
Aimé Koffi Djikounou, Mayor of Golfe 7, said: “The implementation of this parametric insurance marks a turning point for our risk management. We are now better prepared for floods and can react with greater anticipation.”
The coordination between local stakeholders was orchestrated by the project team of PADIE.
Emile Atigaku Afelete, Director of the PADIE association, said: “The cumulated work of local government, national agencies acting on behalf of the Togolese state, private sector operators and development partners enabled us to craft a solution adapted to the realities in the field.”
Funding for the project was made possible by co-financing from the InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF) and a premium subsidy from Humanity Insured. Each municipality contributes up to 20% of the total cost of the annual premium, guaranteeing the affordability of the product.
Olga Mursajew, InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF) representative in charge of the project, said:“ISF is committed to developing innovative insurance solutions for vulnerable populations. This project in Togo demonstrates that it is possible to design financial protection mechanisms at the local level.”
Caroline Birch, project manager for Humanity Insured, said:“We have learned a lot from our collaboration with the national players. It’s a pleasure for Humanity Insured to partake in the success of this project;”
The insurance is designed to trigger one payout per station. The technical structure of the insurance product was designed by AXA Climate.
Eliot Pernet, AXA Climate project manager, said: “This project shows that parametric insurance can play a key role in strengthening the resilience of communities to climate risks.”
This project has been described as a major advancement for the protection of local communities against climate liabilities in Togo.
A young female aurochs has left European Serengeti, the well-known large herbivore reserve near Prague. It headed for west Slovakia, where it will establish a new breeding group on the Slovak side of the White Carpathians.
The young female aurochs. Photo credit: Vojtech Lukas
“It’s the first ever breeding group of aurochs in Slovakia. We’re pleased that we have been able to spread breeding groups of large ungulates to other places in Central Europe,” said Dalibor Dostal, director of the European Wildlife conservationist organisation.
The arrival of the female aurochs from European Serengeti enjoyed great attention in Slovakia, with several TV crews waiting for its release.
“The White Carpathians are an ideal location for large herbivores. Scientists state that it was herds of large ungulates in particular that had helped create the biodiversity and huge abundance of flowering plants in this area in the past, which humans followed up later with their considerate management,” added Dostal.
That is why European Wildlife is currently negotiating with Slovak conservationists about common projects in this area.
Preparations for capturing the female aurochs were complicated. Owing to the fact that bluetongue disease is spreading in Central Europe, it was necessary to vaccinate the female repeatedly against this disease, which prolonged and postponed the preparations for its transport.
The herd of back-bred aurochs, the first group of these animals in Central and Eastern Europe, has been inhabiting the large ungulate reserve in Milovice since 2015. Back then, the animals arrived from the Netherlands, where the local Taurus Foundation is involved in their breeding.
The Coalition of Concerned Progressives (COCOP), a civil society group, has condemned the call for the removal of Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, describing the call as misguided, uncalled for and mischievous.
National grid lines
Reacting to a report by a group purporting to be concerned about happenings in the power sector, COCOP said the group was only seeking relevance while ignoring the strides in the power sector since Chief Adebayo Adelabu took over in August 2023.
A statement signed by John Okwaji, National Coordinator, and Richard Ibeh, Secretary of COCOP at the weekend, said efforts to downplay the progress made in the power sector “based on financial inducement and political differences are doomed for failure as it lacks conviction”.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Coalition of Concerned Progressives (COCOP) has been drawn to recent calls by the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) demanding the removal of the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. While we respect the right of individuals and groups to express their opinions, we categorically state that such calls are misguided, premature, and fail to acknowledge the significant progress being made in Nigeria’s power sector under the Minister of Power and Chief Adebayo Adelabu’s leadership.
“Not only that, it is clear that those making the call have either not been following developments in the power sector since the Minister assumed duty or are only being mischievous. We are aware that the political season is here and we understand what is happening. We know these groups parading themselves as concerned citizens are merely concerned about filthy lucre, having been induced by their puppet masters while ignoring the several years of neglect and rots in the sector that Minister Adelabu met on ground.
