The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has donated ballistic helmets (Level IIIA), ballistic vests, and strike plates to the officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS. This donation aims to enhance the safety and protection of RRS personnel while they perform their duties.
The newly provided gear is designed to offer essential protection for officers in the line of duty, equipping them to respond effectively to various situations while prioritizing their safety.
This initiative reflects LSSTF’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in Lagos and ensuring that officers are well-equipped to handle the challenges they face in maintaining security across the state.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has donated bulletproof vests and helmets to the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, commonly known as the Taskforce, in a move aimed at enhancing officer safety during high-risk operations.
The protective gear, consisting of bulletproof vests and helmets, is designed to safeguard officers as they carry out enforcement activities in potentially dangerous situations. The donation is part of LSSTF’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that security personnel can operate effectively and with confidence, even in high-threat environments.
The presentation was made on behalf of the Fund by Admin Director of LSSTF, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the Commander of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele.
This contribution is expected to significantly enhance the safety of the Taskforce officers as they work to maintain law and order across the state and further underscores LSSTF’s dedication to improving security operations and supporting law enforcement agencies in Lagos.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has made a significant donation to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS in an effort to enhance security operations in Lagos State.
The donation, which includes a range of tactical gear, was handed over during a presentation attended by key officials.
Among the items donated were tactical jackets, operational boots in various sizes, police black uniforms, and MOPOL gray khakis. Additional equipment included berets, arm, spy, and cap badges for rank and file, as well as cap badges for Assistant Superintendent of Police and Chief Superintendent of Police.
The donation also comprised black and blue belts, buttons, knee and elbow guards, hand gloves, and waist holders, all intended to boost the efficiency of the RRS in their security duties.
The Commander of the Rapid Response Squad, CSP Shola Jejeloye, was present at the event alongside the Admin Director of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Adegbola Lewis.
This contribution from the LSSTF is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the RRS, enabling them to better protect Lagos residents and maintain peace across the state.
……Trains Journalists on Water Campaign and Reporting
Journalists must through their reportage spotlight issues such as climate change, urbanisation, and demographic shifts that exacerbate water stress on the African continent.
This resolution was reached at a media training on water campaign with the theme: “Shaping the Narrative: Reporting on Water Access and Privatisation in Africa” organised against the backdrop of the 4th Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation.
Environment enthusiast and broadcast journalist, Esther Omopariola who spoke on “The Role of Journalists in Exposing Water Inequalities” said through investigative techniques, holding institutions and government accountable, and using reliable data, journalists can expose the inequalities around water availability, thereby pushing for meaningful changes.
“Visiting affected communities to gather first-hand accounts. Investigate distances to water sources, water quality, and the reliability of these sources. Understanding data from sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF on water distribution and health impacts, such as the link between unsafe water and malnutrition.
“Familiarize yourself with the United Nations Resolution (2010) that recognizes the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right. Investigate how governments are adhering to this resolution.
“Investigate regions facing extreme water scarcity where conflict, climate change, and poor infrastructure exacerbate water access problems. For instance, in Nigeria’s north like Borno, Adamawa, and Kebbi States. Highlight disparities between urban and rural access to water, with rural populations often more reliant on untreated surface water.
On his part, Media Consultant, Dr. Olayinka Oyegbile explained that for journalists to strike a balance in their reportage, they must
provide comprehensive and well-researched background information, seek diverse perspectives, involve stakeholders in the reporting process and fact check.
Speaking on the title: “Ethical reporting and advocacy journalism” Dr. Oyegbile noted that advocacy allows journalists to take a stance on an issue and use their reporting skills to push for change or raise awareness while uncovering systemic inequalities and exposing wrongdoing.
Earlier, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi said recognising the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.
Akinbode listed the effects of water privatization to include rising tariffs and unaffordability, limited public accountability, cherry-picking service areas, undermining the human right to water, and loss of one in three water jobs among others.
He added that going forward the African continent must embrace the Public and Community-Controlled Water System, Deprivatisation, Increased Public Spending on Water Infrastructure, and Addressing Water Issues from RightBased Lenses among other measures.
The 4th Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation is put together by the Our Water, Our Right African Coalition, OWORAC which features Communities, Civil Societies and Trade Unionists drawn from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, Mozambique, Cameroon and Gabon.
In the impoverished community of Balastro II, Fontana, located in the Resistencia Chaco Province of Argentina, life is a daily struggle for survival. Described as one of the most destitute areas in the country, the region suffers from extreme poverty, lacking necessities such as food, water, electricity, and infrastructure. For the over one million children in the area, malnutrition, sickness, and hopelessness are constant realities.
