Senate Orders Emergency Response As Lead Poisoning Hits Lagos, Ogun

The Senate has directed urgent medical and environmental intervention in Ogijo, a community straddling Lagos and Ogun states, following reports of widespread lead poisoning linked to battery recycling factories.

Lawmakers summoned the Ministers of Environment, Health, Solid Minerals, Labour and Employment, together with the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), to provide updates on the crisis. The Senate described the situation as a public health emergency, citing evidence of contamination from toxic emissions affecting children, women and factory workers.

Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, who sponsored the motion alongside Senator Gbenga Daniel, warned that contamination levels in Ogijo had reached “186 times the internationally accepted safety limits.”

He said residents had reported symptoms including headaches, seizures and memory loss, consistent with long-term lead exposure.

“Children are dying slowly. Families have lived for years under poisonous smoke and dust,” Abiru told the chamber.

He noted that independent investigations had confirmed severe poisoning through blood tests and soil sampling, adding that processed lead from Ogijo had entered global supply chains. While acknowledging the closure of seven recycling factories and suspension of lead exports by the Federal Government, Abiru insisted that “exposure in the community continues to be extreme and unacceptable.”

The Senate resolved that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) should deploy medical teams to conduct toxicology screening, blood-lead testing and treatment. It also directed the Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA to carry out remediation of soil, groundwater and household dust. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was tasked with providing relief and temporary relocation for affected families, as well as establishing a National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Office.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, recalled a similar incident in Akwa Ibom State in the 1980s, where lead contamination from a battery plant had shortened life expectancy.

“A lot of communities have suffered and died from here. We had a battery industry in my place in the 1980s. And then suddenly, we recorded a lot of deaths from the small river, because these things were just seeping into the river; it was very close to the river, and people were drinking from that same river, taking their baths from there and all sorts of things.

“And eventually, life expectancy in that community was not up to 40 years. So, of course, you know, in a rural community, people did not know that this was from lead poisoning.”

The motion was adopted by voice vote, and the Committee on Legislative Compliance was instructed to ensure full implementation of the resolutions within two months.

 

Read More

Packaged Water In Lagos, Oyo And Osun Polluted With Toxic Chemicals - New Study

A study by Dr Otitoju Beulah, a member of the African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research and a researcher at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has raised fresh concerns about the quality of drinking water available to Nigerian households.

The study, with samples taken from major and minor waterbodies in Osun, Oyo and Lagos states, indicated alarmingly high concentrations of industrial pollutants and pharmaceutical residues in both surface and groundwater sources, with levels spiking during the rainy season.

Otitoju made her research findings known in a statement.

The research, she noted, revealed the presence of these pollutants in rivers, streams, wells, boreholes, tap water, as well as in packaged water.

Otitoju’s research pointed out that infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable, facing higher risks of non-carcinogenic effects when consuming water from these contaminated sources.

Her findings further indicated that while the pollutants pose risks to adults, infants and toddlers face significantly higher vulnerability due to their lower body weight and higher water intake relative to their size.

“My recent study, published in international journals, shed light on pollutants that most people have never heard of but may be consuming daily. One such study examined dihydroxybenzenes, compounds like catechol and hydroquinone, commonly linked to industrial pollutants and pharmaceutical waste,” she said.

“My team’s fieldwork across major and minor waterbodies in Osun, Oyo, and Lagos States indicated alarmingly high concentrations of these chemicals in both surface and groundwater sources, with levels spiking during the rainy season. These sources include but are not limited to rivers, streams, springs, wells, boreholes, tap water and most shockingly, packaged water.

“These compounds don’t just threaten human health. They also negatively affect aquatic life, impacting the natural order of ecosystems that people depend on for food and livelihood.”

Beyond chemical contamination, the study also highlighted the impact of Nigeria’s poor waste management system on bacterial pollution.

Beulah linked the problem to rapid urbanisation, inadequate regulation and limited public awareness about proper waste disposal practices.

She noted that the absence of strong regulatory enforcement allows harmful effluents to seep into water sources that communities rely on for drinking and cooking.

