₦airaland Forum

Na question be dat, who go answer.

Dem just dey wake.

The Senate has entered a closed session to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials.

The closed session was announced after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from Tinubu at plenary on Thursday.

Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele subsequently moved a motion for a closed session, pursuant to Order 135 of the Senate rules.

The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.

So This Happened (Ep293) Reviews Alleged Infidelity Between Oluwadolarz And Ifeluv, Others0:00 / 1:01

Nigerians Reacts To New CBN Cash Policy For ATMs | Punch0:00 / 0:00

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu, on Tuesday night, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.


Tinubu writes Reps on Rivers emergency rule
In a national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

The crisis, which had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.


The President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored.

Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

https://punchng.com/breaking-senate-enters-closed-session-to-debate-rivers-emergency-rule/

On Wednesday, SaharaReporters that an unspecified number of people had reportedly died following a powerful explosion caused by an auto crash on Karu Bridge in Abuja.

The Bola Tinubu Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder was responsible for the devastating explosion in Karu, Abuja on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, SaharaReporters that an unspecified number of people had reportedly died following a powerful explosion caused by an auto crash on Karu Bridge in Abuja.


According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred after a high-impact collision involving a vehicle suspected to be a truck transporting fuel or a highly flammable substance.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports say the explosion was caused by CNG in one of the affected vehicles.

However, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, shared a statement and a one-minute video clip on X showing the intact CNG cylinder at the scene, contradicting earlier reports.


Onanuga emphasised that the CNG cylinder did not explode and was not the cause of the tragic explosion.

Onanuga wrote: "Here is the CNG cylinder in the cement truck that ran into a petrol tanker that exploded in Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday night.

"Contrary to earlier reports, the CNG cylinder was recovered intact. It did not explode. And it was not the cause of the tragic explosion."

This clarification comes amid concerns about the safety of CNG vehicles following the incident.

Earlier, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed that the road accident near Nyanya Bridge in Abuja claimed the lives of six people and left 14 vehicles engulfed in flames.

The incident occurred around 6:58 PM on Wednesday when a Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement, lost control while approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic.

The impact triggered a massive inferno, causing widespread panic as bystanders and motorists scrambled for safety.

“The FCT Police Command deeply regrets to confirm a devastating motor vehicle accident that occurred today, March 19, 2025, at about 6:58 PM before Nyanya Bridge,” said SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer.

“A distress call was received by Karu Division reporting a horrifying scene—a Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement and approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA, had lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic.

“The impact engulfed fourteen vehicles in a raging inferno. Panic and chaos followed as bystanders and motorists scrambled for safety. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling thick smoke and intense heat to rescue those trapped.”



Here is the CNG cylinder in the cement truck that ran into a petrol tanker that exploded in Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday night. Contrary to earlier reports, the CNG cylinder was recovered intact. It did not explode. And it was not the cause of the tragic explosion. pic.twitter.com/H0HdRwm6OX

— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) March 20, 2025


https://saharareporters.com/2025/03/20/tinubu-presidency-refutes-claims-linking-cng-cylinder-abuja-explosion

Nawa Nlfpmod.

Nawa Nlfpmod, dem don fall with Tinubu.

Contrary to his claims, recent videos show a bandage on his right ankle, revealing evidence of an injury.

Saheed Mosadoluwa, also known as Ibile, a notorious land grabber, is treating gunshot wounds despite previously denying reports by SaharaReporters that he had been shot.

On March 7, SaharaReporters reported that Ibile was involved in a gunfight with Navy officials and his security team at Okorisa land in Epe. However, Ibile denied the report, calling it fake news in a post on his Instagram page, where he assured Nigerians that he was safe and at home.




Contrary to his claims, recent videos show a bandage on his right ankle, revealing evidence of an injury.




Further supporting this, SaharaReporters obtained a medical report from Frontline Hospitals, which Ibile submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS). The report confirms that he was shot and is receiving treatment. Additionally, a picture obtained by SaharaReporters shows him lying on a hospital stretcher with a bandage on his arm.



SaharaReporters had previously reported that Ibile was shot by Nigerian Navy personnel during an illegal land-grabbing operation in the Oko Orisan area of Epe, Lagos State. However, later claims from people close to Ibile suggest that he was a target of an assassination attempt.

