CP Toyin Agbaminoja assumes duty at Ports Authority Police Western Division HQ

 

The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command has welcomed a new Commissioner of Police, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, who officially assumed duty yesterday as the 33rd Commissioner of the Command, headquartered in Apapa, Lagos.

She succeeds AIG Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola, who was recently promoted and retired from active service.

CP Agbaminoja, a distinguished officer with over three decades of service, joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1994 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

A native of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Ilorin.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, noted that her career spans a wide range of operational, investigative, and administrative roles, including postings at the Kwara State Police Command, the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja, the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) in Ikoyi, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

She also led police operations at the NAFDAC Enforcement Unit, tackling counterfeit and regulatory violations.

CP Agbaminoja is no stranger to the Ports Authority Police Command, having previously served as DPO Roro Port Division, Command Traffic Officer, and Area Commander, Western Ports. Her appointment marks a return to familiar terrain, now at the helm of the Command.

She has broken multiple glass ceilings in her career, becoming:

The first female Area Commander, Area ‘M’ Idimu (2017)

The first female Head of Zonal CID, Zone 2, Onikan (2021)

The first female Deputy Commissioner of Police at both the Airport Command (2023) and Oyo State CID (2024)

Promoted to Commissioner of Police in February 2025, she most recently led the Special Inquiry Bureau at FCID, Alagbon, before her deployment to Apapa.

Upon assuming office, CP Agbaminoja pledged to work closely with stakeholders in the maritime sector to enhance port security, improve operational efficiency, and foster a safe environment for economic growth.

NAVAL officers from 20 countries visit NIMASA C4I Center for knowledge sharing 

 

Picture: Naval Officers from 20 countries across the world are currently on Siren Course onboard the LHD TONNERRE during a visit to the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (RMRDC), Kirikiri, Lagos.

 

 

Naval Officers from 20 countries across the world, currently on the Siren Course onboard the LHD TONNERRE, have visited the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a knowledge-sharing engagement aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation.

A press statement signed by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA said that the team, led by the Defense Attaché at the French Embassy, Colonel Stéphane Oseo, explained that the visit sought to deepen understanding of how Maritime Administrations operate within the framework of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Safety and Security in West and Central Africa.

He described the collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA as a model partnership worthy of study, particularly for its effectiveness in enhancing security coordination in the Gulf of Guinea.

The 40 participants, drawn from 20 different countries, have been on board the vessel since September 1st, making a port call in Lagos for two days. During the visit, they engaged with NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project officials on strategies for maritime domain awareness and inter-agency coordination.

The team also visited the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (RMRCC), where they were briefed on Nigeria’s operational procedures for maritime search and rescue coordination.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Director of Marine Environment Management, Mr. Heaky Dimowo, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to sustained regional collaboration for improved maritime safety and security across the Gulf of Guinea.

Picture: Naval Officers from 20 countries currently on the Siren Course onboard the LHD TONNERRE during a visit to the NIMASA C4i Center at Kirikiri, Lagos.

 

 

 

 

 

Ikeja Electric, LECAN empower young Electricians through Skill Training

As part of its continuous investment in human capital development, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), Nigeria’s leading electricity distribution company, in collaboration with the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), organized a one-day intensive skills acquisition and capacity-building programme themed: “Electrical Safety and Best Practices in the Electricity Industry.”

The training brought together over 100 participants, comprising field technicians and electrical professionals, for practical and engaging sessions on safety procedures, alternative power integration, and electrical installation standards.

A press statement signed by Kingsley Okotie
Head, Corporate Communications said that participants received hands-on exposure to electrical safety protocols, connection hazards, risk management, industry-compliant installation standards and emerging technologies in energy distribution.

The State Chairman of LECAN, Comrade Bada Waheed, commended Ikeja Electric for its continued support of capacity development within the electricity industry.