“For the avoidance of doubt, since his appointment, Chief Adelabu has demonstrated unwavering commitment to reforming and revitalising Nigeria’s power sector, achieving measurable milestones that lay a solid foundation for sustainable energy growth. Contrary to the claims of stagnation, the following key achievements under Chief Adelabu stand as testament to his dedication and effectiveness.
“Through proactive measures, including improved grid management and infrastructure upgrades, the frequency of national grid collapses has significantly reduced compared to previous years. We are aware that the Ministry has intensified efforts to modernise transmission infrastructure to ensure reliable power supply nationwide. Within the period of Chief Adelabu stewardship, the pilot stage of the Siemens deal had reached an advance stage of 95 percent completion as at December 2024 with the installation of 10 mobile substations and 10 power transformers.
“With the completion of the pilot stage, the first phase of the Siemens deal will soon commence. We all know that the Siemens deal was initially signed in 2019 but due to financial, regulatory constraints and Covid 19, nothing was achieved until 2023 when President Bola Tinubu signed an accelerated agreement to fast-track the project which is expected to strengthen the transmission infrastructure and ultimately reduce instances of grid collapse. Adelabu has diligently followed up on this and the results are obvious to all and sundry.”
The statement also reeled out some achievements of Adelabu as Minister of Power.
“When Chief Adelabu was appointed as Minister of Power, electricity generation had always peaked at an average of 4000 megawatts, despite the brilliant Nigerians that had held sway as Ministers of Power. However, under Chief Adelabu and with the support of President Tinubu, Nigeria was able to achieve a historic record of 6003 megawatts of available generation while a historic generation evacuation of 5801.84 megawatts and a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh) were achieved in the same period. All these were achieved in less than two years.
“Also, under the leadership of Chief Adelabu, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has expanded access to electricity in underserved communities through solar mini-grids and stand-alone systems. The Ministry is also driving Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy, aligning with global best practices and the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
“In order to ensure reduction in estimated billings and improve liquidity in the sector, the FG government through the Ministry of Power has embarked on mass metering project. The Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is expected to close the over seven million metering gap with the provision of two million Meters per year for the next five years. Households and businesses will soon start benefiting from proper metering, thereby reducing arbitrary billing and improving transparency in the power sector.
“The Ministry has championed critical policy reforms, including the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs to attract private investment and ensure sector sustainability. These reforms are essential for long-term growth and have already begun to yield positive results.
“Unlike previous administrations, Minister Adelabu has fostered an inclusive approach, engaging with labour unions, distribution companies (DisCos), generation companies (GenCos), gas companies (GASCOs) and consumers to address challenges and implement lasting solutions.
“We are also aware that the Ministry has successfully attracted new investments from private and foreign development partners into the power sector, facilitating partnerships that will drive infrastructure development, improve generation capacity, and create jobs for Nigerians.
“While we recognise that challenges persist – many of which are systemic and inherited – the call for the Minister’s removal disregards the foundational reforms being implemented to ensure lasting solutions. The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to delivering stable and affordable electricity to all Nigerians, and Minister Adelabu’s strategic approach is central to this vision.
“We urge the CNPP and CNCSOs to engage constructively with the Ministry, rather than resorting to unfounded calls for removal. The focus should remain on collaborative efforts to build a power sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians. “We urge the Honourable Minister to remain undeterred in his mission to transform Nigeria’s power sector and calls on all stakeholders to support these efforts for the collective benefit of the nation.”
The Oyo State Government, community leaders, victims and other stakeholders have cried in one voice against the menace of land grabbing in the state.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State
The respondents expressed their unanimous views in a survey conducted in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Seyi Makinde, said the government, determined to curb the menace, established the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force in January.
The CPS said the government has resolved to check the excesses of land grabbers, popularly called “Omo onile”, once and for all.
