28.3 C
Lagos
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 31

Experts advocate policy, mortgage innovations for inclusive housing

Michael Simire
-
0
Experts advocate policy, mortgage innovations for inclusive housing

Real estate experts in Lagos on Friday, March 28, 2025, called for policy shifts, mortgage reviews and private-sector-led innovations to achieve affordable mass housing that caters to middle and low-income earners in Nigeria.

National Housing Programme
National Housing Programme estate in Kaduna

They also called for the adoption of green building practices alongside modern technology for faster and cheaper construction.

They gave this advice at the Nigeria Housing Dialogue 2025, organised by The Sixteenth Council in partnership with Capital City Development Ltd.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr Brian Reuben, Executive Chairman of The Sixteenth Council, explained the reasons for the slow progress in housing finance and policy implementation, citing a lack of continuity.

According to him, mortgage penetration in Nigeria is below one per cent, compared to 30 per cent to 40 per cent in developed countries.

Reuben urged the private sector, financial institutions, and civil society to support the government and take the lead in reshaping Nigeria’s housing future.

“Build private-sector-led mortgage finance models that provide realistic financing options for middle- and low-income earners,” he said.

Speaking on the topic, “The Future of Affordable Housing in Nigeria: Policies and Innovations,” Reuben, represented by Amadi Iheukwumere, Partnership Director, called for a shift from traditional mortgages.

He advised developers and the private sector to embrace innovative financing and construction models, while urging state governments to establish housing boards, streamline land processes, and attract investors.

He urged banks and financial institutions to develop creative mortgage models tailored to the realities of Nigerian income levels.

Reuben advised civil society and the media to continue demanding accountability, tracking progress, and exposing failed projects.

He also advised Nigerians to join housing cooperatives, invest in home savings plans and push leaders for reforms.

Delivering another keynote address, Mr. Uche Kalu, Group Managing Director of Capital City Development Ltd, spoke on “Urbanisation and Infrastructure: Rethinking Housing for Nigeria’s Growing Cities”.

Kalu, represented by his Business Development Manager, Rose Okpurhe, also stressed the need for collaboration between the government, private sector and investors to find lasting solutions to shelter and financing gaps.

He highlighted the challenges of urbanisation, the factors needed to achieve sustainable, resilient cities that promote well-being and livelihoods, and explained the interventions by his firm.

Dr Stephen Akintayo, Chairman of Gtext Homes, represented by the Managing Director, Farouq Usman, delivered a third keynote address titled “Unlocking Housing Finance: Bridging the Mortgage Gap”.

Akintayo called for policies that could help developers build at single-digit interest rates and simultaneously allow first-time homeowners access to mortgages.

Dr Kennedy Okonkwo, Founder of Victoria Crest Homes, and the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Mr. Christopher Lawrence, called for the adoption of the Lagos Homes model nationwide.

They also called for the continuity of former Minister of Housing, Babatunde Fashola’s model, which promoted local content and served as incentives for mass job and business opportunities in the housing sector.

They said these measures would check the current trend where only the rich keep buying, reselling, or renting out houses to the detriment of middle and low-income groups.

Mr. Olukayode Olusanya, Chief Executive Officer of Oak Group, also called for federal government incentives and an enabling environment to attract state governors into housing development.

Other speakers and panelists at the event advocated for crowdfunding, diaspora investments, rent-to-own schemes, among other initiatives.

During the event, The Sixteenth Council, in partnership with Capital Development Ltd, unveiled the Nigeria Housing Report 2025.

The 57-page document, which made recommendations and offered data-driven insights into market trends, as well as the current state and future of housing in the nation, was reviewed by Mr. Godswill Erondu.

The Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of The Sixteenth Council, Maryjane Eze, said both the document and the communique from the meeting would be presented to governments at all levels nationwide.

She explained the role of the think-tank organisation, which is focused on finding solutions to societal problems.

By Grace Alegba

LAWMA lauds FABE on promoting eco-consciousness among schoolchildren

Michael Simire
-
0
LAWMA lauds FABE on promoting eco-consciousness among schoolchildren

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has lauded the Foundation for a Better Foundation (FABE Foundation) for promoting eco-consciousness and environmental sustainability among schoolchildren in the state.

LAWMA
Participants at the closeout ceremony of EcoSchoolNg project in Lagos

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by Mrs. Bola Adewunmi, Director, LAWMA Academy, said this at the closeout ceremony of EcoSchoolNg project on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Lagos.

