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BREAKING: Adamu, Oshiomhole, APC Govs Hold ‘Crucial’ Meeting [PHOTOS]

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Security was beefed up at the headquarters of All Progressives Congress on Wednesday when the Deputy Director of APC Presidential Campaign Council and seven governors arrived for a crucial meeting with the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

There was a heavy presence of stern-looking policemen roving the area as the popular Blantyre Street was cordoned as a measure to control both human and vehicular traffic near the party secretariat.

In attendance at the meeting were Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; his counterpart in Zamfara, Bello Matawalle; Jigawa Governor, Abubakar Badaru; Sani Bello of Niger State; Kano Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and members of the National Working Committee.

The meeting, which started at 12.00 noon, was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.

Although the agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, sources said it may not be unconnected with the contentious 422-man list of the presidential campaign council.

But addressing journalists before the crucial political roundtable, Adamu said the meeting was to essentially interact with the APC governors who he described as custodians of the party in their various states.

He said, “Being the chief executive officers of their various states, the onus of our great party lies in the hands of God and in their hands because they are the commanders of the party fortunes in their various states. We cannot make meaningful progress without them in the affairs of these states, particularly in an election year that is approaching.

“We cannot plan without the buy-in of our governors so that we can stand together, believing that we share the same aspirations. We will plan together to see how best we can deliver the interest of the party and ensure that victory is ours in the 2023 general election that is by the corner. That is the essence of this meeting.”

Reacting to Adamu’s invitation for the meeting, Lalong, who stood in for Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Atiku Bagudu, said they found it heartwarming to return to the party after the last convention.

“We are very happy our party is moving well. Today we have an invitation of the national chairman and that invitation also went to the campaign council. So the Progressive Governors Forum invited the campaign council to a meeting and that is why you can see the meeting came jointly with progressive governors (who) are also part of the campaign council for proper briefing.

“When we were coming in, some governors were confused because they have not visited your office since you renovated it. We use this opportunity on behalf of governors to congratulate you. This is the real office of the party in government. I wish some people will see it and others will come and copy from us. Once again, I want to say we are here at your instance and also at your invitation.”

The development is coming barely 24 hours after a strategic planning committee of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council met behind closed doors in Abuja on Tuesday evening to review the growing membership list.

The meeting, chaired by Lalong, who is also the Director General of the council, started a bit late at the PCC office in Abuja.

A source told our correspondent that the agenda of the political roundtable was hinged on the need to properly vet the nominees’ list to avoid another backlash as witnessed in the outrage of aggrieved APC governors and members of the National Working Committee after the list was unveiled.

The PCC Director of Media and Communications, Bayo Onanuga confirmed the meeting was called by Lalong to “take another look at the list.”

 

BIG STORY

EFCC Declares 28-Yr-Old Woman Wanted Over Alleged Fraud, Theft

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared Oyinkansola Folashade Okanlawon, aged 28, wanted over alleged involvement in fraud and the illegal acquisition of funds.

The announcement was made through the Commission’s official X handle, stating that Okanlawon is being sought for reportedly obtaining money through false pretence and theft.

The notice reads: “The public is hereby notified that OYINKANSOLA FOLASHADE OKANLAWON, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of Stealing and Obtaining Money by False Pretence.

“She is 28 years old and a native of Ipokia LGA in Ogun State. Her last known address is 21 Hammed-Kasumu Street, Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos.

“Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: [email protected] or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies.”

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BIG STORY

Building A Cleaner Lagos: Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab Backs LAWMA’s Triad of Education, Collaboration — By Babajide Fadoju

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  • As LASEPA Drives Science-Based Environmental Solutions

 

Lagos generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with single-use plastics clogging drainages, polluting water bodies, and threatening public health.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has historically relied on enforcement to manage this crisis, but recent initiatives signal a shift toward education, collaboration, and innovation.

The awareness walk, organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Alternative Bank, in Yaba and Tejuosho markets, exemplifies this evolution, promoting a zero-plastic lifestyle and responsible waste management.

While LAWMA’s progress is commendable, scaling these efforts to address Lagos’ massive waste challenges requires deeper public engagement, sustained partnerships, and innovative solutions.

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in Lagos. With 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, less than 10% is recycled.

Single-use plastics, like sachets and styrofoam, exacerbate flooding, harm aquatic life, and infiltrate the food chain, posing health risks such as asthma and heart disease.

A 2023 audit by LASEPA revealed that each Lagosian discards roughly 34 kilograms of plastic into water systems yearly, equivalent to 10 plastic bottles daily. The state response includes the 2024 styrofoam ban and the “Adopt-a-Bin” program, which encourages waste sorting.

As spearheaded by the commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Honourable Tokunbo Wahab. LAWMA has demonstrated collective responsibility, aligning with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

LAWMA’s educational efforts are gaining traction. The agency’s collaboration with the Glo Skillbridge programme, graduating street sweepers trained in skills like baking, fashion design, and digital marketing, empowers its workforce while fostering environmental stewardship.

These initiatives complement LAWMA’s enforcement, which saw over 6,700 arrests for environmental violations from January to May 2025. This “stick and carrot” approach; balancing penalties with education, aims to create an informed populace capable of making responsible waste disposal choices.