However, a glimmer of hope recently arrived in the form of Pastor Evelyn Joshua, leader of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, SCOAN, and her Emmanuel TV Partners. With a heart full of compassion and a mission to uplift the less fortunate, Pastor Joshua and her team delivered much-needed aid to over 500 struggling families.
The supplies, valued at over 20 million Argentinian pesos, included food, clothing, domestic items, educational materials, and cash gifts. For a community long forsaken, this act of kindness was miraculous.
The people of Fontana, a place where witchcraft and drug addiction are rampant, were overwhelmed with joy. The football field where the aid was distributed was filled with dancing, singing, and tears of gratitude. Many described the event as “manna from heaven” and marveled that a team from Nigeria had come to their aid.
Pastor Joshua addressed the crowd, sharing a message of love and faith. “We have brought you the gospel of love from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” she said. “Your challenges are our challenges, and your joy is ours.” She urged the community to embrace faith and provide their children with education and a strong moral foundation, promising that SCOAN would continue to support them.
Residents were moved by the generosity. Aduana Solidod Gornama, a homeless mother of five, called the donations a “miracle,” while Viviome Piluen Colrol, a housewife living in dire conditions, said it was “the happiest day” of her life. Community leader Jorge Aditouio Movoz expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “We are overwhelmed to see you from Nigeria coming here to bless us in our abject poverty. May God continue to bless you and your church.”
Pastor Joshua’s actions follow the legacy of her predecessor, Prophet TB Joshua, who believed in “changing lives, changing nations, and changing the world.” As she continues this mission, many believe her work in Argentina is just the beginning of greater things to come. A local pastor captured the moment’s significance, saying, “We used to pray for the black people, but now it’s the black people praying for us.”
Pastor Evelyn Joshua’s visit has ignited a renewed sense of hope in Fontana, reminding the world that love and faith can transform even the most desperate of situations.
A 7- year-old, Araola Ola-Awakan, has unveiled a collection of poems in Lagos. The child author achieved a notable feat in the literary world with her book of poetry titled “My First Book of Poems”, a collection of 30 poems that explores several areas of her life from being ‘left-handed’, her mother’s glasses and even mundane things like her Bed, Old Basket and Tablet.
The event was held at the Ibeshe Housing Estate Community Hall in Ikorodu and was a two-part occasion which included the celebration of her 7th birthday.
Her father, award-winning broadcast journalist and playwright, Mr. Ola Awakan, revealed that the event is dedicated to all children and it stands to encourage and reassure them that they can become whatsoever they aspire to be in life. He further urged parents and guardians to give children the opportunity for self-expression with lots of encouragement as they are the future of our nation.
“The more we encourage them, the more we build a better future for our nation but it all starts from the home. We need to build a good home for our children and put them in the right light, so in the coming future, they will be better leaders and give us a nation better than what we have now”
The book reviewer, Mrs Tope Israel, a celebrated educator and head teacher of Reign In Life International School, also shared her views on how children’s creativity are being stifled by adults. She pointed out that when an out-of the normalcy trait is found in a child like being a lefty, parents and guardians should not insist on changing the child’s natural preference but should instead encourage and give them space for growth.
She continued that in order to build children in speech and vocabulary, their parents should always listen. “When you listen to them, you build up their vocabulary and confidence. But nowadays, parents are shutting them, saying they talk too much causing them to stop talking and not building up their vocabulary. Parents should listen more to their children, see the spark in them and fan it till it glows”
Mrs Tope Israel also commended Araola’s book of poems revealing it as an interesting guide to seeing life and perspectives from the eye of a child. She also commended Ara’s parents for giving her the room for self-expression, urging parents around the world to grant their wards the same as it will bring the best out of them.
The entire poem collection was later performed in a quirky yet light-hearted presentation to the admiration of the audience by the Gifted Steppers, an award winning children theatre group famous for their arts and culture perfomances.
Mrs Omolola Ola-Awakan, the poet’s mother revealed that she noticed her interest in creative writing since she was 2 years and she was fond of always writing as far as scribbling on any piece of paper, writing letters to friends and family on their birthday and requesting for a diary to record poems and stories. She reiterated that she was proud that her daughter discovered her creative side and urges parents to stand firm with their children in their journey of self-discovery
Araola’s book launch was attended by family, friends, arts patrons as well as well-wishers.
… LASU students now to enjoy SIWES placements at NAF formations
The Nigeria Airforce has renewed its landmark collaboration with Lagos State University, LASU on areas of mutual interest, including staff exchange, organisation and execution of joint projects, and research, as well as the organisation of joint conferences.