The EcoSchoolsNG initiative was borne out of a vision to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to become champions of sustainability, stewards of the environment, and pioneers of the circular economy.

The project is championed by FABE Foundation, an environmental sustainability non-governmental organisation (NGO), under the sponsorship of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation (ACT Foundation) and Access Bank to promote climate action.

Gbadegesin commended the initiative and efforts of FABE in training climate conscious youths in the promotion of a circular economy.

“Basically the programme today is about turning waste into wealth, which is primarily the sources waste management. We want to reduce what goes into our landfills and we are also teaching the kids out there to reuse and then reduce waste.

“At LAWMA, we believe it is not waste until it is wasted.

“What we are propagating now is for the children to sort their waste from source, so that the waste that can be recycled, can be properly used in a clean state.

“FABE Foundation is an NGO that we have identified with, in teaching and educating the students, especially in public schools both theoretically and hands on where they learn how to turn tyres into ottomans and chairs.

“They learn also how to make flower vases from pet bottles covers. All tiers of education from the primary, to the secondary and tertiary schools are being taught how to turn waste to resources.

“This has made these students entrepreneurs even from a young age.

“LAWMA is also propagating education in sustainability so our children can imbibe the culture of a cleaner and safer environment for us all,” Gbadegesin said.

One of the Eco-ambassadors and a participant at the 10-month EcoschoolNg project, Ahmed Robiu of Lagos Progressive Senior Secondary School, was grateful to be part of the sustainability training.

“My experience at the EcoSchoolNG 10-month programme brought me great happiness and intelligence.

“Without the introduction of EcoSchoolNG, we have not been able to turn our waste to wealth but with the knowledge we have acquired through FABE foundation.

“We can now turn our trash to treasure and change our surroundings by recycling and upcycling.

“And I started my first earning with N50,000 with a capital of just N10,000 I loaned from my mother.

“We do not have furniture in our house, we were not able to accommodate our visitors, now with training from FABE foundation I have been able to turn my plastic waste into a beautiful ottoman that we can use to entertain our visitors.

“My message to parents out there is to encourage their kids in whatever they are doing in environmental sustainability,” Robiu said.

Another participant at the EcoschoolNg project, Oyindamola Adenaike, Abesan Senior High School Lagos, appreciated the foundation for equipping the students with life skills.

“FABE foundation has taught us that we should not spend our money, we should not waste our money to buy things that we can easily source for through the use of waste resources.

“FABE foundation with the help of this programme have impacted us, that we are not doing this for only ourselves, we are doing it for the betterment of others, our environment and the economy,” Adenaike said.

By Mercy Omoike

Policy action can cut air pollution by 2040 – World Bank

Michael Simire
-
0
Policy action can cut air pollution by 2040 – World Bank

A new World Bank report reveals that targeted policy action could reduce exposure to dangerously high levels of air pollution by 2040.

Ajay Banga
Ajay Banga, World Bank President

The report, obtained from the World Bank website on Friday, March 28, 2025, stated that outdoor air pollution causes around 5.7 million deaths annually.

It further highlighted that 95 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Air pollution is also responsible for losses equivalent to nearly 5 per cent of global GDP, due to health impacts, lost productivity, and reduced life expectancy.

The report, titled “Accelerating Access to Clean Air on a Livable Planet,” emphasised that policy changes in sectors like agriculture, urban development, transport, industry, and residential cooking could significantly reduce harmful fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

It highlighted that integrating pollution management policies could yield economic benefits of up to $2.4 trillion by 2040.

“Additionally, cross-border cooperation is vital to tackling the problem effectively.”

Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director at the World Bank, noted that improving air quality was both a health and economic necessity, with achievable solutions in sight through targeted leadership and investments.

“The good news is that solutions are within reach.

“By focusing on the sectors that have the biggest impact and leveraging strong leadership, data, and financing, we can ensure cleaner and healthier air within our lifetime.”

The report outlines three priorities for policymakers to ensure clean air: strengthening governance, improving air quality data, and supplementing public resources with private investment.

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Kaduna varsity secures World Bank ACReSAL grant for greenhouse development

Michael Simire
-
0
Kaduna varsity secures World Bank ACReSAL grant for greenhouse development

Kaduna State University (KASU) has secured a World Bank-funded Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) grant.

Abdulhamid Umar
Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL)

Dr Aliyu Jaafar, Chairman of Green KASU, disclosed on Friday, March 28, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the ACReSAL team to the Vice-Chancellor in Kaduna.