Collaboration is central to LAWMA’s strategy. The partnership with LASEPA and Alternative Bank during the awareness walk highlights the power of public-private partnerships (PPP). Alternative Bank’s donation of waste bins to markets supports the Zero-Plastic Lagos initiative, while their emphasis on converting plastic waste into economic value through recycling aligns with global circular economy principles.

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, LASEPA’s General Manager, stressed the need for sustainable alternatives, noting that plastic waste in the food chain endangers public health. Market leaders at Tejuosho, speaking in local dialects, pledged to adopt waste sorting and regular sanitation, reinforcing community-driven change. Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, praised Alternative Bank’s corporate social responsibility and urged other organizations to join LAWMA in delivering a cleaner, safer Lagos.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Public resistance to policies like the 2025 single-use plastics ban stems from concerns over the cost of sustainable alternatives and inadequate transition periods. Businesses argue that reusable options are less affordable, while enforcement measures sometimes alienate communities. Lagos’ rapid urbanization, with over 1,500 sachet water factories producing 60 million sachets daily, overwhelms existing waste infrastructure. LAWMA’s Smart Bin innovation and decentralized operations across Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are steps forward, but scaling these requires significant investment and public cooperation.

To address these hurdles, LAWMA must deepen community engagement. The use of local languages in outreach, as seen in the Yaba and Tejuosho walk, ensures inclusivity across Lagos’ diverse population. Expanding campaigns with influencers, traditional media, and community leaders can build consensus and counter resistance. LAWMA should also explore deposit schemes for sachets and bottles, incentivizing recycling while reducing litter. The agency’s collaboration with LASEPA, as seen in their joint push for regional air quality standards at the Nairobi Clean Air Forum, offers a model for waste management. By integrating waste sensors into Lagos’ public transit network and training African engineers to build affordable monitors, LAWMA can enhance data-driven governance.

Private sector partnerships are equally critical. Alternative Bank’s support, alongside initiatives like the Glo Skillbridge programme, shows how corporate involvement can amplify LAWMA’s impact. Expanding the PPP model to include more businesses could fund infrastructure upgrades, such as waste-to-energy plants and additional transfer loading stations. These partnerships can also drive innovation, like upcycling plastics into construction materials, creating jobs and reducing environmental harm.

LAWMA’s collaboration with LASEPA is particularly promising. By aligning with a science-based agency, LAWMA can refine its data-driven approach, ensuring policies are grounded in evidence.

For instance, LASEPA’s work with University of Lagos to develop affordable air quality sensors could inspire similar innovations in waste monitoring. Such synergies can strengthen enforcement while fostering public trust through transparent, science-backed policies.

LAWMA’s shift toward education, collaboration, and innovation marks a turning point in Lagos’ waste management journey. As envisioned by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab and ultimately, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, the end goal to have a cleaner, greater Lagos.

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BIG STORY

Obasa Commends N500Billion ‘Produce For Lagos’ Initiative, Reaffirms Assembly’s Support

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The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa has commended the N500billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ Initiative, a state government-led collaboration with the private sector to tackle supply chain inefficiencies, enhance access to agricultural produce, and strengthen food security across Lagos.

Implemented through Special Purpose Vehicles like the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Eko Logistics, and Produce for Lagos Fund, the programme will provide credit support for food producers across the state, and working capital for bulk traders and logistic operators. This will ensure a stable food supply for Lagos and beyond, while boosting private sector investment in agriculture and food systems.

Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the launch held at the Lagos House, Alausa, on Wednesday, Speaker Obasa described the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund as a transformative step toward making agriculture a cornerstone of Lagos’ economic prosperity. He reaffirmed the House of Assembly’s steadfast support for every initiative that will propel the state’s economy to greater heights.

In his words, “The Lagos State House of Assembly is fully committed to this vision, which will help to harness the infinite potential of our arable land and transform agriculture into the cornerstone of Lagos State’s economic prosperity. We believe that agriculture has the potential to be a potent driver of food security, job creation, and economic diversification in our state.”

Over the years, the Speaker continued, “The House of Assembly has been very proactive in supporting agriculture through policies and legislation that promote investment, innovation, and inclusivity. And we know that the ‘Produce for Lagos ‘ initiative being launched today will go further to address food insecurity and ensure long-term access to affordable, nutritious food across the state.”

Speaker Obasa further assured that the Assembly will expedite deliberations on the Food Hub Bill aimed at formalising market operations and reducing informal trading constraints.

In his keynote address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the launch of the initiative as “a watershed moment in our shared commitment to achieving food security, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable growth not just for Lagos State but for Nigeria.” He added that the program will provide guaranteed offtake contracts, financing access, and logistics support, connecting all and sundry directly with Lagos’s dynamic food economy.

On her part, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative was designed as a large-scale off-taker programme that would focus on strengthening the state’s food supply chain through interstate collaboration and strategic private sector investments. Olusanya said, “The ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative represents our commitment to building resilient, sustainable food systems by leveraging interstate collaboration and private sector investment.”

The event had in attendance, among other preeminent Nigerians, the Governors of Kogi, Ogun, Niger, and Plateau States; Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Michael Deleen, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Tony Elumelu, the founder and chairman of UBA Plc, who donated N25billion to support the initiative.

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