She advocated affordable water treatment solutions for families to protect themselves, including agricultural-waste filters, modified sand filters and solar disinfection units.

These methods, she stated, offer practical, low-cost options suited to local conditions.

 

Read More

NIEE Raises Alarm Over Environmental Pollution In Lagos

AS Lagos State faces escalating environmental pressures from coastal flooding to plastic pollution and groundwater contamination, the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), Lagos State chapter, has issued a renewed call for decisive action.

The NIEE gave the charge during its conference and yearly general meeting themed “Blue Economy Driving Lagos State into the Future,” held in Lagos.

The event unveiled a year marked by technical interventions, new membership growth, and a strong push to position the state for the emerging blue economy.

Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Femi Idowu-Adegoke, said environmental engineers remain central to transforming Lagos coastal challenges into economic opportunities, stressing the urgency of aligning Lagos development ambitions with sustainable ocean governance.

Idowu-Adegoke highlighted recent state initiatives, including nature-based coastal protection projects, blue bonds and the unveiling of Africa’s first domestic carbon market at the Lagos Climate Change Summit.

These, he said, positioned Lagos as a continental leader in “turning blue waters into green wealth.”

He, however, said that pollution, plastic wastes, oil spills, sewage contamination, coastal erosion, illegal fishing and weak governance had continued to undermine progress.

Idowu-Adegoke called for a comprehensive Lagos Blue Economy Strategy anchored in marine spatial planning, public-private partnerships, blue finance and advanced training for engineers in underwater robotics, ecosystem modelling and renewable marine technologies.

National Chairman of NIEE, Dr Nureni Ogunyemi, said the theme aligns with Lagos’ growing need to harness its waterways and marine assets responsibly.

He described the blue economy as a global engine for growth and sustainability, spanning marine transport, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, port development and waste management.

Chairman, Lagos State chapter, Azeez Agoro, emphasised that blue economy had numerous opportunities which the state needs to urgently explore, stating that though there are policies from government, citizens and relevant associations need to offer support in the implementation, execution and realisation of some of the initiatives.

Meanwhile, the chapter has collaborated with its national body to mark the 2025 World Environment Day, partnering with the Waste Managers Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter.

 

Read More

Lagos Cracks Down On Street Begging, Arrests 15 Beggars At Ikosi, Ketu And Mile 12

The Lagos State Government on Friday apprehended 15 persons engaged in street begging during a coordinated enforcement exercise carried out in the Ikosi Ketu and Mile 12 areas.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the state to maintain public order and prevent the misuse of public spaces.

“Fifteen street beggars were taken into custody this morning during our enforcement operations around Ikosi Ketu and Mile 12,” Wahab announced on his X handle.

He explained that the ministry remains committed to enforcing environmental and public order regulations while working closely with social welfare institutions to ensure that individuals in need receive appropriate rehabilitation and support.

“Lagos must remain safe, clean, and orderly for everyone who lives and works here. Our commitment to this mandate is unwavering,” he added.

 

Read More

Panic And Trauma At Oworonshoki As Government Demolishes More Houses Despite Court Order

           There was total confusion and apprehension in Oworonshoki community as the Lagos state officials came back to demolish more houses. It was gathered that more than 70 residential buildings were demolished at Ajileru, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Streets — barely days after a Lagos High Court order restrained the state government and its agencies from carrying out any further demolition in the area.

In a ruling delivered on October 23, 2025, Justice A.G. Balogun of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, in Suit No. ID/9910GCM/2025, granted an interim injunction restraining the Lagos State Government, the Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) — whether by themselves, their servants, agents, privies, contractors, or assigns — from continuing with the demolition of properties allegedly belonging to members of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Association (CDA).

The judge’s order specifically prohibited the respondents from creating any third-party interest or encumbrance over the said properties located at Ajileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Extension within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni CDA, Oworonshoki area of Lagos, measuring approximately 30 hectares.

Justice Balogun held that the restraint would subsist pending compliance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Land Matters as provided under the High Court of Lagos State (Expeditious Disposal of Civil Cases) Practice Direction No. 2 of 1999.

