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Tinubu Advised to Take Serious Action on Plastic Pollution

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Tinubu Advised to Take Serious Action on Plastic Pollution

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been advised to take serious action towards clearing the nation of the threat of plastic pollution.

Speaking at the Commemoration of the World Environment Day in Abuja, the Chairman and Founder of Nigerian Centre for Climate Renewal, Resilience and Adaptation (NICRA), Alhaji Mohammad Danjuma said strong will power of Mr. President just as he did with the fuel subsidy is required to put the alarming rate of plastic pollution in the country to rest.

He said: “Everyone knows that the policy concerning the use of plastic need to be changed in the country to stop sachet water and the use of polytene but no one wants to go there so as not to be seen as attacking the not to rich in the society.

“But definitely we need to put in place legal framework and physical structures to stop this as it is currently done in some other African countries. We have to take some bold decisions just like the removal of fuel subsidy to move ahead in life and not jeopardize the future of the country and life of Nigerians.”

He lamented that plastic waste has been singled out as one of the greatest contributors to flooding in the country, and the new administration should also take bold step to tackle the challenges in this area.

He added that: “At the Nigerian Centre for Climate Renewal, Resilience and Adaptation, we are committed to being part of the solution. Through innovative approaches and community engagement, we actively work towards reducing waste and promoting sustainable alternatives. Our efforts include initiatives such as plastic recycling programs, advocating for plastic-free policies and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials.

“Furthermore, we recognize the importance of education and awareness in combating plastic pollution. By organizing workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, we aim to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to make environmentally responsible choices.”

He insisted that: “Together, we can raise awareness about the dangers of single-use plastics and inspire the adoption of sustainable practices.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government acknowledged that plastic has become integral part of the society but that its threats have to be checked.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Idris said: “Plastic has become an integral part of the society due to its wide range of uses and economic benefits. However, it has negative consequences to human health, natural ecosystems and the climate.”

He noted that: “Nigeria is no stranger to the concerns over the increasing quantum of plastic waste in our environment from all manner of sources such as packaging/storage of food, drinks and beverages, shopping, etc. as they litter the environment, block drainages resulting in flooding and also release toxic gases when burnt or incinerated with devastating effects on our health and the environment.”

Idris lamented that Nigeria is one of the countries with the fastest growing population in the world and produces enormous volumes of wastes as a result of her prevalent linear economy (extract-make-use-dispose) approach to production and consumption, where materials are used to manufacture products that last one lifespan before becoming waste. This approach is particularly resource inefficient and contributes significantly to resource depletion and waste generation, hence, inimical to the achievement of sustainable development goals.”

He said: “It has therefore become imperative to adopt the circular economy model in which the productive use of resources is enhanced over time to promote sustainable development.

“This concept is gaining traction all over the world as a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible, thus extending the life cycle of products and generating wealth along the value addition chain.”

He insisted that: “The Ministry has made steady progress in the adoption and implementation of circular economy in order to promote environmentally sound management of wastes.”

Tinubu Advised to Take Serious Action on Plastic Pollution

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.

According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.

Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.

The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.

Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.

The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.

It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.

Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.

“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.

“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.

He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Investments in circular economy have the potential to increase forex earnings- NESREA DG

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Investments in circular economy have the potential to increase forex earnings- NESREA DG

By: Michael Mike

The Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor has affirmed that investments in the circular economy value chain have the potential to increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Barikor made this statement recently during a meeting with the management of a plastic packaging recycling (rPET) company, Sonnex in Lagos.

He assured the team that the Nigerian government prioritizes circular economy, noting that the draft National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations soon to be gazetted is one of the efforts to strengthen the legal framework for circular economy implementation in Nigeria.

He said: “Circular Economy falls under the Presidential priorities for the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Minister is very keen on the success. Apart from tackling the problem of waste, green jobs have been created .

“The pellets and flakes you produce and export also generate foreign exchange. The Plastic Waste Control Regulations are awaiting official gazette and once gazetted, we would have connected the dots of the framework to implement circular economy in the plastic sector. We are deeply committed to ensuring the success of Circular Economy.”

Earlier, the Managing Director, Anil Mohinani intimated the NESREA boss on the process for the production of recycled PET bottles (rPET), whilst also highlighting the challenges faced by investors in the sector .

He listed some of the setbacks to include lack of a legal instrument to compel manufacturers in the food and beverage sector to embrace food-grade rPET, unfriendly policies by some foreign companies, and insufficient awareness .

“Europe and America create barriers to protect their international recycling business. There is unfair competition. In some countries such as Kenya, there is encouragement to invest in rPET recycling because there is a regulation in place,” he added.

Investments in circular economy have the potential to increase forex earnings- NESREA DG

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