He stated that the undisclosed grant would be used to set up two greenhouses on each of the university’s campuses, providing hands-on sustainability education for students.

“This initiative aligns with KASU’s vision of integrating sustainability into its academic framework while fostering environmental consciousness among students and faculty,” Jaafar said.

“The greenhouses will serve as living laboratories where students can gain practical experience in sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to research on climate adaptation strategies,” he added.

Speaking during the visit, Hadiza Halid, Head of the ACReSAL delegation, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting KASU in dryland management, institutional capacity-building, and climate resilience.

She emphasised that the project reflected ACReSAL’s broader mission to enhance climate adaptation strategies in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.

Prof. Abdullahi Musa, Vice-Chancellor of KASU, commended ACReSAL and Green KASU for securing the grant, describing it as a significant milestone in the university’s sustainability efforts.

“This partnership will further establish KASU as a leader in climate-smart education.

“We are committed to ensuring proper implementation, continuous monitoring, and the long-term sustainability of the project,” he said.

The initiative is expected to strengthen KASU’s role in environmental research, equip students with essential skills for addressing climate challenges, and contribute to global efforts in sustainable development.

By Ezra Musa

AfDB approves $50m trust fund to end school-age hunger in Africa

Michael Simire
-
0
AfDB approves $50m trust fund to end school-age hunger in Africa

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved the establishment of a fund to help put an end to hunger and malnutrition amongst school age-children in Africa.

Akinwumi A. Adesina
AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina

The End School-Age Hunger Fund (ESAH) was approved on March 20, 2025, with the aim of bolstering school meal programmes in targeted African countries by expanding existing initiatives and creating new ones so that more children in Africa have access to nutritious food while attending school while simultaneously boosting rural economies through agricultural productivity.

The implementation of the Fund, which will be run in conjunction with the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group, includes the participation of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, which has already demonstrated its commitment by signing a $50 million letter of commitment to establish the Fund.

In September 2024, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and the Bank signed a letter of intent in which the CIFF undertook to provide up to $50 million for the creation of the End School-Age Hunger Fund, witnessed by African Leaders for Nutrition Champion and African Union Nutrition Champion, His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho.

In addition, the Foundation indicated that it was fully prepared to contribute a further $50 million to the Fund, once the Bank had made its initial contribution. The Foundation is committed to supporting broader resource leveraging efforts to attract more donors to the Fund. At the same time, the African Development Bank is seeking to engage other philanthropic organisations, such as the Aliko Dangote Foundation, to strengthen the Fund’s donor base.

The End School-Age Hunger Fund will support activities that contribute directly to school food initiatives within the continent, ensuring the provision of nutritious meals to children while promoting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises that provide services related to these programmes. Where appropriate, it is expected to provide essential technical assistance to governments, encouraging them to prioritise nutritious school feeding programmes as a vital mechanism for enhancing socio-economic development, ensuring student retention in schools, and improving learning outcomes and social protection.

“The End School-Age Hunger Fund will work to secure a five-year commitment from the targeted countries, which is the standard implementation period for the Bank’s investment projects,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, the African Development Bank Group’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development. “The implementation period is long enough to establish a solid proof of concept to ensure the continuation of the initiative beyond the initial funding phase.”

The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation is the world’s largest philanthropic organisation dedicated specifically to improving the lives of children. Since 2004, the Foundation has received voluntary contributions and donations totalling over $2.4 billion. Over the past 10 years, its endowment has grown to a value of $6 billion (2020), which highlights the potential opportunity it offers in terms of harnessing resources. 

EACOP, Tanzania LNG set to lead East Africa’s energy renaissance – AEC

Michael Simire
-
0
EACOP, Tanzania LNG set to lead East Africa’s energy renaissance – AEC

With projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and Tanzania Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) reaching major development milestones, East Africa is on track to become a key player in the global crude and LNG export markets, says the African Energy Chamber (AEC)

Tanzania LNG
Tanzania Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project

Representing a strategic oil and gas frontier, the East African region offers significant opportunities for investors. Large-scale infrastructure projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and Tanzania LNG project are not only expected to drive economic growth in the region but also trigger an oil and gas renaissance in East Africa. As the region gains increasing attention from international stakeholders, it is poised to become a key player in the global energy landscape, attracting both foreign investments and strategic partnerships.