The court further directed the applicants, led by Pastor Jonathan Olusegun Ojo, Apostle Jacob Oladele Ola, and others, to serve their Memorandum of Claim and accompanying documents on the respondents within 72 hours of the ruling, and to file an affidavit of service before the next adjourned date.

Justice Balogun emphasized that both parties must comply fully with the pre-action protocol to ensure fair hearing and avoid abuse of court processes. The matter was adjourned to December 9, 2025, for a report of compliance.

However, despite the subsisting injunction, bulldozers allegedly escorted by security operatives rolled into the community, pulling down houses and displacing hundreds of residents, including the elderly, pregnant women, and children.

Eyewitnesses said the demolition team operated under the cover of darkness, pulling down structures that had been spared in earlier phases.

“Our homes were demolished in the middle of the night without warning, despite the court injunction. People slept outside in the cold with their children. This is inhumane,” lamented a distraught landlord, Mr. Adewale.

Another heavily pregnant resident, who identified herself simply as Adenike, described the experience as traumatic.

“They told us the court had stopped the demolition, so we stayed. But around 1 a.m., bulldozers came again. I ran out barefoot with my children. We lost everything,” she said tearfully.

Leaders of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni CDA condemned the demolition as “a violation of the rule of law” and “a betrayal of public trust,” insisting that no compensation or enumeration had been carried out before the renewed demolition.

Legal representatives of the community confirmed that Justice Balogun’s order remains valid and enforceable, warning that the latest demolition constitutes contempt of court.

“The actions of those behind this demolition represent a flagrant disregard for judicial authority. We will be filing a formal petition and contempt proceedings in the coming days,” one of the lawyers said.

The disputed land, estimated at 30 hectares, has long been the subject of a protracted dispute between residents and unidentified developers.

As of yesterday, the once-vibrant community had turned into a wasteland, with displaced families rummaging through the rubble for what remained of their belongings.

The residents have appealed to the Lagos State Government, human rights groups, and the Federal Government to intervene urgently to stop further hardship and uphold the sanctity of the court’s order.

 

Read More

Residents Of Oworonshoki Get Compensation For Demolition

Lagos State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to affected residents of Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area, in fulfilment of its earlier promise to those impacted by the ongoing urban renewal and regeneration programme in the area.

The exercise, which began on Thursday, October 23, 2025, was described as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to humane and inclusive urban development.

Speaking at a well-attended ceremony held at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki, the General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), TPL/ESV Olajide Animashaun, said the payment followed a series of verification, engagement, and enumeration exercises carried out in collaboration with community stakeholders.

According to Animashaun, the regeneration initiative became necessary due to the proliferation of illegal and dilapidated structures within Oworonshoki, many of which were built on drainage channels and waterways, posing serious environmental and safety risks.

“Oworonshoki is one of the communities earmarked under the state’s comprehensive urban renewal and regeneration plan. Many of the affected structures were unsafe for habitation and constituted environmental hazards. However, in line with the inclusive governance policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the state made a commitment to compensate verified affected residents and today, that promise is being fulfilled,” Animashaun stated.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Lagosians, noting that the payment exercise reflected the government’s sincerity and accountability in implementing its urban renewal policies.

Animashaun also commended the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, for their dedication and tireless efforts toward the realisation of the initiative.

The event was attended by representatives of the Oworonshoki traditional council, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Council (CDC) members, civil society organisations, security agencies, and the media.

It will be recalled that the Lagos State Government had, in recent months, cleared several illegal and substandard structures across Oworonshoki as part of efforts to reclaim right-of-way for drainage systems, improve environmental conditions, and enhance public safety.

According to LASURA, a total of 79 beneficiaries were verified for compensation, to be paid in two batches, with the first group receiving their cheques on Thursday, while the second batch will be attended to on Friday at the same venue.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to journalists expressed gratitude to the state government for keeping its word.

One of them, Mrs Ajimoh Oyenuga, said: “The government gave us this money as compensation for the houses demolished on Precious Street, Oworonshoki. We are grateful because it shows that the government cares about our well-being.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olaide Fatima, added: “My house was close to the water, and it wasn’t safe. The government promised to compensate us, and today they have done it. I really appreciate this gesture, promise made, promise kept.”