SaharaReporters reported that the incident occurred on March 7, when Nigerian Navy personnel intervened to prevent land-grabbing activities. Eyewitnesses stated that Ibile was shot in the leg during a gunfight with the Navy officers deployed to secure the area.

Notorious Land Grabber Saheed ‘Ibile’ Mosadoluwa Reportedly Shot And Detained By Nigerian Navy Alongside Police Escorts In Lagos
Mar 07, 2025
Image

However, Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information and spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy, denied that anyone was shot.

"The Nigerian Navy will continue to act in line with all constitutional provisions to thwart crimes in and around the maritime domain," he said. "In this instance, nobody was shot and appropriate security agencies have resolved the issue."

Despite this, a source close to Mosadoluwa insisted that he survived an assassination attempt after being shot multiple times by unknown gunmen on March 9 in the Oko Orisan area. "It is true that he was shot. It was an assassination attempt. In fact, about 12 bullets were removed from his body. And he was not detained by the Navy," the source claimed.



A medical report obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed that Ibile sustained a gunshot wound in the leg on March 7. The report, titled "RE: Medical Report Of Honourable Saheed Mosadoluwa Audullahi, Age: 48 Years, Male, Hosp. Nos: FH/25/207," stated that Mosadoluwa had multiple bullet wounds on the right leg and an entry wound on the left side of his upper back. The report described an urgent surgical procedure to treat the injuries, noting that Ibile was in a state of hypotension and required resuscitation with intravenous fluids.

https://saharareporters.com/2025/03/19/notorious-land-grabber-saheed-ibile-mosadoluwas-injury-cover-exposed-medical-report

SaharaReporters also obtained pictures showing Ibile’s bandaged leg, adding weight to the medical report's findings.



The incident has sparked widespread controversy, with some accusing the Nigerian Navy of a cover-up. A social media user, Vibrant Nifemi Vibrant, alleged that the Navy was complicit in distorting the facts.



In a post titled "Proof of how Ibile was in a gun battle with the Navy!! Dirty manipulations and effort to cover up Saheed Ibile of Harmony Estate – land-grabbing operation gone wrong," Nifemi criticized the Nigerian Navy's silence over the matter. "The silence of the Nigerian Navy over the latest twist by Mr. Aura Mosadoluwa, aka Ibile, painting an illegal land grabbing operation as an assassination attempt and inter-agency rivalry suggests a cover-up. The Commander of the Nigerian Navy base, Epe Lagos, is a man of strong moral principle that should not allow his integrity to be tainted by Saheed Ibile."



"The recorded video of detained policemen attached to Saheed Ibile already confirmed his invasion of a piece of land at Oko Orisan within Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State. The Navy officer in the short video queried the presence of policemen on the land, and their responses confirmed their abandonment and escape of Saheed Ibile during the gunfire. The detained police officer did not make any claim of threat to Saheed Ibile's life and the entire conversation was about trespass," the post continued.



"Saheed Ibile is known for using policemen attached to him as a cover for armed thugs. He must have provoked serious infraction that led to a shootout with Navy officers. Saheed Ibile’s public stunt to cover up his injury and twist the narrative should be investigated by the authorities. Blaming his failed illegal operations on inter-agency rivalry is most absurd and an insult to the Nigerian Navy, which is known for adherence to its rules of engagement and conduct," Nifemi added.



In January 2024, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigeria Police Force arrested Ibile over alleged involvement in terrorism and brutal attacks on Lagos State residents. He was arrested in Lagos and flown to Abuja by a combined team from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Tactical Squad.



"Ibile was arrested yesterday in Lagos and taken to Abuja by a combined team of the IGP Special Tactical Squad over his recent acts of terrorism and merciless attacks," a source told SaharaReporters at the time.



This arrest followed concerns raised by a group of public interest lawyers under the Lawyers for Reform Group (LRG), who, in September 2023, urged the IGP to investigate Ibile’s alleged use of police escorts for land grabbing, brutality, and other illegal activities in Lagos State.



The latest revelations have intensified calls for a full investigation into the March 7 incident and Ibile's alleged pattern of criminal activity.