According to him, this initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders and professional bodies collaborate for sustainable growth. Our young electricians represent the future of Nigerias energy value chain, and programmes like this ensure they are skilled, informed, and safety-conscious.
“We deeply appreciate this gesture from Ikeja Electric and hope to have future collaborations to impact our youth and make them more productive. Noteworthy is the fact that this programme aligns with our goal of nurturing local talents and bridging the gap between learning and practical application.”

Mr. Kingsley Okotie highlighted the importance of corporate partnerships in driving community empowerment, beyond the provision of electricity.

“Over time, we have discovered a lot of gaps in efficiency and knowledge acquisition, especially by technicians, who are major stakeholders within our sector. This fueled our drive to strengthen their capacity in the area of safety, alignment in the integration of renewable energy as well as other industry innovations. We know that electricity is a powerful tool that demands responsibility and precision. Therefore, this training is reinforcing our zero-harm culture by empowering participants with the right knowledge to execute their work safely and efficiently.

The collaboration with LECAN reflects our vision to build safer communities through education and empowerment; closing knowledge gaps, reducing accidents within our area of coverage, and preventing unnecessary loss of lives and property, thereby making society a better place for all. He concluded.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Makinde Adeyinka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and described the experience as eye-opening and impactful.

“I have learned so much about safety standards, proper installations, and building a sustainable career as an electrician. I am thankful to Ikeja Electric and LECAN for investing in young electricians like me and look forward to more programs like this,” he said with enthusiasm.

The one-day training is part of Ikeja Electric’s ongoing youth empowerment and safety awareness initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to workplace safety, operational excellence, and continuous professional development.

About Ikeja Electric Plc:

Ikeja Electric Plc is Nigeria’s largest power distribution network, with a vision to be the provider of choice wherever energy is consumed. The company is focused on providing the best quality service to customers while always adhering to the highest standards of safety.
For customer service and general inquiries, please reach out to Ikeja Electric through:
Phone Lines: 0201-7000-250, 0201-227-2940
Emergency Number for Vandalism: 07074703623
Whistleblowing Lines: 0800-847-6337; expressyourself@ikejaelectric.com
Web Portal: https://www.ikejaelectric.com
Email: customercare@ikejaelectric.com
Social media: Follow us on [Instagram & X: IkejaElectric; Facebook & LinkedIn: Ikeja Electric] for real-time updates

About LECAN:

The Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) is a professional body that represents licensed electrical contractors across the country, committed to promoting best practices, professional ethics, and capacity building within the electrical industry.

Aro Leaders hail Gov. Otti for breaking Arochukwu access barrier

 

  • Picture: The visitors in a group photo with Governor Otti. Second from left is Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor.

 

 

 

 

The leadership of Nzuko Aro, Aba branch, on Tuesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, at the Government House, Umuahia.

A press statement signed by Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the group expressed deep appreciation to Governor Otti for his transformational strides across the state and particularly commended him for breaking the age-long jinx surrounding the difficulty of accessing Arochukwu.

The Governor in his response, thanked the delegation for their visit and show of solidarity. He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of all parts of Abia State and to improving the quality of life of its citizens.

He further disclosed that he had given a matching order to the contractor handling the Ohafia–Arochukwu road project to ensure its completion and delivery within the first quarter of next year.

Also present at the meeting was the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor.

Display picture: The leader of the group decorates Governor Otti with ‘Omu Aro,’ Arochukwu’s famed traditional cloth.

FIDA calls for urgent action to empower rural Women

…Says their strength feeds Nation

Picture: FIDA Global President, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor.

 

 

As the world marks the 2025 United Nations International Day of Rural Women, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has reaffirmed that empowering women in rural communities is not an act of charity but a global legal and moral duty.

In a message commemorating this year’s theme, “Rural Women: Cultivating Good Food for All,” FIDA Global President, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, paid tribute to the resilience and indispensable contributions of rural women to global food security and community stability.

