society
LAGOS AND THE PROSPECT OF A WASTE FREE FUTURE -Dr Muyiwa
Recently, we introduced the Blue Box initiative – waste collection programme designed to help residents sort recyclable waste from the source, that is, at the point where an item or material is considered waste. This eliminates the landfill process for recyclables, and we see this as a long term step by step and collaborative approach,to engage with the everyday Lagosian in our journey to a sustainable waste free environment.
Waste management is generally an inclusive practice which requires active participation and cooperation from individuals and the government, both driving a 2-way agenda to ensure a cleaner Lagos. It is important for people to understand the consequences of uncontrolled waste, as it could be very costly to both the society and the economy with significant health and environmental impacts linked to air, soil and water contamination.
The global waste management outlook report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) identifies waste as a global issue which concerns everyone and also studies how society consumes and produces waste especially in the urban areas. Here, effective waste management is seen as a basic human need, sitting alongside the provision of potable water, shelter, food, energy, transport and other social amenities. This lays emphasis on how important the effective management of waste can greatly impact productivity and economic prosperity both from global and local levels.
According to research, Nigeria is one of the largest waste producers in Africa, with an annual waste generation of more than 32million tons. For Lagos state which is highly industrialized and one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria and Africa with about 22million people, we generate about 10,000 metric tons of waste daily, which makes an average of 3.65million tons per year. This means that more than any other state in Nigeria, the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) has a responsibility to ensure that waste is managed appropriately, especially starting from the household and family levels. Till date, we have increased private sector participation (PSP) by 32%, expanding access in the waste collection and transportation systems across Lagos state.
Looking at the direct impact of improper waste management, this can be linked to two major aspects – public health and environmental pollution. Accumulated waste encourages organisms to breed, causing infectious and bacterial diseases especially for children. It also affects drinking water and can cause a widespread cholera outbreak, popular in some of the rural areas within Lagos. For the environment, this poses a serious threat to surface and groundwater, investors and tourist activities.
Effective waste management collection, transportation and disposal processes, with the help of LAWMA and the PSPs, have become a very simplified procedure. First and most importantly, residents are encouraged to reduce activities associated with waste production, so that we can see a significant decrease in the amount of waste generated daily. Then it is also necessary for accumulated waste to be properly sealed and disposed in the waste storage materials provided by our agency across Lagos. Once this is done, the collection and transportation by the PSPs to the local landfills becomes a very straightforward and effective process and the cycle continues.
While we continue to work to ensure our environment is clean and healthy, we must emphasize the need for an urgent shift in attitudes towards waste disposal by residents across Lagos state. Indiscriminate refuse disposal practices have proven to cause severe problems in our efforts to sustaining a waste free society. In managing this, we have involved in several educational waste management programs like the Community Advocacy and CDA/CDC Interaction, to create awareness on how we all have a role to play in keeping the environment healthy. The state of our environment is an integral part of the quality of life we receive as humans. A cleaner environment inherently contributes to better livelihood for us, our children and many generations to come.
As an organization, our mandate is to ensure a more secure, clean and prosperous state. Our vision is to build a smart city which was a strong objective in the development of this initiative with components such as Residential Waste Collection and Processing, Commercial/ Industrial Waste Collection, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Drainage Maintenance, Provision of Engineered/ hazardous Sanitary Landfill and Manual/ Mechanized Street Sweeping.
Through this initiative, LAWMA have successfully introduced 62 compactors, more than 380 waste bins, with over 600 community sanitation workers. Some of our results so far have been significant.
In our journey to building the future of a sustainable waste free environment for all, we have prioritized recycling, positioning it at the top of the agenda. We are challenged as a government to invest in solid waste recycling, exporting biodegradable waste which can be processed to high quality agricultural manure and other raw materials for several industries. Plastic wastes have also proven to generate wealth through recycling in the production of home and other domestic reusable items.
Recycling also creates jobs and in a broader sense, it is a significant contributor to our economy through the foreign exchange earnings associated with exporting waste. Small, medium to large scale companies are gradually exploring new ways on how to generate wealth from waste which buttresses our efforts at LAWMA in ensuring that waste collection can be simplified with initiatives such as the Blue Box, to help people sort waste for recycling.
Socio economically, the state of our health and well-being affects the level of productivity which can either be positive or negative. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation, and we can only come together to build a sustainable and healthy environment if we collaborate to effectively manage the disposal, collection, transportation and recycling of our waste.