The collaboration, which was signed between the university and the air branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces in 2013, renewed in 2018 and expired in 2023 until Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, when the LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, and the leadership of the Faculty of Engineering of the university, visited Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hasan Bala Abubakar, at his office in Abuja.
During the highly productive meeting, the Vice-Chancellor sought the renewal of the mutually beneficial Memorandum of Understanding while proposing the establishment of a Joint Research Team (comprising LASU Research Team and the Research and Development Team of the Nigeria Air Force) to proffer possible solutions to some of the salient aircraft problems faced in the course of operations and management in particular, and other real-life problems facing the nation.
The LASU boss equally requested for SIWES placement for Aerospace Engineering students of the university in all the formations of NAF across Nigeria, as well as the donation for a decommissioned ABT 18 Aircraft for practical training for the students.
The CAS, in his response, approved all the requests to mark a new chapter in the relationship between LASU and NAF. To the delight of the team, Air Marshal Abubakar also pledged NAF’s commitment to the execution of all the agreements, which would take effect immediately.
The partnership is expected to further bolster LASU’s position to contribute meaningfully to national development through the NAF while enhancing the teaching and learning experience for staff and students.
The meeting was sealed with the exchange of gifts and group photographs. Head, Epe Campus, Prof. Elkanah Oyetunji; Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Nurudeen Raji and Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Mrs Fatimah Ogunniyi, joined the Vice-Chancellor at the meeting.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has laid out plans for strategic waste management in Lagos State.
He also hinted that the state government would soon acquire 100 CNG trucks, for the operations of Private Sector Participants, PSP.
Gbadegesin made the disclosure at a one-day stakeholders’ interactive forum on sustainable waste management, organized by the agency, at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In a detailed presentation, he highlighted the progress recorded and future plans for waste management in the state, noting that the city’s 23 million residents generated 5.46 million tonnes of waste annually, which LAWMA aimed to manage through a range of initiatives, anchored on effective collection, treatment, and disposal.
He said, “We are committed to providing efficient waste management services to all Lagosians. With our team of dedicated staff, we manage domestic, commercial, and medical waste across the state. We also sweep 963 routes and collect solid waste from the lagoons and waterways”.
Gbadegesin revealed that a large portion of the waste generated in state came from households, with LAWMA overseeing its transportation and treatment through partnerships with 420 Private Service Participants (PSPs), adding that the efforts were supplemented by sweeping services across major streets, managed by 16,361 street sweepers.
He further highlighted the Authority’s waste recovery initiatives, emphasizing the growing focus on recycling and circular economy principles, pointing out that LAWMA had introduced a two-bin system for households, where one bin stood for general waste and the other for recyclables.
“This system will help households segregate waste at the source, boosting recycling efforts and reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills. We have already established community recycling centers and are partnering with retail points to promote extended producer responsibility,” he stressed.
The LAWMA boss stated that, in line with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S. PLUS agenda focused on health and the environment, LAWMA was exploring waste-to-energy projects, including the revival of a pilot biogas production plant at Ketu Fruit Market, where organic waste would be converted to energy.
“We are committed to using advanced technologies to transform waste into resources, reducing Lagos’ dependence on landfills and contributing to the state’s energy needs,” he said.
He said, as part of ongoing efforts, LAWMA was tackling marine waste and hazardous materials, to protect the state’s waterways and reduce environmental hazards, while planning to increase recycling rates by 25% in the next three years and transforming waste disposal facilities into eco-parks and waste treatment plants, for a more sustainable city.
“Our work extends beyond the streets. We are involved in marine waste collection and the safe disposal of hazardous materials, ensuring a cleaner and safer Lagos. We are determined to build a cleaner, greener Lagos for future generations’, he concluded.
In a goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, called for a synergy between players in the public and private sectors to achieve cleaner and sustainable environment in the state, adding that the state government had embarked on various initiatives, aimed at improving the environment.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, represented by Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director, Sanitation , lauded the event as an important one, capable of proffering solutions to waste management challenges in the state.
He said the peculiarity of the Lagos environment made it necessary for urgent actions to be taken, to tackle a myriad of environmental constraints facing the metropolis, urging the populace to join hands with the state government, to make the environment better.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director of LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, highlighted that the ongoing challenges of managing the enormous volume of waste generated daily by residents, informed the Authority’s decision to launch the “Adopt-a-bin” initiative, targeted at promoting waste containerisation, adding that the stakeholders’ forum provided an avenue to explore workable options in meeting waste management needs of residents.
