In a passionate appeal to residents of Lakeshore Estate, Isheri, the Convener of the MOFE Foundation, Engr. Mrs. Funmi Akingbagbohun has called for greater environmental responsibility as the community prepares for the rainy season.
Speaking during an ongoing drainage cleaning exercise, she urged residents to stop dumping waste in gutters and desist from improper waste management practices, emphasizing the risk of flooding and environmental degradation.
“As we are cleaning the drainages, it’s important that we maintain them,” she said. “The rains are coming, and if debris continues to clog our gutters, we may face serious flooding.”
Blacktalker reports that the community-led effort, spearheaded by young volunteers and members of the MOFE Foundation, aims to clear blockages caused by improperly disposed waste, especially plastic bags and single-use water sachets.
“There are too many nylon bags, disposables and other waste items that should be put in bins, but are instead being dumped in gutters,” Akingbagbohun noted. “We are appealing to residents to please, let’s be careful and protect our environment.”
She praised the dedication of the volunteers and encouraged all residents to contribute by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings and refraining from dumping refuse in drainage channels.
“This is our home,” she added. “Let’s work together to keep it safe and flood-free.”
The MOFE Foundation has been at the forefront of community development and environmental awareness, with initiatives that promote sanitation, education, and youth empowerment.
The Health Emergency Initiative, HEI, a leading non-profit focused on emergency medical aid and community health empowerment, has announced a strategic partnership with The Future Project to scale its life-saving programmes nationwide.
This collaboration aims to deepen impact through digital storytelling, social media advocacy and expanded on-ground interventions including emergency response training, support for accident victims, nutrition for malnourished children, and critical medical aid for vulnerable patients.
With a proven track record of saving over 37,500 lives across 84 hospitals in 14 states in Nigeria, HEI continues to address the urgent need for immediate medical intervention in emergencies—particularly where delays often lead to preventable deaths.
Highlights of HEI’s impact include: 149,700+ individuals trained in CPR and First Aid, especially in underserved communities and 11,200 healthcare workers equipped with essential Personal Protective Equipment, PPE.
Others are 5,575 malnourished children provided with critical nutrition support and 4,750 accident and fire victims assisted, with a 72% survival rate among the critically injured.
At the official unveiling of the partnership, the Executive Director of HEI and an Ashoka Fellow, Paschal Achunine, emphasized the importance of grassroots preparedness and access to emergency care.
“Health emergencies don’t wait. Whether in schools, marketplaces, or on highways, having trained first responders and immediate access to care can be the difference between life and death. This partnership with The Future Project allows us to expand our reach, ensuring more Nigerians receive both care and life-saving knowledge.”
Also speaking at the event, Project Lead at The Future Project, Ngozi Chijuka, highlighted the deeper societal shift this initiative seeks to inspire.
“Empowering young people with emergency response skills fosters not just safety but a mindset of responsibility and resilience. Together with HEI, we are cultivating a generation ready to act when it matters most.”
Blacktalker can report that this partnership represents a powerful convergence of mission and momentum.
By combining HEI’s emergency health expertise with The Future Project’s youth-centered advocacy and digital reach, both organizations are working towards a future where every community is equipped to prevent needless deaths and respond effectively to health emergencies.
To learn more or support HEI’s life-saving programmes, please contact 08037228843.
The Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin has led a six-man team of the DICT to train members of staff of the Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM on the effective management of the digital initiative for promotion of staff of the college.
Blacktalker reports that this follows the resounding success of the 28th Convocation Ceremony of Lagos State University.
The DICT team, during the exercise, provided hands-on support in a training session to ensure a smooth and efficient promotion process for staff seeking career advancement and to guide the accurate uploading of student data.
The digital staff promotion initiative, a trailblazing effort pioneered by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has revolutionised the staff promotion process since its introduction a few years ago.
By leveraging technology, the initiative streamlines evaluations enhances transparency, and ensures accuracy in handling promotions and academic records.
The return of Prof. Enikuomehin and his team to LASUCOM, after previous training exercises, underscores the university’s commitment to sustaining this innovative system.
During the visit, the ICT team worked closely with LASUCOM staff, offering technical expertise to navigate the digital platform and troubleshoot challenges.
Their efforts ensured that promotion applications were processed seamlessly and that student data was uploaded accurately, further strengthening the college’s administrative efficiency.
The Vice-Chancellor’s vision for a tech-driven academic environment continues to yield positive results, positioning LASU as a leader in administrative innovation among Nigerian universities.
Blacktalker can report that with the ICT team’s dedication and the digital promotion system firmly in place, LASUCOM is poised for continued excellence in both staff development and academic record management.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council has commended the Dangote Refinery for its consistency in the price reduction of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS otherwise known as Petrol.