We must ensure a cleaner Lagos with how we manage waste and we must begin to see the future of a waste-free Lagos, driving us to the future of a smart city. A cleaner Lagos is a better Lagos, and we remain optimistic about sustaining our environment, driving foreign direct investment and maintaining our position as one of the largest commercial hubs in Africa and the world.
With natural disasters occurring across the world, partly as a result of environmental abuse, it should be considered a wise option for everyone to have a rethink about our attitude to the environment. It is whatever we give to the environment that it gives back to us. It is that simple
Gov. Peter Mbah @54: From Campaign Vision to Transformational Leadership in Enugu State
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“From Campaign Promises to Measurable Impact: How Gov. Peter Mbah is Transforming Enugu State Ahead of His 54th Birthday”
Governor Peter Mbah is being celebrated on March 16, 2026, ahead of his 54th birthday tomorrow, March 17, 2026, for his visionary leadership, developmental initiatives, and enduring impact on Enugu State.
Mbah began his journey to the governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2022 primaries, running on a platform of economic revitalisation, security enhancement, education reform, healthcare expansion, and youth empowerment. His campaign emphasized making Enugu State a business-friendly, investment-ready, and socially inclusive environment, promising policies to raise the state’s economy significantly while improving living standards for citizens.
Elected governor on March 18, 2023, and sworn in on May 29, 2023, Mbah immediately began translating campaign promises into action. Within months, his administration launched strategic initiatives across multiple sectors, reflecting a commitment to governance that is both pragmatic and people-focused.
Security and Public Safety
One of Mbah’s first priorities was enhancing security. He established AI-powered command centers, modern surveillance systems, and rapid response squads, reducing crime rates and making Enugu a model for safety in the region. Citizens and investors alike have praised these measures for creating a secure environment that encourages commerce and tourism.
Education and Healthcare
Mbah has made education and healthcare cornerstones of his administration. The state now boasts 260 Smart Green Schools equipped with ICT labs and digital learning tools. In healthcare, he constructed 260 Primary Healthcare Centres, ensuring that communities across the state have access to essential medical services. His policies reflect a vision of equitable development and human capital empowerment.
Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
Under his leadership, nearly 1,000 km of roads have been completed or rehabilitated, while urban centers have undergone significant renewal. Water schemes long neglected were revitalized to provide reliable supply, and waste management initiatives have improved public sanitation across the state. Mbah’s administration also prioritizes long-term city planning, with projects like the International Conference Centre and future smart city developments underway.
Economic Reform and Revenue Generation
Digitization has been central to Mbah’s economic reforms. Land and tax systems were modernized, broadening the revenue base and improving transparency, all without imposing new taxes. These measures have attracted investors and strengthened the state’s economy, demonstrating that governance can be efficient, accountable, and growth-oriented.
Transport and Aviation
Mbah launched Enugu Air and upgraded urban transport infrastructure, including modern bus terminals and a fleet of CNG-powered buses, easing mobility for residents and creating new employment opportunities.
Leadership Style and Legacy
Described by analysts as a “talk and do” leader, Mbah combines strategic planning with direct engagement at the grassroots level. His cabinet has been restructured to align with developmental goals, including the creation of a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to harness local potential. These steps demonstrate a focus on long-term, sustainable governance.
As he celebrates his 54th birthday on March 17, 2026, stakeholders and citizens honor a leader whose tenure has consistently prioritized progress, inclusivity, and citizen welfare. Supporters have even suggested endorsing him as a sole candidate in the 2027 elections, reflecting confidence in his leadership and track record.
Governor Mbah’s journey from campaign promises to tangible achievements illustrates a governance model grounded in vision, action, and accountability; an enduring legacy for Enugu State and a benchmark for Nigerian leadership.
society
SUPERSTAR7EVEN RELEASES ‘OMO TO SHUN / SORRY’, A POWERFUL TWO-TRACK PROJECT INTRODUCING A LIFESTYLE-LED ERA
SUPERSTAR7EVEN RELEASES ‘OMO TO SHUN / SORRY’, A POWERFUL TWO-TRACK PROJECT INTRODUCING A LIFESTYLE-LED ERA
Lagos, Nigeria – Superstar7even, the rising Lagos-based artist, has dropped her latest project, ‘Omo to Shun / Sorry’, a two-track release that marks the beginning of her journey as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. This release is the first phase of a larger body of work scheduled for later this year, setting the stage for a trailblazing career.
