🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Lagos pledges flood-free state, orders swift evacuation of sanitation waste
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has directed operational teams to promptly evacuate all waste from the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Wahab stated on X that he is receiving hourly updates from field teams and emphasized that the same effort used to mobilize residents for the exercise must be applied to waste clearance. He confirmed that LAWMA crews, Ministry enforcement units, private sector partners, and local government councils are actively involved in removing waste piles from streets. The commissioner added that the exercise also prioritizes clearing drainage channels, roadsides, and canals to prevent illegal dumping and reduce flood risks as the rainy season intensifies. Wahab urged residents to maintain cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and responsible environmental behavior year-round, expressing gratitude to those who participated in the exercise.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Presidency has countered claims that President Bola Tinubu is neglecting the North West, citing significant investments in infrastructure, health, and transportation. This rebuttal was made during a media briefing by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors RHA in Abuja, ahead of a nationwide project showcase tour starting in Kaduna. Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties and RHA’s Director of Media and Publicity, stated that the tour aims to demonstrate the administration's commitment to the region. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized the need to publicize these achievements to address an information gap. Mr. Finbarr Zirra, Director of Rail Transport Service at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, provided a technical presentation on railway projects, noting the North West's role as a central point in a national rail integration program. He highlighted the 60% completion of the $2 billion standard gauge rail project linking Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic, and the advanced completion of the Kaduna-Kano segment of the Lagos-Kano corridor. Zirra also mentioned a branch line from Kano to Dutse under construction and the strategic importance of Kano as a future multi-modal rail hub. The RHA, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, recently launched a website to serve as a verified information hub for the administration's achievements and reforms.
Must ReadThe Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in a coordinated security operation, uncovered and neutralized explosive devices at the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfom John, stated that the recovery averted a potential tragedy. The operation followed credible intelligence from correctional authorities about suspicious items. Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, BomPol Base 38, Uyo, and other tactical teams. The search yielded two 90mm high explosive rounds, a 45cm burning fuse, a pair of pincers, a flat screwdriver, two 12mm iron chisels, and a 6cm conduit iron pipe. The EOD team safely rendered the explosives harmless, preventing potential loss of life and infrastructure damage. Security has been reinforced around the facility with increased surveillance and patrols. An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the explosives and apprehend those involved. The police assured residents that the situation is under control and urged vigilance against suspicious activities. They warned criminal elements against undermining public safety or targeting critical institutions, reaffirming their commitment to protecting lives and property.
FIFA is exploring a change to its disciplinary rules for the expanded World Cup, aiming to reduce player suspensions due to accumulated yellow cards. The proposal, reported by BBC Sport, would introduce two amnesty points: one after the group stage and another after the quarter-finals, clearing all prior yellow cards. Currently, players are suspended after two yellow cards across matches. With the World Cup expanding from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches before the semi-finals, FIFA believes the current system heightens the risk of players missing crucial games for minor offenses. Instead of raising the suspension threshold to three yellow cards, FIFA officials favor the two cut-off points as a fairer solution. This adjustment aims to maintain discipline while ensuring major matches are less affected by the absence of key players due to cautions. The FIFA Council is expected to discuss and potentially decide on this rule change at an upcoming meeting.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti aims for Joint Commission International certification for Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Amachara Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, and Umunnato Specialist Hospital, Bende. These three facilities are undergoing reconstruction and upgrades to become modern referral centers. Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the progress during a meeting with Mrs. Clare Omatseye, Managing Director and CEO of JNCI, who briefed him on the redesign, reconstruction, and equipping of the hospitals. JCI certification is a global benchmark for healthcare quality and patient safety, currently held by only two hospitals in Nigeria. Otti noted that his administration is also restructuring the management of ABSUTH to improve efficiency and pledged to fast-track necessary approvals to avoid delays. He explained that advanced radiography services will be centralized at ABSUTH for efficiency, with Amachara and Umunnato hospitals developed as tertiary facilities to complement ABSUTH. Mrs. Omatseye commended the state government's health sector reforms and mentioned that a $1 million MRI machine donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be installed at ABSUTH.