East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)

Set to begin exporting oil in 2026, the 1,443-km EACOP will play a vital part in driving East Africa’s energy renaissance. Currently in the EPC stage, the pipeline connects the Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields – set to come online in 2025 – with international markets via Tanzania’s Port of Tanga, offering a direct export route to global markets. Recent developments showcase the strong commitment by project developers TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), as well as the respective national oil companies of Uganda and Tanzania, to advancing the project.

In March 2025, EACOP conducted orbital welding training in Uganda to support the development and maintenance of the pipeline. The training aligns with local content and technology transfer aspirations, facilitating greater participation by local communities in the pipeline’s development. Earlier this month, the project operators completed the first Integrated E-House Main Line Block Valve.

The valve represents the first of 65 stand-alone MLBV E-station containers – 59 of which are along the export pipeline and 6 along the Tilenga Feeder Line – that will support pipeline operations. The Government of Tanzania and EACOP signed an MoU in February 2025 on project security, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring safe and secure operations.

One of the biggest challenges faced by the project has been access to financing. To date, the pipeline has secured $2 billion in global financing, representing the largest single investment in both Uganda and Tanzania. However, EACOP is seeking an additional $3 billion in debt financing to fast-track development. Standard Bank announced its support of the project in 2024, while China is expected to offer financing through Sinosure and the Export-Import Bank of China. While this support is vital, additional investment is needed to bring this project to fruition.

Tanzania LNG

The Tanzania LNG project aims to reach a final investment decision in 2028. Representing the largest gas project in Eastern and Southern Africa, the project will position Tanzania as a major LNG exporter, monetizing 16 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas resources within the Shell-operated Blocks 1 and 4 and 20 tcf in the Equinor-operated Block 2. The Tanzanian government is currently revising terms of a Host Government Agreement – initially reached in 2023 – with energy majors Shell, Equinor and ExxonMobil. Discussions are set to conclude by June 2025.

Despite project delays, in 2024, Equinor affirmed its commitment to the $42 billion project, citing a need to reach mutually beneficial commercial terms. Following the conclusion of these talks, the project developers will move forward with the development, engaging financiers to expedite the project’s progress.

Tanzania LNG will not only position the country as an LNG exporter but also help monetize future discoveries offshore. Currently, the country is preparing to launch an international licensing round, with 26 blocks initially allocated for tender. At present, CNOOC is leading exploration, conducting seismic surveys in deepwater blocks near previously discovered acreage. Fresh investment will bolster Tanzania’s gas production, consolidating the region’s position as an energy producer.

African Energy Week: Bridging East African Investment

The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – returning to Cape Town for its fifth edition from September 29 to October 3, 2025 – serves as a vital link between global investors and East African energy projects. Uniting project investors, operators, African governments and policymakers, the event aims to unlock new energy frontiers across the continent. This year’s conference will provide updates on the EACOP and Tanzania LNG projects, while offering valuable insight into upcoming investment opportunities in East Africa’s growing oil and gas sector.

“The EACOP and Tanzania LNG projects have the potential to transform the East African energy landscape, and finalizing these projects has become more critical than ever. AEW: Invest in African Energies will bridge the region’s financing gap by connecting key players to discuss opportunities, challenges and development strategies,” stated Tomás C. Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Losing forest carbon stocks could put climate goals out of reach – Study

Michael Simire
-
0
Losing forest carbon stocks could put climate goals out of reach – Study

In the past, intact forests absorbed 7.8 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually – about a fifth of all human emissions – but their carbon storage is increasingly at risk from climate change and human activities such as deforestation.

Forest
Forest

A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) shows that failing to account for the potentially decreasing ability of forests to absorb CO₂ could make reaching the Paris Agreement targets significantly harder, if not impossible, and much more costly.

“Delaying action leads to disproportionately higher costs,” explains Michael Windisch, lead author of the study published in Nature Communications and PIK guest scientist.

“Right now, our climate strategies bet on forests not only remaining intact, but even expanding,” Windisch says, adding: “However, with escalating wildfires like in California, and continued deforestation in the Amazon, that’s a gamble. Climate change itself puts forests’ immense carbon stores at risk.”

According to the study, postponing action to reduce emissions and to protect and monitor forests could jeopardise climate targets.

“We must act immediately to safeguard the carbon stored in forests,” Windisch emphasises. “Otherwise, compensating for potential forest carbon losses through steeper emissions cuts in key emission sectors like energy, industry and transport will become increasingly expensive and possibly unattainable.”