The LASURA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that urban renewal projects across Lagos are implemented with fairness and transparency, while prioritising the welfare of residents and communities affected by development projects.

 

Read More

Agege To Boost Waste Management In Flood Prone Areas

The Lagos State Government has strengthened collaboration with Agege Local Government to advance environmental sustainability and improve waste management across the state.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement following a meeting with the Acting Chairman of Agege Local Government, Ganiu Obasa.

Wahab said the meeting, which was attended by heads of agencies, permanent secretaries and directors, focused on building synergy between the state and local governments to create a cleaner, flood-free and more sustainable Lagos.

According to him, discussions centred on transitioning from a linear waste system, where refuse is simply picked and dumped, to a circular model that treats waste as a valuable resource.

“We agreed that real progress in achieving a cleaner, flood-free, and sustainable Lagos must begin at the grassroots,” Wahab said.

He emphasised that local governments and Local Council Development Areas play a key role in ensuring that every household, market, and street aligns with the state’s environmental goals.

As part of the action plan reached at the meeting, Wahab said Environmental Health Officers would work directly with the Lagos Waste Management Authority to strengthen enforcement and ensure prompt waste collection.

He added that the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency would support identified areas in Agege with greenery and beautification, while drainage engineers attached to the local government would provide technical assistance on flooding and channel maintenance.

“This partnership is a reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility.

“Together, we can build the cleaner, safer, and more resilient Lagos we all deserve,” the commissioner added.

 

Read More

Lagos To Host 2025 International Climate Change Summit

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the State’s commitment to advancing sustainable growth through innovation and investment in resilience as it hosts the 2025 International Climate Change Summit.

The 2025 Summit with the theme: “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation”, billed to hold at the Lagos Continental Hotel between the 6th and 7th of November will attract global leaders, investors, climate scientists, and policy makers.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab quoted the Governor as noting that Lagos has continued to demonstrate leadership in subnational climate action and developing practical mechanisms for city-level climate finance.

The Governor reiterated that the State has also been developing blue bonds, and nature-based coastal protection projects that are shaping Africa’s next decade of sustainable urban development.

"As Africa’s fastest-growing coastal city, Lagos stands at the frontline of both climate risk and innovation. Her goal is to unlock sustainable financing that protects the people, builds resilience, and drives economic growth through the power of the blue economy,” he stated.

Setting the tone for the conference, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab said: “The Lagos International Climate Change Summit 2025 is more than a conference, it is a declaration that African cities can finance their own future,” 

“We invite global leaders, investors, and innovators to join Lagos as we redefine what coastal resilience looks like for the Global South,” he added.

The event will convene to accelerate action and investment in Africa’s coastal and ocean economies ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

The 2025 Summit which is the 11th in the series will serve as a strategic engagement platform for African and global stakeholders to align priorities, deepen partnerships, and strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations.

It will also spotlight blue economy financing as a key frontier for climate adaptation, innovation, and job creation in Africa just as discussions will centre on unlocking investment for ocean energy, sustainable fisheries, mangrove restoration, and coastal infrastructure through green and blended finance instruments.

The Summit will also highlight ongoing and pipeline projects supporting coastal resilience, environmental innovation, and sustainable livelihoods in Lagos.

Delegates and participants are expected to include representatives from: African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank and Eko Atlantic.

 

Read More

Flooding: Fish Farmers In Ikorodu Appeal To Sanwo-Olu

    More than 50 fish farmers in the Ikorodu area of Lagos have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for urgent assistance following the devastating impact of Monday’s torrential rainfall, which they say has cost them over ₦50 million in damages.

The affected farmers, under the umbrella of the Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association (LASCAFAN), Ikorodu Zone, said the heavy downpour destroyed ponds, washed away fish stocks, and rendered inputs such as feed and fertilisers useless.

Speaking on behalf of the group, President-elect of LASCAFAN, Mr Olatoye Fajinmi, described the loss as overwhelming, warning that the incident could trigger fish scarcity in the coming weeks if urgent steps are not taken.