Ojudu in a statement issued shortly after President Tinubu declared the state of emergency during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, expressed shock and dismay over the President’s move, questioning the rationale behind such a drastic step.

Former federal lawmaker, Senator Babafemi Ojudu has described President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as a “reckless and unnecessary decision” that could have dire economic and security implications for the state and Nigeria at large.

Ojudu in a statement issued shortly after President Tinubu declared the state of emergency during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, expressed shock and dismay over the President’s move, questioning the rationale behind such a drastic step.


He questioned whether keeping his ally, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, is worth jeopardizing Nigeria’s economy.

“I have just picked up my phone after breaking my fast to find multiple missed calls and countless messages about an alarming development: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declared a state of emergency in Rivers State,” Ojudu said.

“If this is true, then I must ask: Who advised the President to take this course of action? Whoever it is, they are certainly not a friend of his administration, nor do they have the best interests of Nigeria at heart.”


Ojudu emphasized that the situation in Rivers State is a political dispute that requires dialogue rather than military intervention.

“How could the President willingly walk into a raging inferno with his eyes wide open? No, no, no… this must be the work of fifth columnists. The Tinubu I once knew would not have made such a reckless and unnecessary decision,” he said.

According to him, “To what end? This is a simple political dispute that requires a simple solution. Call the two gladiators, sit them down, and read them the riot act.

“One of them, after all, is your own appointee. What will it benefit you, Mr. President, to keep Wike and lose the Nigerian economy?”

Ojudu warned that such a decision could trigger an economic crisis reminiscent of past instability in the Niger Delta.

He recalled how political mismanagement twice led Nigeria into recession under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Does the President realize that the Niger Delta crisis twice pushed Nigeria into recession under President Muhammadu Buhari?” he asked.

He further stated, “Has he been informed that at one point, Nigeria’s oil production collapsed to below 400,000 barrels per day, down from 2.5 million barrels per day?

“That catastrophic drop in production was a direct result of political mismanagement and conflict in the region.”

He stressed that years of painstaking efforts had been invested in stabilizing the region, preventing sabotage of oil infrastructure, and restoring production levels.

He warned that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers could reverse this progress and lead to renewed attacks on oil facilities, illegal bunkering, and economic instability.

“If the situation escalates, we risk another shutdown of vital oil production facilities. We risk renewed pipeline sabotage, illegal oil bunkering, and militant activities.

“We risk another economic nosedive—at a time when Nigeria can least afford it,” he cautioned.

Ojudu added, “The global oil market is unforgiving. Investors do not wait for internal political conflicts to be resolved. They simply take their capital elsewhere.”

Ojudu also raised concerns about the strain this decision could place on Nigeria’s already overburdened security forces, which are engaged in ongoing battles against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers across multiple regions.

“While we waste energy escalating political battles in Rivers State, thousands of Nigerian soldiers are still fighting for their lives—and for the nation’s survival—against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers in the North East, North West, and North Central.

“These are the real emergencies. These are the crises that demand decisive leadership,” he said.

He argued that Nigeria’s military resources should not be diverted to a political conflict in Rivers State when they are desperately needed elsewhere.

Ojudu said, “Nigeria cannot afford to be fighting on multiple fronts—politically, economically, and militarily. Mr. President, do not open a new war front in Rivers State while real wars are still raging elsewhere.”

He urged President Tinubu to reconsider the move, warning that it could spell disaster for his administration and the nation as a whole.

“This portends disaster—for your administration, for the economy, and for the nation. A state of emergency is not a strategy—it is an admission of failure.

“There are far more effective, far less destructive ways to handle this situation. I urge you, Mr. President, to rethink this decision before irreparable damage is done,” he said.

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State comes amid escalating political tensions involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

The power struggle between the two political heavyweights has resulted in political instability and concerns over governance in the oil-rich state.

Rivers State, located in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is a major hub of the country’s oil and gas industry, making it strategically important to the national economy.

Previous conflicts in the region have led to devastating economic consequences, including drastic reductions in oil production and increased militant activities.