She noted that from smallholder farms to large cooperatives, rural women sustain families and economies despite facing persistent barriers such as limited access to land, credit, education, and healthcare, as well as exclusion from decision-making structures.

“Empowering rural women is not charity; it is a legal, moral, and global obligation,” Okoroafor said.“When rural women thrive, they feed more than their families — they nourish entire nations.”

FIDA called on governments, states, development partners, and civil society to design and implement laws and programs that protect rural women’s rights, enhance their productivity, and ensure their voices are heard at every level of policy-making.

Reiterating its commitment to gender equality and social justice, FIDA emphasized that the empowerment of rural women is critical to ending hunger and achieving sustainable development.

“When rural women rise, humanity flourishes,” Okoroafor declared. “Their empowerment is the seed of equality, justice, and shared prosperity for generations to come.”

FIDA pledged to continue standing with rural women around the world — defending their rights, amplifying their voices, and promoting a fairer and more inclusive global community where every woman can cultivate not only food, but freedom and dignity.

ABSIID Project Multilateral Loan Facility: Between Facts and Political Fiction

By Odinakachi Eric Eme

In the last few days, a group calling itself the Abia APC Renaissance Group attempted to stir public sentiment with a publication riddled with inaccuracies, conjecture, and a profound lack of understanding of how multilateral financing operates. Their claim that the Abia State Government has already “utilized” funds from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Canadian Climate Action Africa Facility (CAAF) is not only laughable but also exposes an alarming ignorance of how international development frameworks function.
As the official responsible for coordinating and speaking on behalf of the Abia State Government in multilateral and donor engagements, I find it necessary to correct these distortions and present the facts clearly to the people of Abia. Governance is not theatre; it is grounded in process, accountability, and verifiable truth.
The assertion that Abia State has already received and expended the AfDB, IsDB, and CAAF facilities would have been laughable if it were not so reckless. Those who truly understand development financing know that projects of this nature follow strict international protocols. For the avoidance of doubt, the ABSIID Project is still in its early implementation stage. While the AfDB has launched its component, no disbursement for infrastructure or civil works has taken place. The Subsidiary Loan Agreement with the Islamic Development Bank, which must be concluded before any fund release, is still under review and finalization.
Contrary to the outrageous claim that 123 million dollars has been credited to the state account, the actual amount received is only 115,000 dollars, strictly for operational logistics to cover project takeoff expenses such as staffing, coordination, and preliminary preparations. It’s important to state categorically that this fund has not been touched or utilized. No capital funds have been accessed or spent.
It is important to clarify once again that the ABSIID Project operates under a direct payment modality for both the AfDB and IsDB components. This means that payments for civil works, goods, and services are made directly by the lenders to verified contractors and consultants, not through the state government’s accounts. Abia State’s role is strictly supervisory, ensuring compliance, facilitating monitoring, and maintaining institutional alignment with the lenders’ procedures.
Only the CAAF component differs slightly, as it allows funds to be paid into a designated state project account for specific climate-related interventions. Even that process is governed by a rigorous financial framework jointly overseen by the lenders and the Federal Ministry of Finance, ensuring that every dollar is traceable and every expenditure auditable.
Governor Alex Otti’s administration has distinguished itself by restoring donor confidence and credibility, qualities that were long eroded in the past. What previous administrations could not achieve because of non-compliance and lack of transparency, this government has revived, restructured, and positioned for success. Abia now stands as a model of fiscal discipline and administrative credibility, recognized by international development partners as a responsible, reform-driven state. The Project Implementation Unit operates under full international oversight, ensuring that every project milestone is verified, every fund properly accounted for, and every process aligned with global best practices.
It is quite unfortunate that some politically exposed individuals, who should know better, are now sponsoring smear campaigns against the state, not out of patriotism, but out of envy and misplaced ambition for 2027. Their goal is simple: to discredit a transparent administration that is succeeding where others failed. It is public knowledge that a certain federal lawmaker and political actors in the opposition are giving subtle backing to these attacks, hoping to score cheap political points at the expense of the state’s integrity. Their actions are not just petty; they are dangerous because they seek to undermine Abia’s reputation before the very international partners whose confidence we have worked hard to rebuild.
Let it be clearly stated that such political gamesmanship will fail. The facts are too clear, the records too transparent, and the world is watching. Abia State’s reputation is not a tool for political battles. Those who claim to represent the people must first respect the truth. Propaganda cannot replace policy, and ambition should never outweigh integrity.
Governor Alex Otti’s administration remains focused on delivering transformative governance through transparency, partnerships, and results. The ABSIID Project is a cornerstone of that vision, and no amount of misinformation will derail its progress. To those who peddle lies and cloak them in politics, a simple reminder: facts are stubborn things, and in the end, truth always outlives propaganda.
Politics should never come at the expense of truth. Those who aspire to speak on governance matters should first understand them. When propaganda is dressed as information, it insults the intelligence of the people and undermines the very development it pretends to defend. Abians deserve better, and under this administration, they are getting exactly that: responsible governance, credible partnerships, and a transparent pathway to sustainable growth.
So, to those who trade in distortions and call it politics, a gentle reminder: ignorance is not an argument. Abia is no longer the byword for administrative opacity. Under Dr. Alex Otti, the state has rebuilt its credibility with donor agencies, financial institutions, and development partners. The world is once again willing to trust Abia, not because of propaganda, but because of policy, prudence, and professionalism. Those who spent years mortgaging the state’s image may find this new reality uncomfortable, but progress is often unsettling to those accustomed to chaos.
The New Abia is here, and no amount of propaganda will distract us.