He encouraged individuals whose lands or property had been forcibly encroached upon to seek redress with the task force at the state Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
He emphasised the agency’s readiness to attend to them accordingly.
According to him, the state is ready to stop the unlawfulness by fully deploying government resources and applicable law.
“People have the right to their lands, and no one should forcibly occupy them. Such acts are now criminal under the anti-land-grabbing law.
“Forceful occupation of land is no longer acceptable. In the past, conquering land was seen as a triumph, but today, it is a crime.
“Therefore, anyone attempting this must be prepared to face the consequences,” he said.
He assured victims that erring individuals would face the full wrath of the law because the present administration has zero tolerance for land grabbing.
Stakeholders, while condemning the act, advised the state government to make the task force effective enough to deter those planning such illegality.
Chief Alaba Alayande, a community leader at Aba Alamu, via Omi-Adio, Ido Local Government Area (LGA), says land grabbing brings severe consequences for individuals and communities.
He noted that it has led to displacement, loss of livelihood, economic hardship, and social unrest, thus impacting the environment and exacerbating inequalities.
A leader in Ologiri Village, Ido LGA, Mr. Tajudeen Ayinla, said land grabbing could be deeply traumatic, leading to stress, anxiety, and a sense of loss and dispossession.
Ayinla said that loss of land and access to resources could lead to poverty, food insecurity, and reduced income opportunities for individuals and families.
According to the Baale of Ogidiland, Ona-Ara LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Abdul-Azeez, land grabbing disproportionately affects marginalised groups such as small farmers and women.
The community leader said such activities could lead to long-term disputes and unrest, leading to instability within communities.
“Individuals are displaced with disrupted livelihoods; social ties can weaken, leading to a sense of fragmentation and loss of community identity.
“Land grabbing can also lead to deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity, impacting the overall health and sustainability of the environment,” the Baale said.
While commending the state government for setting up the task force, Abdul-Azeez said the havoc and unrest caused by land grabbers were no longer acceptable.
“In recent years, land grabbers have caused havoc and unrest in different parts of the state by dispossessing legitimate landowners of their properties, thereby stifling commercial activities in the state.
“It is, therefore, important that the state government, not only identifies the effects of the problems being perpetrated by these unscrupulous elements on commercial activities and peace of the citizenry, but also finds lasting solutions to the menace.
“I strongly believe this is the reason behind the creation of the task force.
“Furthermore, the need to protect investors and maintain law and order may have also led to the setting up of the task force.
“This, by implication, will encourage the verification of legal claims through litigation rather than resorting to violence.
“It is good to know that henceforth, anybody or a corporate entity who uses threat in any form to deprive people of their legitimate property should be treated as a criminal in the state,” said the Baale of Ogidiland.
Chief Bolarinwa Bashiru, the leader of Odejobi Community, Omi-Adio Area of Ido LGA, saw land grabbing as limiting access to essential resources, such as water, forests, and grazing lands.
He said this would have a more negative impact on the well-being of communities.
According to Bashiru, disrupting the traditional lifestyle of those who rely on agriculture and other resource extraction will force them to the cities to engage in menial jobs.
A lawyer, Adeyemi Okunade, said those aiding and abetting land grabbers would also be penalised with the creation of the task force under the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law, 2016.
“The Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law, 2016, prohibits forceful entry, illegal occupation of landed properties, fraudulent and violent conduct pertaining to landed properties, with offenders liable up to 15 years imprisonment,” he said.
Okunade attributed the recent trend of land grabbing in the state to factors including the growing demand for land, driven by urbanisation and development projects.
He said the increase in land demand had created an environment where land grabbers could thrive, using tactics such as forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties.
“Additionally, the activities of land grabbers have been linked to violence and intimidation, making it difficult for legitimate landowners to protect their properties.
“It’s worth noting that the state government has declared zero tolerance for land-grabbing activities, and those found wanting risk up to 15 years imprisonment,” he said.
