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.

 

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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.”

 

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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.”

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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