Environment
SGORL Accelerates Action to Tackle Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is a universal problem, and expansion and changing human lifestyles are major contributors to the high volume of waste disposed. Plastics are generated in large quantities, and they are a high threat to the sustainability of our lives. Plastic waste has engulfed our oceans, damaged our surroundings, and sneaked into every spot. Being a severe threat to the environment, we see plastic waste as a menace to our way of life.
On November 17, 2023, Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd. (SGORL) organised an event themed ‘Stop Plastic Pollution, Be a Part of the Solution’ with the students of Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos at the Bon Voyage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos to spread awareness about plastic waste management.
Dignitaries present at the event were Mrs. Oguntola Toyin – Ass. Director Circular Economy and Recycling Project, Waste Management Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Ejide Funmilayo – Principal Scientist, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Orororo – Principal Scientist, Waste Management Department, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Engr. Agbaiko Odio, Senior Lecturer, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology and Mr. Yau Shamsudeen Damisa,, Senior Lecturer, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos State.
At the event, Mrs. Oguntola Toyin – Director Circular Economy and Recycling Project said, “Taking care of our waste and environment can switch the regime of the communities. There are environmental issues stemming from plastic dumping. Recycling plastic waste can prevent contamination of the environment. Through this initiative, SGORL is pouring a sense of social responsibility among the communities so that efficient material recovery and recycling are accomplished”.
Given the growing concern around plastic risks and multiplied plastic routes, the need for viable and environment-friendly solutions has risen. The recycling of plastic products and waste is essential for the benefit of both communities and the natural environment.
The hostile consequence of plastic waste is now a comprehensive concern as it is associated with global warming and climate change by emitting toxic gases and contaminants into the milieu.
Mrs. Ejide Funmilayo – Principal Scientist, Ministry of Environment said, “Plastic waste is choking us. Every day plastic is streaming into our natural conditions at a unique scale. We are confronted with an upsetting plastic pollution problem. Although the communities are the most vulnerable to climate change, we can play an important role in safeguarding the environment and enhancing the quality of life for the future generations”.
Environmental impact and social change go together. SGORL recognises the need for continuous and consistent improvement in the areas of plastic waste. The company aims to take the foremost step toward arresting plastic pollution, promising to lessen, salvage, and recycle wherever viable to ease the release of plastic into the environment. SGORL covets for a world where we and nature can flourish simultaneously for a waste-free future.
By: Amadi Akujobi
The Lagos State Government has commenced installation of new pumps at the Iju Headworks and Akute water intake stations.
The Tide source reports that the project is aimed at increasing water production, improving operational efficiency and expanding access to potable water across the state.
A statement issued by the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) over the weekend said the project was approved and funded by the state government.
It said the installation was part of the rehabilitation of the Iju Headworks and Akute Intake Station under Lots 1, 2 and 3.
According to LWC, the rehabilitation is designed to modernise water production facilities, strengthen operations and improve public water supply.
The Network of Female Professionals in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria (FEMinWASH) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) are set to partner on gender-responsive systems strengthening, capacity development and WASH initiatives.
The partnership was proposed during a courtesy visit by a FEMinWASH delegation, led by its President and Convener, Dr Boluwaji Onabolu, to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, in Abuja.
Onabolu, who conveyed greetings from FEMinWASH Patron, retired Engineer Ebele Okeke, commended Walson-Jack for upholding the Federal Civil Service’s EPIC values of Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centred leadership.
She praised the HoCSF’s efforts in advancing gender inclusion in WASH and the civil service, including the development of the National Gender in Water Resources Mainstreaming Policy and mentoring programmes for women leaders.
Onabolu also highlighted the INSPIRE (Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women) programme, aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and inclusion.
She said FEMinWASH was seeking a formal partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OHCSF to support INSPIRE, WASH advocacy, capacity building and the institutionalisation of Gender-Responsive Budgeting across the Federal Civil Service.
Responding, Walson-Jack commended the diverse expertise of the FEMinWASH delegation, noting that professionals in WASH, water resources, environment, public health, town planning and education were critical to addressing development challenges.
She welcomed the proposed partnership, assuring that the OHCSF was ready to collaborate with FEMinWASH on civil service strengthening and WASH-related initiatives.
The meeting agreed to further engagements with Dr Garba, Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), and Ms Funke Baruwa, Lead for Partnerships at the OHCSF, to advance the collaboration.
The visit ended with a photo session and exchange of gifts between both parties.
The Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, commended the community on the massive turn-out for sanitation.
He also appreciated the chairman and his team for their support to the ministry.
Rotimi-Akodu urged the community to continue to support the council and by extension, the government, by participating in the exercise and engaging in proper disposal of wastes.
“We have heard your appeal, and I assure you that Lagos government will do something about it.
“Although we have PSP operators in this axis, maybe they were assigned to other areas.
“However, I will ensure something is done and residents will observe the improvement.” the advisor said.
Also, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LASMA), Mr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that waste management was a collective exercise.
Gbadegbesin, therefore, appealed to the residents to always dispose of their wastes properly.
“You must bag your waste at home. Make sure you have a bin to keep the waste for few days, even if there is a delay by the PSP operator.
“Make sure you pay your PSP operator on time because there is no way they can provide that service if you are not paying them regularly.
The Non Governmental Organization (NGO) Go Green Nigeria Foundation, , has called for more stringent government efforts toward prohibition of illegal sand mining in Rivers, following erosion threats.
The founder of NGO Dr John Babington made the call on last Monday in Umuechem, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers, to commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.
Babington, who sensitised the community on dangers associated with crude sand mining, donated some trees as part of efforts to promote tree planting and revitalisation of the altered mangrove ecosystem.
During an interactive session with the community, the environmental expert identified various concerns and commended residents for their willingness to work together to end the excavation.
He, however, dismissed the notion that illegal sand mining was due to poverty and unemployment, saying, ”the business is a capital intensive venture that could only be operated by a rich cartel.”
He said that though the business might have provided menial jobs for few youths, it had not in any manner addressed poverty.
Presently, the landscape is altered with an artificial river encroaching a major access road and threatening public safety,” he said.
Also speaking, a senior Chief in the community, Chief Gilbert Otamiri commended the NGO for the initiative and promised to collaborate with them.
Gilbert, however, urged the government to tackle unemployment which, he said, was a major promoter of the illegal excavation
Also speaking, The Community Development Chairman (CDC) Mr Agbam Mgbechi thanked the group for the sensitisation and donation of trees.
He called on the government and concerned induviduals to emulate the group by making efforts towards salvaging the area from further environmental damage.
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