To curb the menace, Okunade called for the review and amendment of existing laws, an increase in penalties, and the establishment of a clear procedure for land acquisition, transfer and registration.
“There is a need for a mandatory land registration system – a digital land registry, allowing public access to land records.
“In addition, there is a need to establish an independent oversight body to monitor and investigate land transactions.
“There is also the need to provide legal assistance, alternative dispute resolution methods and creation of public awareness campaigns.
“Others include special courts, strictly for land grabbing matters, and more government involvement in land issues,” Okunade said.
However, an architect, Mr. Rotimi Omoniyi, alleged that land grabbing started gaining ground due to the support perpetrators receive from community chiefs and traditional rulers of the areas involved.
Omoniyi said he had clients who had been victims, as lands sold to them were resold to others by the same people.
“The practice will continue because those involved have the backing of the families who sold the lands and maybe those of the traditional rulers in the area,” Omoniyi said.
A farmer, Mr. David Ayoola, said he became a victim of land grabbers because he left his land unattended for a long time.
“When I got there, I discovered another person had built on it, and though I was offered another place, it was far from the initial one.
“I, however, took the offer so that I would not lose my money, as they were not ready to pay back,” said Ayoola.
Mr. Lamidi Waheed, Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) in Oyo State, identified land grabbing as one of the challenges members encounter while working on sites.
However, he noted that every legitimate surveyor has legal protection from being victimised by land grabbers while on sites.
“With this law, beating up a surveyor on the site attracts 10 years imprisonment.
“The highest thing a land grabber can do is to ask us to leave the site, and we’ll leave peacefully and report to our client.
“We strongly condemn any form of brutality by land grabbers against our members,” he said.
In what appears to be a significant victory against transnational wildlife crime, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the arrest of a suspected high-level Chinese wildlife trafficker in Lagos.
Seized Pangolin scales packed in 230 bags among packets of frozen beef
Acting on intelligence provided by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), NCS carried out the arrest on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The operation reportedly represents a critical disruption to organised wildlife crime networks operating between Nigeria and Asia.
Landmark seizure led to arrest
The arrest was linked to a warehouse raid in Ogun State, Nigeria, that led to a major pangolin scale seizure in August 2024, following intelligence provided by the WJC. NCS officers initially seized 31 bags of pangolin scales on August 8, with a follow-up search on August 10 uncovering an additional 148 bags, bringing the total to 7.2 tonnes – the largest-ever WJC-supported seizure.
Intelligence identified the suspected owner of the stockpile as a high-level Chinese wildlife trafficker. With WJC support, Nigerian authorities tracked the suspect, leading to his arrest in Lagos six months later.
According to the WJC, the arrest represents:
The first Chinese wildlife trafficking suspect arrested in Nigeria as a result of a WJC-supported operation.
The second suspected kingpin arrested in Nigeria through WJC collaboration.
A strong partnership driving impact
The WJC has been working in close partnership with the NCS since July 2021, providing intelligence analysis, investigative support, and evidentiary assistance. To date, this collaboration has facilitated 17 joint operations, leading to 37 arrests, the seizure of 21.5 tonnes of pangolin scales and over one tonne of ivory, and 12 successful convictions. Among those convicted are a Vietnamese kingpin, his two associates, and two high-level shipping facilitators behind Lagos-based organised crime networks.
“Our technical assistance has contributed to 94% of all pangolin scales seizures reported in Nigeria during this period. Notably, no significant seizures of African pangolin scales have been reported at any seaports globally for over three years, signaling a major disruption in transnational trafficking routes,” said the WJC.
Strengthening the fight against wildlife crime
“This arrest represents a gold standard in investigations into the top tier of the illegal wildlife trade, and we congratulate NCS on this outstanding result. Their swift action, guided by our intelligence, demonstrates the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts to target trafficking at the highest level and drive disruption through the entire supply chain. By dismantling criminal operations from the top down and across major global supply chains, we can help stop transnational organised crime from driving species to extinction,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the WJC.
