Environment

Kuramo Ocean Surge Takes Toll On Bar Beach

Published

14 years ago

August 24, 2012

Fun seekers at Lagos Bar beach on Monday expressed concern
about the low turnout of revelers as a result of the ocean surge at Kuramo
Beach.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited
both the Bar Beach and Kuramo Beach in Lagos, gathered that the level of
patronage was low when compared with that of previous years.

At the Lagos Bar Beach, the few picnickers that were there
were having horse rides, taking photographs and watching the waves, but nobody
swam.

Mr Effiong Ekanem, Chairman of the Bar Beach Tourism
Committee, told NAN that the celebration this year was done with mixed
feelings.

Ekanem, who is a staff member of Iru/ Victoria Island Local
Council Development Area (LCDA), said that the mixed feelings was as a result
of the disaster that occurred at the Kuramo beach on Friday in which lives were
lost.

“The festivities is supposed to be one with celebration but
it is one of disaster due to the coastal erosion at Kuramo beach and because of
its closeness to the bar beach; it gives us cause for concern.

“In fact, this year’s Sallah celebration could be termed
black Sallah by those of us who lost our loved ones in the ocean surge,” he
said.

According to him, the turnout at the Lagos bar beach was
unaffected by the disaster that happened so close to it.

Ekanem noted the presence of wave breakers and lifeguards at
the beach as well as emergency rescue facilities.

Mrs Toyin Ologunde, a food seller at the Bar Beach, said
that the turnout of people at the beach was definitely affected by the disaster
at the Kuramo Beach.

“The happenings have disturbed me because I lost a close
associate, and the turnout at the beach was definitely affected by the
disaster.

“Last year sales was about N100,000 every day but this year
we have not been able to meet last year’s sales.

“Yesterday, this place was full by now, but for today, it
may be the sad news that made people not to turn up like before.

“In fact, during previous festivals, as we are cooking,
people keep buying all we cook; but today, you can see for yourself that there
is nobody here,” she said.

Mr Akeem Adefala, who came to enjoy himself at the beach,
said that although the turnout was low, people were having fun.

He said that his children had taken horse rides, walked
round the shore and they were just sitting down to enjoy the sea breeze.

“The turnout is low and disappointing. Though I heard about
the ocean surge at Kuramo Beach but I wasn’t afraid to come to the beach.

“I am used to the ocean and I know that once I see the
environment, I will know whether it is safe or not. Immediately I saw the wave
breakers at the bar beach, I knew it would prevent ocean surge,” Adefala said.

Another fun seeker, who asked for anonymity, said that
regardless of what happened he was enjoying himself.

“I was here yesterday and I still came back today with my
wife. I believe that God is in control and I must say that I have enjoyed this
year’s Sallah more than that of last year.

“Last year, I did not have money but this year I have money
and a new wife, so I am grateful to God. This place was full yesterday and I am
surprised that today is so dull,” he said.

Another fun seeker, Mr Ibrahim Isah, said that he was
grateful to God for preserving the family’s life, saying he was unhappy to hear
what happened at Kuramo.

NAN reports that the deserted Kuramo Beach was occupied by
sand filling machines and workers of Eko Atlantic project as well as a few
policemen.

Mr Eze Azuka, a security man at the beach, told NAN that
immediately after the news of the ocean surge broke, the sand filling machines
were moved in to fill up the land.

Azuka said that the sand filling was to prevent water from
reaching the outlying buildings, adding that the shanties at the beach had been
destroyed to make way for the sand filling.

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.