Odinakachi Eric Eme is Senior Special Assistant to Governor Otti on Multilateral and Donor Agencies.

PortHarcourt, Ohanku roads as Appian ways?

PORTHARCOURT, OHANKU ROADS CAN PASS OFF AS NARROW ROADS “APIAM WAYS” only in the psyche of lunatics: A rejoinder to a serial liar, JOHN OKIYI KALU.

By Ctz. U. N. UKOHA

 

“If you cannot see, at least you can hear, The first deserves to be celebrated – Abia is the first State in the entire Southeast to fund a project executed by the construction giant, Julius Berger” – Ctz. U. N. UKOHA (2025).

 

 

My prodigal brother, John Billion believes that rolling in the muck is the best way to get clean. I will refuse the temptation of mistaking him for a pig. However, if his case has worsened to a point that an elephant has become an insect in his eyes, I will advise the Psychiatric Doctor handling his case to triple the dose of his injection.

What was the hullabaloo about the commissioning of completed projects in Abia State by Mr President? Is it not achievement enough that Governor Otti has tackled Abia’s infrastructural and social challenges to the point that the only pressing challenge left is to bring the President to the State?

A working or State visit by a sitting President is a big deal, but good governance is not measured by mere Presidential visits but by the extent to which the infrastructure serves the welfare of the people. The President ably represented by his Minister for Works has come and gone but the completed infrastructure will remain to serve the people for years even beyond the tenure of the President.

I had mentioned earlier in the year that we were dealing with a few lunatics on the loose in Abia State in the guise of displaced desperate opposition elements and some concerned people at the time urged me to name them. The one-day visit by Mr. President ably represented by the Hon. Minister of Works to commission life-changing projects and infrastructures completed in Abia for use by the people has exposed the identities of the few rampaging lunatics

In the 24 dark and locust years of Abia State, projects were commissioned by different Presidents but I can point out the commissioned projects and allow the undisputable King of Liars, John Okiyi Kalu to point to the gigantic and legacy features of the said projects.

