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Cleaner Lagos: Sanwo-Olu Launches 102 Locally Assembled Compactor Trucks, 100 Dino Bins To Boost Waste Collection

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An unprecedented intervention has been put forward to address the logistical and operational shortfall in the collection of waste across Lagos State.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, bolstered the fleet of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) with 102 units of brand new locally assembled compactor trucks and 100 units of double dino waste bins in a bid to reduce turn-around time in waste evacuation within the metropolis, thereby achieving cleaner and healthier environment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the compactor trucks at an elaborate event held at the State House, Alausa, and witnessed by stakeholders in the waste service sector, including Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators.

The assets comprised 30 units of 12-cubic meter trucks, 60 units of 24-cubic meter trucks, and 12 hook loaders. They will be complementing over 850 PSP compactor trucks to enhance service delivery in under-served communities across the State.

The compactor trucks were assembled by LAWMA technicians in conjunction with Dangote Sinotruk Manufacturing firm. They are designed according to the local requirements to aid the clearing of waste from generating points to transfer-loading stations. Each compactor truck has three years warranty and maintenance package.

Besides, the Governor formally launched a mobile application called “CitiMonitor”, which would enable monitoring and reporting of environmental infractions, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

Sanwo-Olu said the new waste collection machinery were not being deployed to edge the PSP operators out of the business. He noted that the compactors would make trips only to public places and major roads to take waste, while the PSP operators would continue with their commercial and residential waste collections.

He said: “Today, we are unveiling new equipment that will enable LAWMA to effectively fulfill its mandate. This is a testament to our administration’s determination to secure the public and environmental health of the State, as well as to improve the aesthetic value of the environment in line with the Health and Environment pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.

“This intervention represents one of the largest singular investments ever in the waste management sector in Lagos. We are confident that the addition of these new assets to our existing ones will quickly bring about visible improvements in waste evacuation and reduce the incidence of black spots that blight our roads and clog our drains.”

Sanwo-Olu urged the residents to reciprocate the gesture by promptly paying their waste disposal dues to ensure improved service delivery. In the coming weeks, the Governor said LAWMA would be rolling out an acquisition scheme to assist willing PSP operators to replace rickety waste collection trucks in their fleet.

He observed that the Government was fully aware of the potential of a waste economy, stressing that the waste-to-wealth programme of the State had started to take shape, given the expansion of the Lagos Recycling Initiative.

The Governor said there was ongoing rehabilitation work on the State-owned compost facility in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, while the Government has ramped up resources for the construction of three new transfer-loading stations to provide the infrastructure that would facilitate the effective disposal of solid waste.

He said: “I urge Lagosians to take responsibility for the waste we generate and act as responsible citizens at all times. We cannot continue to litter our roads with filth, dump waste on the roadside or in illegal dumpsites, or patronize cart-pushers for waste disposal.

“This intervention calls for a complete change of attitude towards our environment, beginning with basic hygiene at home, proper domestic waste management, and ultimately, environment-friendly practices. The quality of our environment directly impacts the quality of the lives we live. A clean environment is a major weapon against diseases and other public health challenges.”

The Governor also charged LAWMA workers who would be operating the new implements to handle them with care and put to good use, reiterating that he would spare no effort in restoring the aesthetic of Lagos.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, said it was the second time the State would be witnessing such massive intervention in waste management after the 2008 delivery of 100 compactor trucks to LAWMA by the Babatunde Fashola administration.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment that will enhance the cleanliness and adequate sanitization. It is part of our resolve towards helping to build the capacity of some of the private investors in the waste management value chain. The real celebration would be when we look back in a few months from now and can see commensurate improvement in the waste management fortunes of the State,” Bello said.

By their design, LAWMA Managing Director, Ibrahim Odumboni, said the new compactors were fabricated to address the problem of liquids dripping from waste trucks – the snag synonymous with second-hand trucks mostly used by PSP operators.

He said the new compactor trucks were fitted with sitting compartments for waste collection assistants to prohibit hanging on the trucks.

Odumboni said the trucks would be distributed across the four operational districts of the agency, while the double dino waste bins would be stationed at muster points across major markets.

“We will not take this intervention for granted, because we know that these assets have been acquired at great cost amid economic challenges and so many other competing needs. I assure Mr. Governor and Lagosians that these working assets will be properly looked after,” the LAWMA boss said.

Representative of Waste Recyclers’ Association, Femi Idowu, described the achievement as “laudable”, saying the Governor had further elevated waste management as a key development agenda in Lagos.

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My Only Regret In Life Is Bleaching My Skin — Toke Makinwa

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Toke Makinwa, famous Nigerian media personality, has revealed that bleaching her skin is her only regret in life.