A major setback for transnational organised wildlife crime
The seizure of 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales dealt a significant financial blow to the trafficking network, with an estimated value exceeding $1.4 million in Asia. The arrest of the suspect is expected to have lasting disruptive effects on Nigeria-based criminal syndicates supplying the illegal wildlife trade.
This success, it was gathered, underscores the increasing risks associated with wildlife trafficking and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to dismantling organised crime networks.
The Wildlife Justice Commission says it remains dedicated to supporting law enforcement partners in holding traffickers accountable and tackling the illegal wildlife trade at its highest levels.
Chief Executive Officer and founder of Zigma Limited, Funmi Ogbue, has been named “Outstanding Woman in Energy (Local Content)” at the 4th edition of the Women in Maritime & Energy Awards.
Funmi Ogbue
The award ceremony held on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Lagos, where Mrs. Ogbue was represented by her son. The event brought together distinguished guests to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Women in Maritime & Energy sectors, that have been making meaningful impact in their industries and society as a whole.
In a letter that convened the award, Tunbosun Afolayan, Executive Director, Women in Maritime and Energy (WiME) Awards, reportedly noted some of Ogbue’s public accomplishments.
He wrote: “Your commitment to building an outstanding community within the Women in Energy Network (WEIN) and fostering inclusive initiatives in the energy sector is applauded and recognised.”
Ogbue replied: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which comes at a pivotal moment for me as I navigate this phase. It is a powerful affirmation of the work we have done and a reminder of the responsibility we carry to do even more.
“I am very appreciative of this award, and for us, this is our call to action to do even more.
“The award signifies for me an indication that all the sleepless nights and taking the long road to gender development and advocacy we have done with WEIN and efforts to take my companies Zigma to greater height, positioning it as a leading integrated oil and gas company and constantly looking for opportunities to support the transformation of public sector entities and train professionals for career growth and better productivity.
“The WIME Awards remains a foremost and leading platform to continue to enhance equality, accelerate diversity and promote inclusion in the Maritime and Energy industries in Nigeria and across Africa. WiME thank you so much for the honour.”
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; and his Gombe State counterpart, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, are among dignitaries that will be honored at this year’s edition of Energy Times’ Award, taking place at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu
Adelabu, who will lead the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to the occasion, will be the Special Guest of Honour as well as an awardee.
Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti state will be honoured as “Energy Governor of the Year” for his immeasurable developmental energy projects he initiated in Ekiti state.
The GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kolo Kyari, is expected to lead top Nigerian Oil and Gas players to the event. Kyari who has spearheaded the turnaround of NNPCL from loss-making to a profit-making company, sustained competitiveness in the downstream and under whose watch Nigerian owned refineries roared to life will take the “Man of the Year Award”, while the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will be conferred with the “Life Achiever of the Year Award”.
NMDPR’s Chief Executive, Ahmed Farouk, clinched the “Transformational Leadership Award” while Dr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director, Sahara Group, will receive “Energy Icon of the Year Award”, Mrs. Mojisola Abdul, Chairman Mojec International, will be honoured with “Entrepreneur of the Year Award”.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, is also expected as a special guest of honour.
Four oil industry players that have distinguished themselves in their areas of professions will be honoured with Excellence Awards. They are PETAN Chairman, Wole Ogunleye; NNPC Limited’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye; Executive Chairman of Raffles Energies Ltd, Prof. Billy Okoye; and the immediate past General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Company (NLNG), Mr. Andy Odeh.
MOMAS Electricity Meter Manufacturing Company (MEMMCOL) will receive the “Most Innovative Company of the Year Award” while Heirs Energies will be conferred with “Outstanding Oil & Gas Company of the Year Award”.
Also, five long-standing subscribers to the newspaper will be appreciated at the event with certificates of recognition.
The awardees, which were carefully selected based on their contributions in the energy sector, include top industry players, organisations and government agencies whose contributions have impacted the economy and people’s lives positively.