Considering forest carbon losses in climate mitigation pathways

The study analysed how climate targets can be met despite forests’ reduced capacity for storing carbon. The authors used REMIND-MAgPIE – an integrated global land and water use modelling as well as an energy-economy modelling system – together with the global vegetation model LPJmL to evaluate how natural disturbances and human impacts on forests influence the feasibility of achieving climate mitigation goals. The research team compared a foresighted policy response with various delayed and myopic approaches.

Regardless of the assessed disturbance rate, the study revealed just how steep the price of inaction can be. Even a five-year delay in responding to forest carbon loss would lead to a roughly two-fold increase in both the stringency and overall cost of measures to offset that lost carbon, the authors find.

Emission cuts in the energy sector, for instance, would have to be ramped up considerably, supported by a near-doubling of negative emissions capacity – which itself demands a corresponding expansion in land use. Ultimately, these extra efforts drive up overall costs, and result in GDP setbacks that are approximately double those of immediate action.

The study also highlights that current models may be overly optimistic about future forest carbon storage because they ignore disturbances, overvalue CO₂ fertilisation and underestimate deforestation. To mitigate climate impacts, safeguard carbon stocks and prevent escalating costs, the scientists recommend immediate action.

“Forests are not an infinite resource but need careful monitoring to detect reductions in carbon sinks early on,” explains Florian Humpenöder, PIK scientist and study author.

He also stresses the need for stronger forest conservation, and faster decarbonisation. Forests may absorb less CO2 than expected, making realistic forest carbon projections essential.

“Staying below critical warming thresholds requires more than just hoping forests will remain intact,” concludes Alexander Popp, head of PIK’s Land Use Transition lab and author of the study. “Alongside protecting forests, it is essential to promote sustainable land use practices– not only to preserve biodiversity but also to avoid drastic economic consequences and to secure our climate future.”

Unsustainable fashion, textiles in focus for International Day of Zero Waste 2025

Michael Simire
-
0
Unsustainable fashion, textiles in focus for International Day of Zero Waste 2025

Ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste 2025, events in Nairobi, New York and across the world have shone a spotlight on waste in the fashion and textiles industry, highlighting the environmental and social challenges of overproduction and overconsumption caused by the sector’s linear business model. 

Sustainable fashion
Sustainable fashion

The International Day of Zero Waste – officially observed on March 30 each year – was the focus of a high-level event on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York, as well as an event at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, on the same day.

Every year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced globally. Production doubled from 2000 to 2015, while the duration of garment use decreased by 36 per cent. Eleven per cent of plastic waste comes from clothing and textiles, with only 8 per cent of textiles fibres in 2023 made from recycled sources.

Discarded clothing often ends up in low-income countries, where lack of waste management infrastructure leads to dumping, burning, and severe environmental and social consequences. Additionally, textile and fashion waste in cities often end up in landfills, where it takes decades to decompose and releases harmful greenhouse gases. A zero-waste approach is key to the required transition to more circular approaches.

“Unsustainable fashion is aggravating the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature, land and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “We need to focus on a circular economy approach that values sustainable production, reuse and repair. By working together, consumers, industry and governments can support genuinely durable fashion and help reduce our fashion footprint.”

On this third observance of the International Day of Zero Waste, UN-Habitat put out a call for submission of zero waste good practices in fashion and textiles to be reviewed and recognised by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste. The event in Nairobi showcased three practices from Thailand, India and Norway selected by the Board from 220 submissions.

“The rising tide of waste is straining urban infrastructure, public health, and the environment – especially for 1.1 billion people in informal settlements and slums with limited waste collection and sanitation services,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. “We are committed to building a future where waste is no longer a problem but a resource.”

Between March 1 and April 5, dozens of events are taking place to raise awareness and discuss solutions at the global, national and city level. These include diverse initiatives such as upcycling workshops, clean-up days, tree planting initiatives and toy exchanges, engaging children, youth groups, scientists, refugees, and other stakeholders in countries including Brazil, Canada, Greece, Italy, Malawi, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA.

The International Day of Zero Waste was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 14, 2022, to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns and encourage a shift towards a lifecycle approach, so no materials or resources go to waste. The day is facilitated by UNEP and UN-Habitat.

Govt inaugurates N18.8bn Benue water project

Michael Simire
-
0
Govt inaugurates N18.8bn Benue water project

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, March 27, 2025, inaugurated the upgrade of the Buruku-Gboko water supply project, valued at ₦18.8 billion.

