🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ogun State advocates for clean energy and distributes 3,500 cookstoves to residents
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of Ogun State, has called for increased commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the adoption of clean energy solutions. Speaking at the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Abeokuta, she highlighted the negative impacts of traditional biomass fuels like firewood and charcoal, including deforestation, environmental degradation, and health risks from indoor air pollution. To address these issues, the Federal Government, in partnership with the Ogun State Government, is distributing clean cookstoves to residents. Mrs. Abiodun emphasized that these devices offer a safer, healthier, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to traditional cooking methods. The state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, noted that Ogun State is intensifying climate action through tree-planting campaigns, ecosystem protection, and strategic partnerships. He also mentioned the promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution, which converts combustible municipal solid waste into alternative fuel, reducing landfill pressure and greenhouse gas emissions. The state has distributed 3,500 clean cookstoves provided by the Federal Ministry of Environment. Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, reiterated the Federal Government's initiative to make clean cookstoves available nationwide. Professor Babatunde Bada, an environmental expert, described Refu
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Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has refuted claims that federal lawmakers determine their own allowances, stating that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC sets salaries and official vehicle entitlements for members of the National Assembly. Bamidele's comments follow a court ruling that declared the National Assembly's N110 billion spending on SUVs and allowances unlawful. The Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that N40 billion for 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for new members violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations, and public trust. The court also mandated the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to ensure future procurements comply with due process. Bamidele defended the allowances, explaining that lawmakers do not set their own remuneration and that public misconceptions arise from a lack of understanding of how these are structured. He added that resources for vehicles and other allowances are primarily for constituency and legislative duties, not personal benefits, and called for greater transparency in public office holders' remunerations to improve public understanding.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council have exchanged accusations following outbreaks of violence in several communities that left approximately three people injured. The unrest reportedly began in Ile-Ife during an APC rally for governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, where campaign posters were torn, leading to clashes between alleged hoodlums associated with the APC and Accord party. Eyewitnesses reported the use of dangerous weapons and gunshots, causing panic and injuries. Subsequent shootings were reported in Aisu, Owode-Ede, Aregbesola Area of Osogbo, Olaiya, Old Garage, and Oke Fia. One elderly man was injured in Owode-Ede and a driver was shot in Aregbesola Area. Governor Adeleke visited victims and condemned what he described as "coordinated attacks" by "pro-Ambo political thugs," accusing Marine Minister Gboyega Oyetola and Osun APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji of destabilizing the state. Conversely, the Osun APC Campaign Council, through Remi Omowaiye, accused "hoodlums working for Adeleke" of attacking their supporters and vandalizing campaign buses. The African Democratic Congress Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, also blamed suspected APC thugs for the violence, calling for an investigation by the State Commissioner of Police. The police have confirmed they are investigating the incidents.
Must ReadThe United States has called on other nations to enhance their efforts to stop the spread of Ebola, including through travel restrictions. A State Department official stated that the US has increased its efforts and now the world must do more, emphasizing the need for additional funding and "commonsense restrictions on travel from the affected area." The Ebola outbreak originated last month in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with subsequent cases reported in Uganda. The Trump administration is committed to preventing the virus from entering the US, including by establishing an Ebola treatment center in Kenya for American citizens, a project that has led to protests in Kenya. Axios reported that the Trump administration has urged European countries to implement stricter travel restrictions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed US and European coordination on the Ebola response with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. The State Department's primary focus is protecting American health and preventing the outbreak from reaching the US. The United States has prohibited non-Americans who have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days from visiting. The DR Congo team for the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is not expected to be affected by the ban as they have been training in Europe. However, their warm-up match against Chile was relocated from Spain to France due to public concerns about the virus.