He said the most affected communities include Mowo Kekere, Mowo Nla, Elepe, Igbe, Maya Fish Cluster, and Ibeshe, where farmers are now left grappling with empty ponds and huge financial burdens.

“This rain, rather than being a blessing, has brought sorrow to our members. Many of us are still servicing loans taken for business expansion. Without government support, the economic and emotional impact may be unbearable,” Fajinmi said.

He called for a financial bailout from the Lagos State Government, along with support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), especially in the supply of fish feed to enable affected farmers to restart operations.

Fajinmi also disclosed that some members are willing to relocate their farms to safer grounds but would require assistance in the form of collapsible tarpaulin ponds to resume fish farming in non-flood zones.

While appreciating the Lagos State Government and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, for their consistent support, he appealed to the Ministry of the Environment to assess the affected areas and consider constructing proper drainage channels to prevent a recurrence.

 

Read More

Flooding: Lagos Asks Some Residents Of Lekki, Ajegunle And Ikorodu To Relocate

    Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources in Lagos, has asked some residents of Lekki and Ajegunle to relocate to “upland areas” over impending flash floods. 

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Wahab warned that the Ikorodu coastline also makes the red list.

In the early hours of Monday, houses and vehicles were submerged in some parts of the city following torrential rainfall.

During the interview, Wahab was asked to list areas that are prone to flooding.

He said the volume of rainfall will determine water levels in some parts of Lekki.

The commissioner added that Lagos will experience flash flooding owing to the “vagaries of climate change”, noting that the state government will provide resilient infrastructure to combat the scenario.

“We knew this was going to happen. NiMet (Nigerian Meteorological Agency) gave us a forecast as early as March and by April, we had commenced the advocacy and briefed Lagosians about five times in the past three months,” he said.

“We are going to have more rains this year than we had last year. And for those who stay on the lowland of Lagos, they may have to move to the upland pending when rain recedes.

“On the red, those around the Ajilete axis of Lagos, that’s Ajegunle, they have to move. Those around the coastlines of Ikorodu, around Majidun, they have to move.

“Some areas around the Lekki corridor, some not all… because their tidal level depends on the volume of the rain, they will be in amber, so they (referring to Lekki communities) are very few. 

“Epe has always been safe; Ikeja and Mushin will be safe. The whole land areas I just mentioned are those that are bordering the Ogun River — those staying around the Channels television station in Lagos down that road — the Isheri corridor.”

Wahab added that the Lagos state government will always tell residents the truth.

“Thankfully, the federal government, through the Ogun-Osun River Basin, had awarded the dredging of the Ogun River channels to help reduce the flooding; they should be on amber by now and the Ajilete corridor around the Agboyi-Ketu axis of Lagos,” he said. 

“We won’t tell Lagosians lies. Lagos will be exposed to the vagaries of climate change, and that means Lagos will have flash flooding.

“But as a state, we have to provide resilient infrastructure, and we have to tell our people to be responsible. If nature takes its course, what we can do is to mitigate its impact.”

 

Read More

FirstBank Wins 2025 Euromoney ESG Award

FirstBank has retained the title of Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.

This marks the second consecutive win in the ESG category for FirstBank, affirming its leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking across Nigeria, the organizers said in a statement.

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are regarded as one of the most coveted accolades in the global financial industry. The highly competitive selection process involves rigorous analysis and assessment, measuring performance against strategic and impact-oriented criteria.

FirstBank said that it earned the award through its deepened sustainability commitments embedded across its operations and community initiatives. In 2024, FirstBank screened 237 transactions worth over N3tn for sustainability risks, integrating ESG considerations into its credit framework.

Highlighting some of its initiatives, the bank said that it commenced a tree planting campaign in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, planting over 30,000 trees in 16 locations across Nigeria. This was the first phase of its 50,000-tree initiative, projected to absorb approximately 720 tonnes of CO2 by the end of 2025, contributing to climate resilience and supporting biodiversity preservation.

A statement by the lender read partly, “FirstBank has been proactive in gender inclusion through the Gender Market Strategy, disbursing over N43bn in FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024.

