From Christopher Tom, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom state Government said it would not relent despite the uphill task over its moral duty and policy imperative to take decisive steps to eliminate plastic pollution across the state.The commissioner for environment and mineral resources, Nsikak Ekong made this known during the world environment day in Uyo with the theme ending plastic pollution.

The commissioner said despite the development it is not a battle for Government alone and also is not the responsibility of a few environmentalists or NGO’s but is a fight that involves Government, businesses, communities, schools and to crown it all individuals to make sure this mess be eradicated. According to him Akwa Ibom Government on its own is working round the clock in ensuring that environment friendly policy and action are initiated and adopted as seen in its ongoing monthly environmental sanitation programme, aggressive waste management, flood control measure as well as its ongoing urban renewal and beautification scheme.The environment boss said the Umo Eno administration has been able to convert once flood control sites into a beautiful recreational hub known as Arise Park, an ongoing project which is part of the many environmental radiation strategies of the present administration.He said a real time plastic pollution dashboard would soon be launched to track hot spots, report violations and share progress with the public while we would continue to invest in a sustainable waste management system.He commended the people for coming out massively to celebrate the world environment day showcasing that they are really supporting the government programme to make sure to eliminate plastic pollution across the state.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Acting Managing Director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Alhaji Haruna Jimoh Gabi has advised residents of riverine communities and flood prone areas in Kogi state to move to higher ground immediately.

The Managing Director gave the advice while speaking at the commencement of the early warning advocacy/sensitisation on flood mitigation, held at Koton-Karfe, headquarters of Kogi Local Government Area on Tuesday. The Managing Director who spoke through the Kogi State Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, Michael Ajayi Omeiza, stressed the importance of the early warning as it will go a long way in safeguarding citizens from the risk and havoc associated with flooding.He explained that preparation for flooding is crucial as it is the most common hazard in HYPPADEC communities. Some floods develop slowly, while flash one can occur within minutes or hours after a storm or containment system break. It is also among the most devastating natural disaster in the world, claiming more lives and causing more property damage than any other natural phenomena”It has therefore become necessary during this rainy season to move to higher ground, get informed through public safety information before, during and after emergencies, clean/clear all drainage around or leading to homes”He noted that flooding has been wreaking havoc on Nigerian communities and this has worsened in recent times due to several possible factors including rapid population growth, industrialization, urbanisation, poor urban planning, and climate change via increased frequency and intensity of rainfall more frequent and violent storms that cause floods.While receiving the N-HYPPADEC Managing Director in his Palace at Koton-Karfe, the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, His Royal Majesty, Saidu Akawu Salihu expressed the readiness of all communities in his domain to partner with N-HYPPADEC in the fight against natural disasters especially flooding which affects his people on yearly basis.His royal majesty promised that his subjects would adhere strictly to the N-HYPPADEC early warning via relocation to safe ground, clearing of drainages and evacuation of wastes.Earlier the Executive Chairman of Kogi Local Government Area, Abdullahi Isah commended the timely intervention of N-HYPPADEC in mitigation of flooding havoc in the area annually.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has commissioned several state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres and donated advanced technical equipment to schools across Delta Central Senatorial District.

The initiative, aimed at elevating educational standards and preparing students for a competitive global economy, marks the senator’s second anniversary in office. Speaking during the commissioning ceremonies held at various schools, Senator Dafinone emphasized that the key objective of establishing ICT centres is to cultivate interest and proficiency in computer literacy among both students and educators.“Without ICT qualifications and training, our children will be unable to thrive in a globally connected world,” he said.“This initiative is about preparing our youth to compete nationally and internationally. The development of our children is a critical assignment that both the state and federal governments must prioritize to ensure the Urhobo people maintain a top-tier position in this country,” he addedAmong the beneficiaries of the ICT and infrastructure upgrades are Ogor Technical School, Orhuwhorhun High School, and Urhobo College.At Sapele Technical School, the senator oversaw the renovation of classroom blocks and the provision of technical equipment, including transformers, switch gears, and prepaid meter prototypes to support practical learning in electrical engineering.Principals of the benefitting institutions praised the senator’s initiative. Akanbi Oyewone of Ogor Technical School lauded the donation of computers and a digital blackboard, noting it would significantly enhance learning.Margaret Iwhiwhu of Orhuwhorhun High School described the project as a giant leap for the school and said parents were delighted to see their children engage with technology.Charles Owonogor of Urhobo College said the ICT centre would greatly assist students in preparing for their external examinations, while Itanwansa Rosemary of Sapele Technical School emphasized the impact of the newly equipped electrical engineering lab.Students also expressed gratitude, noting that the ICT facilities have already begun to enhance their educational experience and readiness for the digital economy.In addition to the educational advancements, Senator Dafinone also commissioned a 500KVA transformer on Dafinone Road, Ward 1, in Sapele Local Government Area. The new installation is intended to improve power supply in the area.He described the project as part of his broader effort to deliver the dividends of democracy to his constituents.Community members welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. Justice Erikefe, a resident of Ward 1, stated, “We appreciate the senator’s efforts and recognize that the dividends of democracy must address the needs of the people.”Dafinone called for greater collaboration with the private sector and encouraged alumni to contribute to their former schools.He also advocated for every classroom to be equipped with computers, pledging to push for broader ICT infrastructure in all local government areas of Delta Central through strategic budgetary allocations in 2024 and 2025.Stakeholders say his actions emphasized a continued commitment to uplifting the Urhobo nation through strategic investment in education and infrastructure.