In the year 2000, President Obasanjo commissioned Roads in Aba under Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. It is for JOK to show Abians the gigantic legacy of the road projects. In 2009, President Jonathan commissioned the Ossai Road, Umuahia under Governor T. A. Orji. JOK must show the gigantic legacy of the project to Abians. In 2019, President Buhari commissioned the 9.5MW Ariaria Independent Power Project, a Federal Government Project, licensed by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), funded, constructed, and to be operated by Ariaria Market Energy Solutions Ltd. (AMES) under the Rural Electrification Agency’s Energising Economic Initiative (EEI) with zero funding from Abia State Government as claimed by the undisputable King of Liars, JOKe. It is for the intended 37,000 beneficiaries at the Ariaria International Market to confirm if the said commissioned project is powering their businesses or was a scam in disguise as they continued relying on power generators to drive their businesses.

Governor Otti reconstructed the very strategic Ohanku and Port-Harcourt Roads abandoned for more than two decades. The reconstructed Port-Harcourt and Ohanku Roads corridors are beyond just roads. They are hope restored, opportunities expanded, creativity reinvented and economy reimagined. The two strategic roads have resurrected over 5,000 moribund SMEs and opened up the pathway for thousands of new startups. Both roads link Aba South to Ugwunagbo, and Ukwa LGA. The Roads ease entry into Aba from the Garden City of Rivers State and other parts of Rivers State, opening Abia markets for Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Abians had experienced enough of JOK’s mischief and short-sightedness, and would rather excuse his kinsmen to sort out his obvious madness. As one of his kinsmen, we are just doing what is expected of us. In the words of Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, “Kirikiri Ana Agba Onye Ara bu Ka Akpa Ya Eriri”. It is our duty to tie him down to take his injection and we cannot disown him, not even now.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA is Chief Press Secretary to Executive Governor of Abia State

NNPP endorses Amupitan’s appointment as INEC chairman 

 

The Secretary General of the New Nigeria People’s Party- NNPP, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s choice of Prof. Amupitan as INEC chairman.

Comrade Oginni spoke against the background of the usual controversies surrounding the appointment of INEC chairmen in Nigeria.

Recently the National Council of States approved the appointment of Amupitan to take over from Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu as INEC chairman.

According to Oginni, Amupitan already has his work cut out for him and should hit the ground running as soon as his appointment is confirmed by the National Assembly.

“The first task for Amupitan is to change the narratives of the bartered image of INEC and restore the trust of Nigerians in the umpire.

“INEC’s image has been so eroded over the years that the first task before Amupitan is to fight systemic corruption and the wrongs of the Commission, and create confidence and trust.

Amupitan needs to thoroughly study the commission and correct the issues that Mahmoud ignored before the Commission. Make appropriate recommendations to the President on who should stay or leave the Commission for sanity to reign.

According to Oginni, President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council members must have seen Amupitan’s capacity before nominating him, pointing out that the President is truly committed to righting the wrongs in Nigeria, and may be starting from INEC.

What we need in Nigeria at the moment is leaders who can make informed and hard decisions if we must re-create the Nigeria of our dreams.

“Our experience with INEC over the internal leadership crisis in our great party has given us insight into the ills of the commission on how the body works.

For the immediate past leadership of INEC to ignore subsisting court orders and directives to upload the NNPP’s new national executives was a shocker and very shameful to constitutional democracy.

“What could have stopped the former INEC boss from obeying the court orders needed to be researched. These and many more are part of the issues that can erode a people’s confidence in an institution.

“Amupitan has the choice to either follow the path of past INEC chairmen or write his name in diamond. It is our hope that the Acting National Chairman shall clear the mess quickly before he assumes duty to start on a clean slate.

“Unattended matters, especially disobedience to court judgments, should be cleared forthwith. It is still like a daydream to us that some bad eggs in INEC connived and fraudulently changed the logo and colour of our party symbols without the consent of the founding members and the holder of the original certificate of registration.

“INEC did the conversion without asking or sighting the original certificate of registration of the New Nigeria People’s Party. This simply means that anyone can approach INEC and change the logo and colour symbols of APC, PDP, LABOUR, and others just like that.