According to a statement signed by the newspaper’s Editorial Board Chairman, Alhaji Yakubu Lawal, to make the event, being the maiden edition, a memorable one, a team of industry experts were constituted into a Body of Advisers to deepen the content of the award.
Speaking further, Lawal said that this year’s award was meant to appreciate and recognise individuals and companies whose works had impacted people’s lives positively.
He said: “These subscribers, including an organisation, have in no small measure, stood by us in Energy Times from the beginning till date. We are impressed by their sacrifices and the trust they have in us.”
Energy Times started as a weekly newspaper and is today a bi-weekly publication based in Lagos, the nation’s commercial and economic hub. It was established in March 2017, to fill the vacuum in in-depth energy news analyses and reportage in Nigeria.
With a current subscribers’ base of 1,820 that cuts across the country and abroad, Energy Times has offices in Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says it is taking steps to tackle the environmental impact of 1,040 tonnes of textile waste generated daily in the state.
Textile waste
Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said this in a statement on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Lagos to mark the International Zero Waste Day.
Theme of the Zero Waste Day is: “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles.”
Textile waste refers to any discarded clothing, fabric, or related material that is no longer in use or considered unusable.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA would be taking decisive steps to address the environmental impact of textile waste in line with this year’s theme.
“Textile waste constituted approximately eight per cent of the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos.
“LAWMA plans to ban textile waste from all landfills in the state. We will be collaborating with Tejuosho Market in Yaba to collect textile waste for transfer to recycling companies.
According to him, students at the LAWMA Academy are being trained to upcycle textile waste into practical products, promoting sustainable practices and creating economic opportunities for residents.
He reiterated its commitment to achieving zero waste in Lagos State, aligning with global efforts at minimising waste generation and maximising resource recovery.
Gbadegesin said the event underscored the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices.
He noted that LAWMA had continued to implement innovative strategies aimed at reducing landfill dependence, increasing recycling rates, and promoting responsible waste disposal among residents.
“The International Zero Waste Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the environment by adopting sustainable waste management practices.
“At LAWMA, we are fully committed to implementing policies and programmes that support zero waste principles, including waste sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives.
“However, for these efforts to be successful, every Lagosian must take ownership of their role in ensuring proper waste disposal and environmental responsibility,” Gbadegesin said.
He highlighted some of LAWMA’s key initiatives in its zero-waste efforts to include the expansion of the Lagos recycle initiative, the promotion of circular economy practices, and enhanced enforcement of environmental laws.
“Over the years, we have intensified our recycling programmes to ensure that a significant portion of waste generated in Lagos is diverted from landfills.
“Through our partnerships with recycling firms and the implementation of the ‘Adopt-a-Bin’ programme, we are actively encouraging waste sorting and promoting a culture of recycling among households and businesses,” Gbadegesin said.
He said the authority had continued to expand its Waste-to-Wealth programmes, where organic waste was converted into compost and other useful by-products.
He stressed that LAWMA would continue to promote waste recycling to ensure that more waste materials are repurposed, thereby creating economic opportunities for residents.
“We have seen remarkable progress in our waste conversion efforts. Organic waste, which forms a significant percentage of our total waste, is being processed into compost for agricultural use.
“Similarly, our collaborations with the private sector have facilitated the recycling of plastic waste, aluminum cans, and glass materials, further strengthening the circular economy in Lagos,” he added.
Gbadegesin said the authority’s marine waste team had intensified efforts to clear waste from Lagos’ waterways.
He said that there is an ongoing cleanup operation along the coastline and drainage channels, particularly at Five Cowries Creek and other flood-prone areas.
Reaffirming LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy on environmental infractions, he urged Lagosians to support the state’s zero-waste vision by complying with waste management laws, embracing recycling, and ensuring proper waste disposal through assigned PSP operators.
Gbadegesin added that community participation remained a key factor in sustaining a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