Reacting to the latest reduction in the ex-gantry loading cost of PMS from 880 Naira per litre to 865 Naira, the Chairman of NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, said Dangote Refinery had projected itself as a huge partner in progress to all Nigerians.
“I want to emphatically say that the Dangote Refinery is indeed a blessing to all Nigerians.
“In the last few months, we are all aware that Dangote Refinery has crashed the price of PMS at different intervals and we are very optimistic that such a gesture will be extended to other sectors by other industrialists.
“We need more Dangotes in this country so that Nigeria can be great again”, he said.
Ajayi also lauded the move by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) which gave an express approval for the full implementation of the suspended Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refiners on Wednesday.
The chairman stated that the move would boost the citizenry’s confidence, as the output was expected to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
In a decisive move to enforce environmental compliance and safeguard public health, the Lagos State Government has sealed no fewer than 13 markets and commercial facilities located along the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis.
Blacktalker reports that the action follows a series of unheeded warnings and a sustained pattern of environmental abuse by market operators and traders in the affected areas.
Commenting on the development, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the state’s unwavering stance on its Zero Tolerance for Waste campaign, warning that any market or commercial outlet that fails to meet the prescribed standards of cleanliness and proper waste disposal would be shut down indefinitely.
He said, “The zero tolerance for waste initiative is still fully in force. We are not going back on it. The only acceptable path for all markets and traders is to adopt and maintain decent waste management practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). The markets under closure will remain shut until these standards are met and sustained.”
He listed the sealed markets and facilities as: 1.Erukan Market 2.Oja Oba Market, Ketu 3.Owoseni Tundas Market 4.Oba Ogunjobi Market 5.Shops Owners at BRT Terminal, Mile 12 6.Ketu Terminal Market (6 plazas) 7.Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market 8.Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu 9.The Occupant, 6 Demurin Road, Ketu 10.Ifelodun Market, Ketu 11.Ibadan Unit 1 Park (between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market) 12.Ketu Tipper Garage 13.Ikosi Fruit Market
Wahab emphasised that the closures would remain in place indefinitely, until all affected markets implement comprehensive sanitation measures, procure appropriate waste bins, engage with LAWMA-licensed PSP operators, and demonstrate sustained compliance through monitoring and enforcement.
Also speaking on the issue, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged market leaders to take full responsibility for the environmental conditions of their domains by ensuring that all traders comply with existing waste management protocols.
“The expectations are clear: use the double dino bins, avoid dumping waste on road medians and roadsides, thereby obstructing traffic, activate internal waste policing to monitor compliance within your markets, and pay your waste bills. Markets that continue to defy these basic regulations will face stiff sanctions”, he said.
He warned that the enforcement drive would be intensified in the coming weeks, and that no facility would be spared if found wanting in its environmental responsibility.
Gbadegesin further reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to build a cleaner Lagos, noting that the cooperation of market associations, traders, and residents was critical to achieving lasting results.
“LAWMA continues to deploy massive resources daily to evacuate market waste across the city. But these efforts are often undermined by poor internal waste practices. This has to change. Market leaders must do more to ensure their members operate within the bounds of the law”, he concluded.
Residents and traders are encouraged to report environmental infractions or seek guidance on proper waste practices by calling LAWMA’s toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or 617, or by sending an email to info@lawma.gov.ng.
Across Nigeria, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet neighbourhoods of Enugu and the vibrant markets of Kano, ultra-processed food (UPF) companies are saturating the country with flashy adverts for sugary drinks, snacks and products targeted at children. These items are everywhere—in schools, churches, and on social media and they are cheap
Yet behind the bright colours and sweet flavours lies a growing threat to children’s health. Global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have repeatedly warned that the widespread consumption of these unhealthy diets is driving a surge in poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other long-term health risks worldwide, a trend now clearly visible among Nigeria’s youngest.
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made with little to no whole foods. They are typically loaded with additives, preservatives, artificial flavours, and excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Common examples include sugary cereals, carbonated drinks, instant noodles, and packaged snacks. According to a 2021 report by the Global Nutrition Report, Nigeria is experiencing a rapid increase in the consumption of UPFs, with children emerging as the main targets. The tactics employed by food companies to reach this demographic are both calculated and manipulative.
Brightly coloured packaging featuring popular cartoon characters, free toys, and school-based promotions are just a few of the carefully crafted strategies adopted to capture and captivate young minds. Celebrities and influencers often viewed as role models are also paid to normalise and endorse these products, making them appear desirable, aspirational, and harmless. For instance, a recent campaign by a leading carbonated drink brand featured a popular Nigerian musician encouraging children to “share the joy” by consuming the product. Even institutions that should serve as protective and nurturing spaces for children, such as schools and religious centres, have become conduits for these aggressive marketing campaigns.