‘Omo to Shun / Sorry’ is more than just a music release – it’s a narrative experience. The two tracks are designed to be experienced together, telling a story of confidence, ambition, and personal independence. ‘Omo to Shun’ is an anthem of self-assurance, capturing the essence of everyday moments where confidence is expressed through presence, not performance. ‘Sorry’ shifts the focus to the importance of hard work, financial autonomy, and long-term vision, creating a cohesive storyline that showcases Superstar7even’s artistic depth.
This project is supported by a three-month rollout strategy that prioritizes community engagement and fan participation. The campaign spans digital platforms, campus networks, radio appearances, and offline touchpoints in student-led environments, encouraging fans to interpret, share, and connect with the music on a deeper level.
“We wanted to create a release that would spark a conversation, not just about the music, but about the lifestyle and values that Superstar7even represents,” said the artist. “This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to share our journey with our fans.”
‘Omo to Shun / Sorry’ is available on all major streaming platforms. Join the movement and experience the sound of confidence, ambition, and modern independence.
*About Superstar7even*
Superstar7even is a Lagos-based artist whose work explores themes of confidence, ambition, and personal independence. Her releases are structured as long-form narratives, emphasizing continuity, audience participation, and cultural relevance.
*Connect with Superstar7even:*
Instagram: @Superstar7even
TikTok: @Superstar7even
X: @thatgirl7even
Coalition urges IGP to rebuild public confidence on Nigerian police
…Seeks investigation of AIG Moshood time in Lagos
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens’ Rights has urged the Inspector General of Police to rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the President of the Coalition, Adeyemi Olorunsogo and its Secretary, Kolawole Abe Emmanuel, said Nigerians expect professionalism, impartiality, and accountability from the leadership of the Force.
The Coalition expressed concern over consistent and clear repeated interference of the Lagos police command in matters that are purely civil in nature, and actions that suggest a troubling pattern of bias in the handling of sensitive disputes.
It said: “Over the past few weeks, our coalition has repeatedly drawn the attention of the public to the disturbing conduct of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State, particularly under the leadership of the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olorundare Jimoh Moshood.
“We, therefore, call on the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police to exercise utmost caution in the deployment and assignment of senior officers, particularly in situations where their previous conduct has generated serious public concern.
“We note that Mr. Moshood has now been posted away from Lagos. We also acknowledge the appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, whose professional reputation in intelligence-led policing, crime management and strategic leadership has earned him public respect.
“In view of this new leadership and in the hope that professionalism and accountability will define the next phase of policing in Nigeria, this coalition has resolved to suspend its earlier planned protest until further notice.
“In situations where the police ought to remain neutral and professional, the conduct of the former Commissioner appeared to tilt the scale in favour of certain interests, thereby undermining public confidence in the impartiality of law enforcement.
“In February 2026, without a valid court order, without a formal invitation, and without a lawful warrant of arrest, the former Commissioner reportedly declared Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi wanted for murder.
“This declaration arose in the context of a family and community land dispute involving factions within the Ajiran community. Allegations bordering on murder is a very sensitive one as it does not only speak to law but sanctity of life and one accused of such if not cleared carries a life time burden.
“Following that declaration, the property of Alhaji Akanbi was reportedly destroyed by individuals who allegedly operated under the protection and watch of officers of the Lagos State Police Command.
“The Nigeria Police Force must never be seen as taking sides in private civil disputes. The integrity of law enforcement depends on neutrality, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law.
“Declaring a citizen wanted without a lawful warrant, proper investigation, or court order raises serious concerns about abuse of police authority and must never become a precedent in a democratic society.
“While promotions within the Police Force fall under the authority of the Police Service Commission, we believe that officers whose actions have generated significant public concern should be carefully scrutinized before being entrusted with greater responsibility.
“The appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police presents an opportunity to rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. Nigerians expect professionalism, impartiality, and accountability from the leadership of the Force.
“Civil society exists to hold power accountable. Our intervention is not political; it is a duty to protect the rule of law and defend the rights of citizens. We wish the new Inspector-General of Police success in his assignment and urge him to live up to the expectations of millions of Nigerians who desire a police force that is professional, impartial, and accountable.”
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