Prof. Joseph Utsev
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation

The project, located in Ameladu, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, is a major underground water collection site in the region.

The project, originally conceived in 1992 by former President Ibrahim Babangida to provide clean and safe drinking water to Gboko, Buruku, and environs, was neglected by successive administrations.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Tinubu, represented by the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the project aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The project is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of providing one of the most essential necessities to the populace.

“The Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project was initially conceived as the ‘Gboko-Yandev Water Supply System’ but has now been renamed the ‘Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project,” Utsev explained.

The minister stated that the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme aimed to restore the vandalised waterworks at Ameladu, Mkar in Gboko, and the Buruku Water Supply Scheme.

He noted that the project would improve the lives of an estimated 506,000 residents by providing access to potable water and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Utsev explained that water would be sourced from the Katsina Ala River via an intake structure on the riverbank.

“It would then be transported over a distance of 17 kilometres for purification and treatment before being distributed as potable water to Gboko, Mkar, and neighbouring communities.”

He disclosed that the project would be executed by Messrs Ceylon Construction Services Limited at a cost of N18.8 billion, inclusive of all relevant taxes, with a completion timeline of 18 months.

“The scope of work includes the complete rehabilitation of the water intake and treatment plant at Gboko, the supply and installation of three low- and high-lift pumps with a motor power rating of 400V/50Hz.

“It has a discharge capacity of 380–440 m³/h at a head of 18–22 metres, along with an associated control panel adaptable to a solar power source using an RSI Hybrid 30KW VFD inverter.

“Other works at Buruku include the supply and installation of a 150m³/hr package water treatment plant with associated electromechanical equipment at Buruku station,” Utsev added.

He urged the Benue government to provide the necessary support to the team of engineers and experts handling the project to ensure its successful completion.

In his remarks, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, commended President Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promise to address the people’s long-standing challenge of accessing safe drinking water.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Samuel Odeh, Alia described the project as monumental, noting that it had been abandoned for decades.

He urged residents to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability.

“The project belongs to the people of Benue. I appeal to you not to harass the contractors so they can complete the work on time,” Alia said.

Also speaking, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, assured that the community would take full ownership of the project and protect it.

Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Kogi, destroys over 500 houses

Michael Simire
-
0
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Kogi, destroys over 500 houses

No fewer than 500 houses have been destroyed when a devastating rainstorm swept through Itobe District in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on the night of Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Kogi
Outcome of the devastating rainstorm in Kogi

The rain has also rendered many families homeless.

Properties worth millions of naira, including schools, health centres, electric poles, churches, and mosque, were also damaged, while several residents sustained injuries.

Speaking on the incident on Thursday, March 27, the Ejeh of Ofu, Alh. Akwu Obaje, described the damage as “disheartening” and called for urgent assistance for the victims.

“The scene is chaotic, with roofs torn off buildings, trees uprooted, and power lines snapped,” he said.

Obaje noted that six villages were severely affected, including Itobe, Adumu, Oladebu, Ajegwu, and Itagidi.

“The destruction caused by the rainstorm has left many families without shelter, and the community is in dire need of support.

“The government and well-meaning individuals must respond promptly to provide relief to the victims and help them rebuild their lives.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Itobe District during this difficult time,” he added.

The royal father appealed to the government, corporate organisations, and compassionate Nigerians to intervene swiftly and provide relief materials to affected families.

“I urge the government and kind-hearted individuals to help restore hope to those who have lost their homes and means of livelihood,” he reiterated.

The storm, which came with fierce winds and torrential rains, has left residents in dire need of shelter, medical aid, and food supplies as children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Some of the victims who spoke, including Mr. Atabo Okolo from Oladebu, Momoh Alifiya from Adumu, and Usman Gene from Itobe-Niniya, appealed for urgent assistance.

Okolo said: “We need immediate intervention to rebuild our lives because this destruction has worsened the hardship, we are already facing due to the economic challenges in the country.

“We are now looking to the State and Federal Governments for swift action,” he added.

On his part, Gene pleaded: “We are urging the government and relevant agencies to work together to support us and help our communities recover from this disaster.”

With the rainy season just beginning, the threat of further devastation looms over the affected areas, underscoring the urgency for swift intervention.

Authorities are urged to implement robust solutions to assist victims and mitigate future risks.

By Stephen Adeleye

1...303132...2,204Page 31 of 2,204

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×