The ills of INEC are so many and grievous to the extent that it does not have respect for the rule of law, court judgements, and internal democracy of political parties. Otherwise, how can INEC be dealing with expelled members of a party and to the extent of conniving with them to change the logo and colour symbols of NNPP to kwankwasiya movement insignia led by Senator Rabiu Musa KWANKWASO?

This is reckless, corrupt fraudulent, and a total abuse of power to ignore court judgements and the internal democracy of a registered political party in Nigeria.

“The NNPP shall join mr president and good people of Nigeria to give the new leadership maximum support and pray that he is not distracted in carrying out his duties,” Oginni added.

SAHARA Group expands GO RECYCLE Hubs to boost environmental sustainability 

 

Picture: L-R: High Chief Mustapha Lasisi, Baale of Ipakan Community, Ijede, Mokhtar Bounour, CEO of Egbin Power Plc, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Hon. Kabir Femi Kareem, Vice Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Kehinde Basirat, Leader of the Legislative Arm, Ijede LCDA, Folashade Adebanjo, Programs Manager, Sahara Group Foundation.

 

 

Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact vehicle of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 15th Sahara Go Recycling hub in Ijede, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, further underscoring its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment in Nigeria.

The new hub, strategically located opposite the General Hospital in Ijede, extends the Foundation’s growing recycling campaign, building on the success of 14 hubs already established across Lagos.

The Sahara Go Recycling initiative is designed to promote a circular economy by reducing waste, fostering resource recovery, and empowering local communities with opportunities to earn income from recyclables.

Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, said: “The launch of the Ijede Go-Recycling Hub is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about redefining value, creating opportunities for economic empowerment, and building resilient communities that can lead the charge for sustainability.

Every plastic bottle, aluminium can, or piece of paper recycled here marks a step toward a cleaner environment, stronger livelihoods, and a future where waste is transformed into wealth”, underscoring the Foundation’s vision of inspiring a ripple effect of sustainable practices across communities.

The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, executives and representatives of Sahara Group, Egbin Power Plc, and Ikeja Electric, the Vice Chairman of Ijede Local Government Development Area, and other members of the team, officials from the Ijede General Hospital, as well as other dignitaries, traditional leaders, and community members.

Mokhtar Bounour, CEO of Egbin Power Plc, remarked, “At Sahara, Egbin, Ikeja Electric, and across all our businesses, we don’t just say it, we transform it in action, making a difference and doing it from our heart to ensure that communities are empowered.

A cleaner Ijede means a healthier Ikorodu and ultimately a stronger Nigeria. This initiative has the power to enhance public health while stimulating economic empowerment for our people.”

Hon. Kabir Femi Kareem, Vice Chairman, Ijede Local Government, representing the Executive Chairman, emphasised the hub’s importance to Ijede residents, especially given its strategic location.

“The essence of this project is environmental sustainability and value creation. When we transform our waste into resources, it is a symbiosis, improving our environment, reducing greenhouse gases, and global warming. Ultimately, we are creating job opportunities and saving energy.” He implored all Ijede residents to key into the project and minimise improper waste disposal.

High Chief Mustapha Lasisi, Baale of Ipakan Community, Ijede, commended the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation, Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter, describing the hub as a vital contribution to the well-being and livelihoods of Ijede residents, especially because of the economic value it provides.

Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 500 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding ₦50 million to beneficiaries. The program has positively impacted more than 1000 households, creating alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, and reinforcing environmental sustainability.

The new hub in Ijede was implemented in partnership with Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter. It provides a convenient drop-off point for recyclable materials, including plastics, cartons, paper, and aluminium cans.

Residents are encouraged to exchange waste for incentives at the hub – joining a growing network of locations across Lagos, such as Ijora, Ikorodu, Agege, Festac, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Ikotun, Apapa, Igbogbo Baiyeku, Kosofe, Ifako-Ijaye, and Navy Town.