Toke made this known during a recent interactive session with her fans on the X (formerly known as Twitter) platform.

A fan had asked, “If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?”

In response, the media personality noted that regret is exhausting and bleaching her skin was the ‘dumbest’ thing she ever did.

She, however, said she is grateful for her good genes and money, which suppressed the side effects of the skin bleaching.

Toke said, “Nothing. Regret is so exhausting! Wait, maybe bleaching my skin. It was the dumbest thing ever and I’m just so thankful for good genes and money cos….”

Meanwhile, Toke Makinwa has disclosed that she underwent surgery to remove 13 fibroids from her body.

Makinwa explained that she had always known something was wrong because she had a very big tummy, irregular periods, and a bulge when she lay down.

She narrated that fibroids affected the majority of women in her family and some had to remove their wombs.

Makinwa made the revelation following the release of Stephanie Coker’s documentary titled “Where the Heck is My Period.”

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Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: Ohanaeze Distances Self From Peter Obi’s Vilification Of Umahi

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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Sunday condemned the unfair slander that Peter Obi and other opponents had perpetrated against Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

Obi and his backers had publicly blasted Umahi for overseeing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, claiming it was a waste of tax dollars.

In a statement released by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze stated that the organisation remained unwavering in the face of a barrage of unjustified criticism and unfounded insults directed at Umahi’s visionary efforts and the Lagos Calabar Coastal Road.

It said the cacophony of disparagement and negative fervour surrounding these transformative initiatives raised eyebrows and prompts reflections on the true motives behind such aggression; clearly not in the interest of the Nigerian people.

“In response to the recent controversies clouding the Lagos Calabar Coastal Project, Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally denounces the unjust vilification aimed at Senator Dave Umahi by Peter Obi and other detractors.

“Setting the records straight, Ohanaeze calls for private dialogue and constructive engagements rather than resorting to public confrontations that could impede the much-needed infrastructural development in the Southeast.

“The recent expressed interest by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in reconstructing major federal highways in the Southeast is a monumental step towards remedying decades of neglect, exemplified by ongoing projects like the Markudi-Nsukka-Nightmile-Enugu,the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, the Aba-Ikot Ekpene-Calabar Expressway and others, enabled by innovative Cement Technology,” the body said.

Ohanaeze urged Obi to seek diplomacy and engage privately with Umahi to gain firsthand insights into critical national development projects.

The organization stressed the importance of fostering respectful dialogue and discouraged actions that could sow discord among the Igbo community and Nigerians at large.

The body said it is privy to intelligence reports debunking the baseless arrest rumours swirling around Obi, dismissing these as spurious fabrications propagated by malicious elements seeking to undermine the transformative infrastructure strides led by the Tinubu administration under the able stewardship of Umahi.

“It is imperative for Peter Obi to refrain from public acrimony towards Senator Dave Umahi, a stalwart of progress and development in Nigeria and the Southeast, in recognition of the monumental efforts by President Tinubu and Umahi to rectify longstanding infrastructural deficits in the region.

“The Southeast craves an infrastructural revolution that transcends political affiliations, cherishing progress over petty opposition accolades,” Ohanaeze stated.

Ohanaeze emphasised its clarion call for unity and mutual understanding and reiterated support for the contentious Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, asserting that the shoreline falls under the Federal Government’s Right-of-Way jurisdiction.

“Ohanaeze reaffirms the unwavering solidarity of Nigerians and the Igbo community in championing President Tinubu and Senator Umahi’s laudable efforts in advancing national infrastructure, exemplified by the recent allocation of a 2.75 billion compensation fund for affected property owners along the project’s Right-of-Way.

“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering harmonious dialogues, unity, and progress for all Nigerians. The organization echoes a clarion call for collaborative advancement to ensure a prosperous and united Nigeria,” the body said.

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AY Makun, Seyi Law, Others Grace Dedication Of Ali Baba’s Triplets In Lagos [PHOTOS]

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Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, had a dedication ceremony for his triplets, and in attendance were celebrities like AY Makun, Seyi Law, Chi Girl, MC Lively, and many more.

Gathering Ali Baba’s friends, family, and business associates, the celebration was held on Sunday at Lagos.

An event at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christ The Lord Central Parish in Lekki, served as the kickoff for the dedication.

At an event centre on Hakeem Dickson Street in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, there was a reception held after the service.

Other guests at the event included Chigul, Bunmi Davis, Ajebo Comedian, and Adebola Williams.

Ali Baba had on April 1 announced that his wife, Mary was delivered a set of triplets.

Many, however, did not believe the information which they tagged April Fools’ message.

 

See More Photos Here:

 

Photo Credit: The Cable.

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