Environment

Environmental Matters: RSG Assures On Professionalism

Published

11 years ago

January 11, 2016

Ibasa Ijegun Egba youth movement, protesting oil spillage and environmental degradation in Lagos recently

The Rivers State Govern
ment has assured of its commitment to ensure that all environmental issues are handled professionally and in line with international best practice.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Professor (Mrs) Roseline Konya said this at a meeting with Heads of Department of the Ministry in her office.
Prof Konya also said that the present administration was determined to rejuvenate the ministry with the view to providing it with state of the art facilities to ensure maximum productivity.
According to her, the Wike-led-administration is poised that all matters relating to the maintenance of a safe and healthy environment in the state are handled professionally according to best standard practice for the well being of the people.
The commissioner also decried the alarming rate of flooding in parts of the state especially Port Harcourt City, against this background that the various streams and canals which crisscrossed the city ought to serve as natural drains stressing that the situation which is embarrassing will be tackled headlong by the present administration.
While acknowledging that, the ministry was ill equipped to handle most of the challenges, she promised that the state government would provide the wherewithal to acquire the needed technical equipment and operational vehicles to enable the staff discharge their professional services to the people.
According to her, key areas the administration as the administration will address include the completion of the waste to wealth project, the rehabilitation of the ministry’s moribund laboratory as well as embark on intensive advocacy in the areas of noise pollution and acceptable sanity habits.
Prof Konya further said that the ministry would rebrand the annual World Environment Day celebration to bring in more participants from the private sector, while the National Sanitation Day celebration held annually nationwide on every 28th June will be resuscitated.
Meanwhile, Prof Konya has assured staff of the Ministry of Environment of better days ahead.
Speaking during her maiden meeting with staff of the ministry, she also advised them to work assiduously to effectively contribute to the overall success of the ministry’s set goal.
She said that the Wike-led-government was passionate towards the delivery of quality services to the people, adding that as civil servants they stand in a better position to contribute the attainment of that goal.
Prof Konya who promised to give more attention to training and retraining of staff, however, warned against mediocrity negligence and truancy and promised to reward hardwork.
Across section of staff in their responses, expressed delight and confidence in the ability of the commissioner deliver judging from her antecedent and pedigree.

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.