Environment

UI, Others Partner On Zero Waste Management

Published

3 years ago

May 1, 2023

The University of Ibadan (UI), Coca-Cola Foundation and other organisations have established partnerships to ensure zero waste management, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 17.
The institutions have also launched ‘The Green Campus Project’ facilitated by the Statewide Waste and Environmental Education (SWEEP) Foundation at the Trenchard Hall of the premier university, Ibadan.
Recycledge, SWEEP Foundation in conjunction with local partners will mobilise corporate businesses, government agencies and other stakeholders to address the plastic waste challenge in the University of Ibadan and its surrounding communities.
The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has provided a grant to support SWEEP Foundation, on their ‘Green Campus Project’, designed to facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive waste management programme across selected university campuses in Nigeria.
The programme will accelerate and improve collection of discarded plastic bottles (PET) leveraging targeted awareness programmes on campus community recycling.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of Public Affairs, the Coca Cola Company, Ms. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, said Nigerians needs to take action to ensure that after they enjoyed the content of containers, they don’t liter the environment.Onyemelukwe said plastic is not bad but the way it is used causes environmental problems.
She said: “Every package that has been used has a place; it can be re-used. Your waste is a resource. We are interested because we produce beverages. We are known for happiness. The wastes that fill our environment can be re-used and re-cycled to repackage another beverage. 100 per cent of our packaging materials are recyclable. We must pay attention to how waste is collected and re-cycled.
“This is a fundamental approach to change our environment. In the Sustainable developmenrt Goal (SDG) 17, partnership is a very fundamental step in achieving a sustainable goal. Therefore, we can achieve zero waste in Nigeria through this partnership.” She implored the students to take the message to their homes and classrooms, as well as volunteer as recycling ambassadors.
The President, SWEEP Foundation, Phillips Obuesi, reiterated the impact of the programme on the selected universities and surrounding communities.
He said: “University campuses suffer from indiscriminate waste disposal habits of its staff and students, mostly occasioned by low – level awareness and inadequate infrastructures to support waste management across campuses”.
President, Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg, said: “We recognise that student communities are critical stakeholders in our broad strategy to preserve and protect our ecosystem. We are proud to support this initiative, which will not only improve the waste value chain of campuses in Nigeria but also help to inspire an entire generation of environmental advocacy.”
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the institution would support the project wholeheartedly. Adebowale was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola who said the choice of UI was apt and instructive.

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.