The bank’s commitment to inclusive banking saw a significant increase in the worth of transactions facilitated by FirstMonie agents to over N9tn.

“The bank prioritises ESG/sustainability capacity building, evidenced by the training of over 9000 employees, and its webinars and workshops reaching over 2,000 SMEs and corporates. The bank’s investment in leadership for over 2,000 female employees through the FirstBank Women Network has demonstrated a dedicated structural commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable and diverse workforce catering to the dynamic ESG landscape.”

Commenting on the award, the Chief Risk Officer of the Bank/Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second time in a row, which is a validation of our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders. Our approach to sustainability is hinged on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; and responsible lending, procurement, and climate initiatives.

“We remain focused on driving impact through purposeful initiatives and inclusive growth, ensuring that our ESG efforts continue to create meaningful change in communities across Nigeria and beyond.”

 

Read More

Gridlock, Businesses Paralysed As Flash Floods Take Over Lagos Roads, Submerge Homes

Normal business activities were paralysed as residents and motorists battled with the effects of early Monday morning torrential rainfall in Lagos that caused significant traffic gridlock due to flash floods affecting roads and submerging various homes across the metropolis.

Recall that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, had earlier predicted thundery and rainy weather activities across the nation from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flash floods in some areas.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja envisaged morning thunderstorms on Monday with moderate rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina, in the northern region, as well as Lagos in the southwest States.

The agency envisaged cloudy skies over the southern region with chances of light rain over parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

According to it, light rains are expected over parts of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States later in the day.

The agency anticipated the high possibility of floods occurring over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta States during the forecast period.

NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms on Tuesday over the northern region with moderate rains over parts of Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara States.

NiMet urged the public to avoid driving under heavy rain, and states with the possibility of flash floods were told to activate the emergency response system immediately.

“Ensure warm clothing for the vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures, and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions. 

“Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets, and stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

Airline operators get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

The agency advised the residents to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting its website, www.nimet.gov.ng.

In response to the downpour, Lagos State Government sued for calm from all residents as the state experienced heavy rainfall for over 14 hours with an assurance that the state has put in place resilient infrastructure to combat flash flooding.

Meanwhile, many roads, including Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Apapa, Alimosho, Lekki axis, Agege, Oworosonki, Ikotun, as well as the Long Bridge, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, among others have been submerged, resulting in traffic snarl and vehicles left stranded with houses and shops flooded. Most of the shops and markets around Ikeja, Agege, Maryland, Oshodi were seen shut as of 10 am.

Many motorists and commuters who dared to move out were stranded for hours on major roads in the metropolis due to the flooded roads and streets.

While the downpour, which started at about 12 midnight into early morning, continued intermittently on Monday. It witnessed heavily flooded roads both on the Island and Mainland sides of the state.

It was gathered that while traffic on some of the roads was standstill during the downpour, some others witnessed slow movement as motorists struggled to wade through the flash floods.

 

Read More

Lascohet Students Emerge Champions At Southwest Environmental Health Quiz Competition

Students of Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), School of Environmental Health and Public Health Technology, recently displayed a high level of academic brilliance and excellence at the just-concluded Academic Quiz Competition held at the Southwest Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) Scientific Conference and Workshop in Osogbo, Osun State.

The College, represented by Miss. Habibat Omolara Owoyemi and Mr. Godwin Okudili Paul stole the show with a perfect score, answering all questions correctly and maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the competition before finally emerging as the overall winners in the competition.

The academic contest, which featured top-performing Colleges of Health Technology from across the six Southwest States of Nigeria, served as a platform to discuss emerging issues in public health and promote excellence in environmental health practice.

Speaking on the students' performance at the competition, the Provost of the College, Prof. Raheem Akewushola said that the victory not only reaffirmed LASCOHET’s reputation as a pacesetter in Environmental Health Education but also underscores the academic rigour and excellence for which the Institution is known.

He expressed immense pride in the students' performance, describing it as a “well-deserved win” and a testament to the quality of training and mentorship provided by the School of Environmental Health and Public Health Technology.