The consequences of this unchecked exposure are dire. A 2023 study published in The Lancet revealed that children who consume high amounts of UPFs are 45 percent more likely to develop obesity and related health complications. In Nigeria, the statistics are equally grim. A 2022 report by the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare found that childhood obesity rates have tripled in the past decade, with UPFs identified as a key contributor. Type 2 diabetes, once rare among children, is now on the rise and has a become a growing concern for many.
What makes these commercial bombardments by the ultra-processed foods industry particularly insidious is how they tap into children’s psychological vulnerabilities. By linking their products to happiness, fun, and social belonging, they create powerful emotional associations.
Schools, often underfunded and under-resourced, have become prime targets. Companies sponsor school events, provide free samples, and even distribute branded educational materials.
Online, the problem is even more pervasive. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with advertisements featuring influencers who glamorize the consumption of UPFs. A study conducted by a researcher at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) found that 70% of food advertisements targeting children on social media are for unhealthy products
Given the scale and urgency of this challenge, regulatory action could not be more urgent. Countries like Mexico and Chile have already taken bold steps by banning the advertisement of UPFs within school environments and during children’s television programs. These policies reflect a clear understanding of the long-term health costs of inaction. Nigeria must follow suit. The federal government, alongside public health authorities, must enact and enforce similar restrictions to shield children from a health crisis that is both preventable and rapidly worsening.
Parents, caregivers, and guardians also have a critical role to play. By educating the children in their care about healthy eating habits and limiting their exposure to UPFs, they can help foster healthier choices and build resilience against the overwhelming pressure of corporate marketing. Likewise, schools and religious institutions must prioritize the health of children by rejecting exploitative sponsorships from food companies.
After all, every time a child reaches for a sugary drink or a packet of instant noodles, they are not just consuming empty calories, but also ingesting a future fraught with health complications. No child should be left to navigate a food environment deliberately engineered to hook them early and keep them hooked. Nigeria’s children deserve better than a lifetime of diet-related illnesses packaged in glossy wrappers. They deserve protection, accountability, and a food system built around their healthy development.
Ukeaja is a healthy food advocate and Industry Monitoring Officer at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
In a bold move that resets the rules of engagement in the Nigerian banking sector, Sterling Bank has removed transfer fees on its digital banking platform, OneBank.
This decisive move makes Sterling the first major Nigerian bank to forgo earning a cut from customer transactions on its own app.
The initiative marks a turning point in the industry and reflects the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to building a future where banking is affordable, accessible, and in tune with the everyday needs of Nigerians.
“This is not a gimmick. This is the future. And it starts now,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, during a press briefing in Lagos. “For years, Nigerians have paid fees just to move their own money. We’re saying no more.”
Suleiman explained that the decision stems from years of digital transformation. The bank builtba custom callback system capable of handling over five million customers, already processing more than 180 million transactions. It also migrated entirely from a legacy European core to a homegrown platform built for scale, and deployed a private cloud environment with capacity well beyond current and future demand.
“WA a qqqe’ve engineered a platform that can support 50 times our current customer base without breaking a sweat,” Suleiman added. “It’s time to pass the benefits of that transformation back to the people.”
The zero-transfer-fee policy applies exclusively to users of OneBank, Sterling’s flagship digital app. New customers who sign up before April 30 will also receive a complimentary AfriGo debit card and lifetime access to fee-free transfers.
This is more than a product update. It’s an economic statement,” Suleiman said. “We are taking sides with the customer, with the small business owner, with every Nigerian tired of being nickel-and-dimed by the system.”
Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, said the policy is both a reward for loyal customers and an invitation to new ones.
“We owe this to the customers who stuck with us through our transformation journey,” Ukachukwu said. “We are also opening the door to anyone ready to bank differently. If you join us in April, you’re family, so you get the same lifetime benefits.”
He added that Sterling’s next steps would involve layering on even more value in the months ahead, targeting both individuals and businesses with tools that improve financial wellbeing and fuel economic growth.
“We still bear a portion of the transaction costs, including fees payable to other banks. But we’re doing this because we believe it’s right. And if others in the industry follow suit, we all win,” Ukachukwu concluded.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity and a steadfast focus on it’s HEART strategy.
As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, proving that purpose-driven leadership can unlock transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development has intensified its enforcement efforts at the Okunde Bluewater Scheme, located along Lekki Coastal Road, Lekki with a follow-up operation aimed at dislodging illegal occupants and dismantling newly emerging shanties in the area.
The operation, carried out earlier today, was led by the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry, Honourable Ekundayo Alebiosu, who noted that the exercise is a continuation of previous clean-up efforts and serves as a firm deterrent to those attempting to reoccupy government-owned land with unauthorized structures.
