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.

 

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160 Thousand Lagosians Living With HIV - LASCA

The Lagos State government has revealed that there are about 160,000 residents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LASCA), Dr Folakemi Animashaun, disclosed this during a press conference to mark 2025 World Aids Day, themed “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response”.

Animashaun acknowledged the steadfast leadership of the governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose vision and commitment, she said, have continued to guide the state’s health initiatives.

“His unwavering support strengthens both our health systems and community networks, ensuring that every effort to prevent, detect, and treat HIV is empowered and sustained,” she said.

She noted that the theme resonates deeply with the shared experience in Lagos, reflecting both the challenges and the resilience of the communities.

“In 2025, while our hospitals and treatment centres continued to provide uninterrupted care, our community structures—the heartbeat of Lagos State’s HIV response—faced significant challenges due to the Stop Work Order by the US government. These pauses in community activities slowed essential interventions,

limiting access to testing, counselling, and psychosocial support in several communities. Many residents, particularly adolescents, key populations, and individuals in hard-to-reach areas, experienced delays in accessing services that are often a lifeline for early detection and care.

“These interruptions underscored a fundamental truth: the strength of any health response is measured not only by what happens within clinics but also by the reach, trust, and continuity of community engagement. When these connections falter, the opportunities for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and prevention education are reduced, and the most vulnerable populations feel the impact first.

“Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the resilience and dedication of our community networks shone brightly. Peer educators, support groups, youth advocates, faith-based partners, community structures, and civil society organisations quickly adapted, slowly re-establishing outreach activities, maintaining communication with clients, and ensuring that those newly diagnosed were linked to care without delay. Their unwavering commitment has allowed Lagos to regain lost momentum, restoring trust, reconnecting with individuals who had fallen out of care, and demonstrating that community-driven action is essential to sustaining the HIV response.

“As of January to September 2025, Lagos State currently has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, of whom 147,466 persons are on antiretroviral treatment. During this reporting period, a total of 222,415 tests were conducted. Compared to the same period last year, this represents about 28.9 per cent of last year’s testing, highlighting the significant impact of the stop-order directive on HIV testing services. This reinforces the need to sustain engagement, early testing, and strong community support remain critical.

“Our ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which began on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, is already demonstrating remarkable impact across Lagos State. To date, a total of 9,943 residents have been tested, including 3,402 males and 6,541 females, with a positivity yield of 2.0 per cent. Those who tested positive were linked to care. This campaign highlights the power of sustained, community-driven outreach. Young adults aged 20–35 are leading turnout, reflecting effective engagement of populations at higher risk of transmission. Women are showing strong participation, particularly in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin, demonstrating the success of market-based and community-cluster strategies. Positive cases have been identified across multiple LGAs, confirming that HIV remains a disease of public health concern in the state.

“These early results also reinforce a critical message: when communities are mobilised, tested, and supported, we can identify cases early, link individuals to treatment, and strengthen prevention efforts. The resilience and dedication of our community networks have ensured that even after prior interruptions, Lagos is regaining momentum, reaching more residents, and safeguarding the health of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

“As part of this year’s World AIDS Day agenda, LSACA has organised a series of activities designed not only to commemorate the day but also to inspire, inform, and actively engage Lagosians in the HIV and AIDS response. Each event is carefully planned to foster awareness, early detection, and strengthened community resilience. HIV awareness and prevention efforts are being strengthened through religious leaders, market women, in-school platforms, and social media initiatives targeting youth.”

Animashaun stated that the ongoing statewide HIV Testing Campaign remains the central activity of the commemoration.

“It ensures that residents across all LGAs and LCDAs know their HIV status, supports early diagnosis, facilitates timely linkage to care, and sustains treatment adherence. This campaign reaches communities where health and social support are most needed.

The Jumat Service on Friday, 28th November, provides an opportunity to engage Muslim communities, highlighting the role of faith in promoting compassion, support, and health-seeking behaviours. Religious leaders will encourage congregants to embrace testing, reduce stigma, and care for those living with HIV.

“The novelty football match on Saturday, 29th November, uses sport as a platform for education and engagement. This fun and inclusive activity brings together residents from diverse backgrounds, offering a chance to share prevention messages, encourage testing, and foster social cohesion.