“The task of managing the huge volume of waste remains challenging, hence the need for a forum like this, where we can jointly examine all workable options available to us, and fine-tune strategies to ensure that we remain on top of the situation,” he stated.
The president of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAWN), Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to transforming the environment and waste management system in the state, While urging cooperate organisations to embrace the “Adopt-a-bin” initiative, as a CSR strategy, to enable every household in the state procure the bins.
Head of Marketing, Wastecare Solutions and Resources Management, Doyin Oyefusi, enlightened participants at the event on the features of the LAWMA smart bin and the advantages they have over other types of bins.
She said that the smart bins were equipped with RFID chips for tracking waste collection to ensure prompt service by PSP operators, came with geolocation for easy tracking if misplaced, feature color-coding to support waste separation (green for general waste and blue for recyclables), and are designed with a 15-year warranty for long-term durability, making them highly efficient compared to traditional bins.
The Managing Director of Maladase Ecopreneur Management Limited (MECOM), Engr. Mayowa Elefin, in his presentation titled, “Recycling: Impact on the Environment”, talked about the importance of recycling to the environment, including reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emission, conserving natural resources, saving energy and promoting sustainable practices.
The stakeholders’ forum also featured a question and answer session, where participants and members of the media asked questions on key waste management issues.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
*Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)* Director, Public Affairs 17/10/2024
The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Nigeria, has announced the final extension of the registration deadline for the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination, CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2024 Second Series.
The exam, which will run from Friday, October 25, to Friday, December 20, 2024, will be delivered in a hybrid mode.
In a statement signed by the Acting Head of the Public Affairs Department, Adesina Moyosola Fadekemi, WAEC noted that under this hybrid format, multiple-choice questions will be displayed on the screen, and candidates will be required to input their answers directly into the system.
Adesina also noted that for essay and practical questions, candidates will also see the questions on screen but will provide responses using physical answer booklets. However, candidates who prefer the traditional pen-and-paper format for the entire exam will have that option as well.
In light of this, WAEC has extended the registration period until Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Additionally, the “Walk-in-Candidate” option will be available after the regular registration period. This allows candidates to register 24 hours before their chosen paper is scheduled.
The statement added that the examination timetable is available on the WAEC Nigeria website (https://www.waecnigeria.org), and candidates are encouraged to make use of WAEC’s learning resources, including the WAEC e-Study platform and past question books.
…As Ministry of Justice begins implementation of recommendations from the 2024 Justice Summit,
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has announced plans for a two-day Strategic Stakeholders Meeting, scheduled for October 23rd and 24th in Ikeja with the theme: “Enhancing Collaboration for Effective Justice Delivery”.
Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General for Lagos, Lawal Pedro who announced this at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja said the meeting aims to strengthen cooperation among various agencies in a bid to improve law enforcement and justice administration across the state.
”Day One of the event will focus on ”Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Administration”, featuring retired Justice, Mojisola Olatoregun as the keynote speaker. High-profile participants such as the Director of Public Prosecutions, officials from the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Correctional Service will also attend.
”The session will address pressing challenges in law enforcement, explore best practices, and identify ways to improve cooperation among relevant agencies.
”On Day Two, discussions will centre on land administration, environmental management, and chieftaincy matters and feature the Lagos State Lands Bureau, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
”The Oba of Lagos is expected to deliver the keynote address during a session dedicated to the future of local government administration.”
Pedro noted that the meeting follows recommendations from the Lagos Justice Summit held earlier this year, where key stakeholders emphasized the need for greater coordination within the justice system.
According to him, the summit underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration as a critical step towards ensuring that justice is both effective and accessible to all residents of Lagos State.
On the implementation recommendations from the Justice Summit, the Commissioner said an implementation committee has been working on an action plan to address delays in civil justice cases, which often slow economic growth and investment.
”One major development is a proposed Bill for the Administration of Civil Justice Law, aimed at ensuring that civil cases in Lagos courts are resolved within 18 to 24 months. The Bill, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, would also set a timeline for resolving tenancy matters in three to six months.
”In the area of criminal justice, the Ministry has tackled delays in issuing legal advice and prosecuting cases. An innovative Criminal Information System has also been established to collect biometric data and case information on inmates across Lagos correctional centres.
He noted that other legislative reforms in the works include a ”Lis Pendens Registry”, designed to track land disputes and prevent unsuspecting buyers from purchasing property that is subject to litigation, and a “‘Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry”, which would allow Lagos residents to formally register and dissolve customary marriages.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General also emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders to build a more efficient and equitable justice system. “The media, community leaders, and government agencies are critical to this process,” he noted, stressing that media coverage plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability.