According to Alebiosu, “We cleared this large expanse of land late last year, and it is no longer business as usual. Any attempts to rebuild shanties or makeshift structures on this site will be met with swift enforcement.
These structures pose not only an environmental hazard but also a significant security risk. More importantly, they are not in line with the Lagos State Mega City Master Plan.”
He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the full reclamation and strategic utilization of the area for the development of a world-class Bluewater Scheme and a coastal road network that will serve the needs of Lagosians.
He also emphasized that sustained monitoring and periodic enforcement exercises will be employed to preserve the integrity of the cleared site.
Speaking further, the Honourable Commissioner stressed that the progress recorded during the Ministry’s reclamation exercise in September last year will not be allowed to go to waste. He reaffirmed the State Government’s resolve to prevent any form of illegal resettlement on the land.
“MWID remains steadfast in its mission to secure and transform all government-owned waterfronts across Lagos State, in alignment with the vision of a clean, secure, and globally competitive Mega City”, He concluded.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,WAPA has hosted a courtesy visit from representatives of the Policy Innovation Centre, PIC and the Albridge Stone Group (ASG), led by Adekemi Omole, Gender and Inclusion Lead at PIC.
The visit focused on strengthening collaboration in preparation for the launch of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap, tentatively scheduled for May 2025.
During the meeting with the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, both parties aligned on key milestones, including the upcoming data validation exercise scheduled for April 29, 2025.
Mrs. Onigbanjo expressed her appreciation to ASG and PIC for their ongoing partnership and technical support, emphasizing that such collaboration is highly valued.
She noted that, following the approval of the Lagos State Executive Council, WAPA would proceed with the domestication of the Women’s Economic Empowerment policy marking a critical next step in translating the roadmap into tangible results for women across Lagos State.
In her remarks, Adekemi Omole reaffirmed the team’s commitment to supporting WAPA through strategic guidance and inclusive policy implementation. She highlighted the shared goal of driving sustainable economic empowerment for women and ensuring that no one is left behind.
This partnership reflects a unified commitment to fostering inclusive development and unlocking the full potential of women in Lagos State’s economic landscape.
Also in attendance were Directors from the Ministry, who contributed to the robust discussions on strategy and implementation.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has explored the potential of biogas solutions to global environmental challenges like air pollution, climate change and water contamination among others.
The event was a lunch and learn lecture with theme: “Catalyzing Innovation through Collaboration: Unleashing the Power of the Triple Helix of Government, Industry and Academia” held at its headquarters, Ijora-Olopa.
Delivering the welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the Lunch and Learn Series as an informal but intellectually stimulating platform, designed to spark dialogue, encourage research, and enhance capacity within the agency.
He said, “This is an informal session, which is why it is called the Lunch and Learn Series. Programmes like this are a tradition in academic environments where they have been proven to contribute to academic and personal development significantly. We are replicating that model here at LAWMA because what we do is not just based on logistics; LAWMA is a scientific organization with scientific officers and we recognize the importance of academia in addressing waste management challenges. Therefore, we must prioritize research and continuous learning to develop strategic solutions tailored to our region’s specific needs. Initiatives like this are the way forward,”
In a keynote presentation, Prof. Mats Eklund, a globally recognized expert in sustainability and innovation, and scientific leader of the Biogas Research Center at Linköping University, Sweden, shared his insights on the potential of biogas solutions to address global challenges such as air pollution, climate change, water contamination, and soil health.
He illustrated how several environmental challenges could be addressed through several research works that had proved effective in many areas.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, expressed gratitude to Prof. Eklund for his valuable contribution to advancing innovation in waste management, stressing the ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia, to enhance knowledge sharing and impactful solutions.
Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of Finance, shared LAWMA’s intention to leverage technological innovations to stay competitive with other developing countries, underscoring the many opportunities in waste management, with biogas research serving as a prime example.
An engaging question-and-answer session followed, where Prof. Eklund further elaborated on the importance of cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable waste management solutions. He said: “People need to see waste differently, not as dirt or hazards, but as opportunities. Over time, people’s perceptions can change, and they will begin to see the immense potential in waste.”
The event was attended by many stakeholders, including Engineer Adebola Sabi, chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment Parastatal; Mr. Adedoyin Lasisi, Director and Deputy Director of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources; Akin Alabi, Managing Director of Zoomlion Nigeria; Abubakar Habeebah; top lecturers from the University of Lagos, researchers, and LAWMA management staff.
Blacktalker can confirm that this “Lunch & Learn” Series marks LAWMA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and leadership in operational excellence. It is the first in a series of knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to foster innovation and build strategic partnerships in the waste management sector.