“The church service on Sunday, 30th November, engages Christian communities in reflection and solidarity. It emphasises the principles of care, inclusion, and community support, inspiring congregants to contribute to sustaining the HIV response while promoting messages of hope and compassion.

“The awareness walk and empowerment programme on Monday, 1st December, reaches residents directly in their communities, reinforcing stigma-free messaging, educating about prevention and treatment, and empowering women and youth to take active roles in safeguarding community health.”

She said the World AIDS Day Symposium on Tuesday, 2nd December, will bring together stakeholders, partners, health professionals, and community leaders for knowledge-sharing, dialogue, and innovation.

“It underscores the importance of collaboration across all sectors and faith communities in overcoming disruptions and sustaining the HIV response in Lagos State.”

 

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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.

 

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Why We Stopped Egungun Festival In Oregun - Police

The Lagos State Police Command has stopped plans for an unapproved Egungun festival in Oregun and arrested twelve suspects linked to posters and social media publications warning residents against free movement in the area.

According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, the suspects, alleged to be acting under the name “Oje Parapo of Oregun”, were apprehended after circulating handbills that restricted people’s freedom of movement, expression, and human dignity, actions the police say were capable of inciting fear and disturbing public order.

Following the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, ordered the immediate suspension of the festival. He said the event posed a threat to public safety and could lead to a breach of the peace.

According to the Command, the publications had already generated tension among residents, prompting swift intervention. “No group should take the law into their hands or restrict the movement of any Lagosian at any time,” the police warned, stressing that the fundamental rights of Lagosians would be fully protected.

The Command said its assessment showed that the planned festival had created widespread apprehension across Oregon and surrounding areas, necessitating a decisive halt to forestall a breakdown of law and order. It vowed that no cultural event or gathering that could heighten tension or endanger lives would be allowed to be held in the state.

A similar incident was recorded on November 23 in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where handbills announcing movement restrictions were circulated. Police operatives from Makinde Division moved in promptly, arresting twelve suspects who are now under investigation and will be prosecuted upon completion of enquiries.

Reaffirming the suspension, CP Jimoh directed the Oje Parapo group to desist from any attempt to proceed with the festival, saying security for such an event could not be guaranteed. He noted that the fear already created among residents was unacceptable and warned that anyone attempting to undermine public peace would face the full weight of the law.

The Command urged Lagos residents to continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring them of sustained protection of life and property.

 

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Oto-Awori LCDA Inaugurates Sixth Legislative Assembly As Executive Chairman Calls For Cooperation With Councilors

The Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has inaugurated the 6th Legislative Assembly, marking a new phase in grassroots governance and community development in the area.

At the swearing-in held at the Council Secretariat, Executive Chairman, Oto-Awori LCDA, Kareem Abiodun, congratulated the lawmakers and described the inauguration

as the start of a new chapter.

He urged councillors to collaborate with the executive arm to achieve tangible development.

“We must work in unity to implement projects and policies that directly benefit our people. There’s no room for excuses, the goal is to make Oto-Awori great again,” he said.

Vice-Chairman of the LCDA, Moses Aina, emphasised the importance of research and grassroots engagement.

“Legislative work is not for leisure. It is a responsibility to serve and to learn. The people must feel your presence. Understand their issues, and that will shape meaningful resolutions. This is not an avenue for enjoyment but for purposeful service,” he said.

The newly elected Council Leader, Sulaimon Awoyemi, pledged to lead with integrity and uphold the trust of the people.

“Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and results. We are resolved to address the needs of our people and ensure every voice is heard,” he said.

He urged councillors to remain focused, embrace their legislative responsibilities, and resist distractions.

Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surajudeen Olatunji, advised the councilors to remain diligent and uncompromising in their legislative duties.

“Legislative business is serious work. The people are watching, and they deserve nothing but honest service,” he said.

 

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Insecurity: Oyedepo Rains Curses On Terrorists And Kidnappers

Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, on Sunday rained curses on perpetrators of the dastardly acts of terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria.

Oyedepo also called on Christians across the country to engage in intensive midnight prayers to confront what he described as “the raging battle against the Church and the nation.”