Mrs Ayodele Michael Oluwakemi, Council Manager, Ijede Local Government, called on residents to embrace the initiative, sort their waste, and turn in the recyclables to the hub in exchange for value, noting that this will contribute to a cleaner, greener Ijede.

Roseline Idehai, representing Eco Barter, added: “At Eco Barter, we believe waste is not a problem, but an opportunity. Our partnership with Sahara Group Foundation ensures this opportunity becomes a sustainable reality, empowering individuals and inspiring collective action toward a cleaner Lagos. We allow people to use their waste as currency and get value for every waste recycled”.

Mr Disu Shoyiga, Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Ijede Local Government, noted the health benefits of the initiative, stating: “A cleaner environment translates directly into healthier lives. And the add-on of this project is the economic value it brings to the people. We are grateful to the Sahara Group Foundation and will ensure that the hub remains viable”.

Reiterating Sahara Group Foundation’s vision, Chidilim Menakaya added, “The Sahara Go Recycling project is creating a ripple effect across Lagos, enabling households and communities to see value in responsible waste management. Through strategic partnerships, we are amplifying impact and building sustainable ecosystems for future generations.”

“At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship, building sustainable ecosystems through collaborations that inspire change. With Ijede now part of our network, we are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” she concluded.

Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go Recycling Initiative to more communities in Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its mission of “Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.”

For more information on the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative and other Sahara Group Foundation programs, please visit: www.saharagroupfoundation.org

 

Abia LP Reps caution Deputy Speaker Kalu over ‘Arrogance, Divisive Politics’

 

Labour Party lawmakers in the House of Representatives have accused Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu of arrogance, political recklessness, and attempts to undermine Governor Alex Otti’s administration in Abia State.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, members of the Abia Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives said they were “dismayed” by what they described as “unguarded and unhealthy utterances” by Hon. Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency.
The lawmakers recalled that shortly after assuming office as Deputy Speaker, Kalu “boasted” that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would capture Abia in 2027, flaunting his “number six” ranking in national protocol as though political power were “a personal trophy.”
“Such careless talk was not only unintelligent and insensitive but also unbecoming of a public officer who ought to embody humility and emotional intelligence,” the statement read.
The caucus accused Kalu of “inciting the Federal Government and the ruling party at the centre against the Abia State Government” and of peddling falsehoods to discredit Governor Otti’s administration.
They alleged that Kalu’s actions were “driven by personal ambition and power-drunk tendencies, even at the expense of the peace of Abia State.”
Governor Otti has shown respect to the President and maintained a cordial and constructive relationship with him. In that same spirit, Kalu ought to accord due respect to the Governor—not only because he is the Chief Executive of the state but also out of cultural decorum,” the statement continued.
The legislators reminded the Deputy Speaker that Governor Otti had extended goodwill to him by hosting an elaborate state reception in his honour when he assumed office and by directing LP lawmakers to support his emergence as Deputy Speaker— gestures they said Kalu had failed to reciprocate.
They listed several ongoing federal and state-backed projects facilitated by the Otti administration, including Port Harcourt Road, Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, Omenuko Bridge, and the soon-to-be-flagged Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, describing them as “tangible results that bring hope to ordinary people.”
“As he always boasts of being ‘number six,’ Hon. Kalu ought to leverage his office to support these projects for Abia’s growth rather than playing cheap politics,” the caucus declared.
They cautioned that if Kalu’s “divisive rhetoric” continued, he risked finding himself “at odds with Ndi Abia,” adding that the people were “politically discerning” and could see through his “selfish antics.”
The statement reaffirmed that Governor Otti enjoys a cordial relationship with President Bola Tinubu and that “no amount of political scheming” could derail the state’s progress.
“We call on all Abians—young and old, market women and traders, professionals and elders—to stand united behind Governor Otti’s transformational agenda and reject any attempt to drag the state backward,” the lawmakers concluded.
Picture: House of Reps Labour Party Caucus