“This is more than just a win; it is proof that LASCOHET is not only first, but also the best”, said an official of the college. “We are proud of our students for making Lagos proud.” 

While congratulating the champions and the entire LASCOHET Community, the Provost maintained that LASCOHET continues to fly the flag of Lagos State high in academic and professional circles, reinforcing its mission of building a healthier society through quality Health Education and training.

 

Read More

LASG Steps Up Monitoring Of Physical, Environmental Infraction Within Estates

Lagos State Ministry of Housing has stepped up monitoring of the physical and environmental state of Lagos State government-owned estates to detect infractions, ensure situations capable of causing unwholesome damage to infrastructure, aesthetic and general livability are quickly nipped in the bud.

The Ministry, through the deployment, training, and provision of work tools to environmental health and monitoring officers in the Ministry, is ready to enhance its oversight on all government-owned estates to achieve a safe and sustainable environment.

The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, stated this while inspecting vehicles provided for the Monitoring and Enforcement Unit of the Ministry to boost monitoring of compliance with physical and environmental regulations in government estates. 

According to him “the sustainability of all our estates is a task we take seriously and the provision of these vehicles for patrol of Lagos State Government estates is a deliberate action to prevent deterioration as a result of deliberate infractions by residents of government estates”.

He stated that the allottees of government estates are required to observe strict adherence to physical planning laws and obey all laws as regards safety and environmental sustainability. He further reminded residents of government estates that “The obligations of allottees are clearly stated in the letters of allocation and other subsequent documents shared afterwards, towards ensuring total compliance to sustain the infrastructural values of the estates”.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola explained that the vehicles are assigned to the Monitoring and Enforcement units to make monitoring operations easier for the staff. He pointed out that the Ministry has government estates spread across the five divisions of the State, and the vehicles are meant to ensure that enforcement personnel cover more ground in real time.

Recall that the Lagos State Government has commissioned 23 housing estates in the last six years, and the Ministry has developed strategies to ensure the sustainability of all the State Government housing estates spread across the five divisions of the State. 

These sustainability interventions include the appointment of facility managers to ensure coordination of all-year maintenance of the estate's infrastructure in conjunction with residents. 

Others include stakeholder engagements, public enlightenment, regular monitoring, and enforcement of rules in the estates.

 

Read More

My Commitment To Environmental Sustainability Remains Unwavering - Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed that his commitment to environmental sustainability remains unwavering as the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are evident all around.

The Governor made this known during the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) special Tree Planting exercise in commemoration of his 60th birthday held at the setback along Cargo Terminal along International Airport Road, Ikeja, adding that environmental sustainability is essential to Lagos as a state with a rapidly growing population and urban landscape.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, said Tree Planting is one of the simplest yet powerful actions to combat climate change, improve air quality, as well as create a healthier environment for generations to come.

He explained that the exercise goes beyond celebration but is a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to sustainable environmental protection and the future of the state, saying the exercise is an impactful way to protect the environment.

"As your Governor, I remain committed to advancing initiatives that safeguard our environment and combat climate change from our urban greening programmes to renewable energy and climate adaptation projects," he added.

MG stated further that every tree planted today will help cool the city, improve the quality of the air residents breathe and also reduce the risk of flooding on the streets, stressing that it is also a gift to the future, one that our children and grandchildren will be thankful for.

He commended the LJLA Fellows for leadership and dedication initiatives, adding that the trees, like the seeds of leadership they are nurturing, will grow strong, tall, and enduring, standing as living monuments to the Lagos of tomorrow.

Samwo-Olu said the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy represents the leaders who understand that true progress is measured not just by economic growth but by sustainability and impact.

He recalled that the academy was named in honour of late Alhaji Lateef Jakande for being a man of vision and service, adding that the initiative will beautifully reflect his values, foresight, inclusiveness and the courage to plant what others will one day harvest.

According to him, “it is fitting that these young leaders have chosen an activity that not only honours my life but also contributes meaningfully to the future of our state.”

The Governor emphasised that true change requires collective ownership; as such, urging Lagosians to join the movement to plant a tree, care for it, and watch it grow as a symbol of their contribution to the shared future.

 

Read More