Delivering his sermon at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, on Sunday the clergyman said the escalating kidnappings, killings and terror-linked attacks in various parts of the country demanded a spiritual response from believers, insisting that the “Church of Christ in Nigeria is indestructible.”

“The Church of Christ in Nigeria is indestructible. The gates of hell cannot prevail against it. Nigeria will never become an Islamic state. Never, never, never,” Oyedepo declared to the congregation.

Recalling recent incidents in which five worshippers were shot dead in a church and 35 villagers abducted with kidnappers demanding ₦100 million, Oyedepo lamented the proliferation of violent crimes, describing human trafficking and ransom-driven abductions as “worse than the scourge of slavery.”

“You pick someone and say they should bring 700 million. My God, who are you? Today, human trade has become a big-time business,” he said.

Oyedepo also invoked stern declarations against the perpetrators of such crimes, calling on the church to intensify prayers in the Holy Spirit as a form of spiritual resistance.

“Every perpetrator of these killings and their spouses come under their custody. When this church prays, God hears. Everyone behind it, in the name of the Lord Jesus, within the next seven days, they are smelling. They are stinking. It’s done,” he proclaimed.

The Bishop, who further directed members of the church to spiritually fortify their homes and workplaces, said “Every one of you, anoint your houses, anoint your business places, and sprinkle the blood as a no-go area,” he instructed.

He also announced what he called a nationwide spiritual operation beginning at midnight, urging all members, regardless of their usual sleep patterns, to participate.

“I’m asking every living Winner, no matter how much anointing you have for sleep, that anointing is broken. Between 12 and 1 a.m. from tonight, you are crying to God for mercy and placing curses on the perpetrators,” he said.

“12 midnight tonight, the operation begins. Satan is in trouble. His agents are in trouble.”

The cleric also shared that he had been in a heightened spiritual state ahead of the directive.

“For three days, I’ve been half-asleep and half-awake. As the Lord lives, who sent me as one of the watchmen over this nation, this shall not continue,” he stated.

While concluding with a forceful declaration that divine judgment would visit those behind Nigeria’s insecurity, Oyedepo declared “In the camp of the wicked, there shall be catastrophe, and any member of this church, touched, equals fire and brimstone in the camp of the enemy.”

 

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Rising Insecurity: Fortify Yourselves With Juju, Pastor Tells Congregation

A pastor has sparked outrage online after advising his church members to “go and do juju” as protection against possible bandit attacks.

The cleric, whose name has now been identified from his social media handles, as Pastor Oloruntimilehin Daramola of Omnipotence Mission of God, spoke passionately during the sermon. He insisted that spiritual fortification was necessary, arguing that he could not be the only one protected while his congregation remained vulnerable.

In his words, “My people need to strengthen themselves spiritually. I can’t be fortified alone while my members remain exposed. In moments of danger, faith must be backed with preparedness.”

He went on to justify his controversial instruction, telling members that prayers alone were not enough in the face of rising insecurity.

“I’m a true man of God. Go and do juju so that when they bring gun to your place, let the guns face themselves. Or use stick to pursue them. If they are coming to your church, they should die before they get there. Go and do it o. All my church members must do it — if they don’t, I’ll pursue them. I can’t be fortified while my church members are not. I’m a good shepherd,” he added.

He also referenced past incidents in Kaduna and other locations, claiming that some Christians who called the name of Jesus during attacks still died because “Jesus said until you get to heaven.”

The pastor added that he oversees multiple branches in America, the UK, and Nigeria.

Social Media Reactions

@Crypto_psalm: “Omo make una go fortify una self o. Pastor don share update. Na who get backup go survive o. Make you no die like mumu.” 

@SmartTrollHQ: “If juju was the answer, we wouldn’t still be begging for security. Time to stop hiding behind superstition and demand real action.”

@AnnieSaliss: “What kind of Endtime pastor is this?” 

@Kelvin_aproko: “This one is telling us the source of his power already.”

@Somorii: “Pastor said make una go do dira. Omo, baba dey fear death!” 

The video of his sermon continues to circulate widely on social media, sparking debates about the role of religious leaders in guiding members during times of insecurity.

 

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