As Nigeria navigates a challenging economic landscape, stakeholders and political analysts have cautioned against any decision that could exacerbate existing tensions.

https://saharareporters.com/2025/03/18/rivers-state-emergency-rule-tinubus-loyalty-wike-could-cripple-nigerias-economy-ojudu

Igeme:
news from where

From source.

Nawa Nlfpmod be like testing testing microphones.

Nawa Nlfpmod.

Amidst the hustling and bustling for daily living lurk the hidden dangers of the activities of Lagos scavengers who sort refuse with bare hands as they pose a major threat to public health and the wellbeing of residents. IDOWU ABDULLAHI reports

The pangs of hunger and basic survival instincts of humans leave Lagos scavengers with no room for a second option. Theirs is a world different and hidden in open sight.

They wade through a sea of waste every day to make a living at a cost not only to themselves alone but to society at large.

Unprotected and unseen behind the walls that housed the large acres of land provided by the Lagos State Government across the state as landfills and dumpsites are herds of humans — clothed in costumes depicting them as moving waste.

Beneath these scavengers’ appearance lies the invisible threat to public health and the well-being and health of Lagosians, serving as human transmitters of waste-related infections and diseases that expose households and communities to risks.

From Olusosun in Ojota to Dumping in Ikorodu and Soluos in Igando, trash scavengers, though braving the belly of mountainous waste daily to make a living and ensure proper waste management, are also a ticking time-bomb of health hazards.

Each item they pick up carries unseen dangers—from bacteria lurking on discarded domestic, commercial, and medical wastes to chemicals seeping from decomposing plastics and human wastes.

Findings by PUNCH Healthwise showed that despite the scavengers trying to eke out a living by sorting garbage, they are unaware they pose a grave threat to themselves and their society at large by operating without protective equipment such as hand gloves.

Lagos waste burden


LAWMA MD, Muyiwa Gbadegesin
23 million residents of Lagos generate 5.46 million tonnes of waste annually, according to the Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin.

The estimated 5.46 million tonnes of waste mirrors the rapid expansion of Lagos projected to inhabit 17,156,000 population this year. With its increasing population comes the challenge of managing the growing amount of waste generated by the residents. .

To understand this better, the daily waste generation in Lagos increased from 9,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 12,000 metric tonnes in 2018.

A 2022 estimate quoted by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners indicates that Lagos produces between 13,000 and 15,000 metric tonnes of waste equivalent to about 490 trailer loads daily.

It added that each resident generates an average of 1.2kg/day. This is projected to rise to 1.4kg in the next 15 years.

These figures of generated waste, as PUNCH Healthwise investigation later revealed, were why the dumpsites and landfills in Lagos host hordes of scavengers who daily risk their lives and public health by sorting wastes without protective equipment.

During visits to some of the major dumpsites in the most populous city in Nigeria, our correspondent found out that the scavengers were not using protective gear, with the majority using their bare hands to sort waste.

Our correspondent, who visited Dumping in Ikorodu, Olusosun in Ojota, and Soluos in the Igando area of the state managed by LAWMA, found out that the scavengers working in the dumpsites were not properly kitted and there was little to no protective equipment made available for them.

This, however, was in contrast with the LAWMA vision to “improve environmental sustainability, achieve a cleaner, healthier Lagos and to be the hallmark of waste management regulatory practices in the African region” as the facilities are being managed by the agency.

Dirty job, deadly risk


Scavengers using bare hands to sort waste at Olusosun dumpsite. Photo: Idowu Abdullahi
At the Olusosun dumpsite, the scavengers were seen sorting trash with bare hands. Scavenging at the cost of personal and public health, many of them were buried in their daily struggle of trudging the heap of waste with their unprotected hands.

For our correspondent, the smell oozing from the dump was a tortuous one, sending a signal that in fact, that was the wrong place to be. But for the hundreds of scavengers who littered the vast expanse of land designed meticulously with different shapes of dirt, it was their way of life.

Daring the physical hazards such as cuts, wounds, and injuries from sharp objects which could become infected, the scavengers working at the different segments of the dumpsites—Tabon Tabon to B1, B2, B3, B4, Pikin village and Pensioner — sift through the refuse with bare hands with sharp objects waiting to pierce their unprotected skin.

When our correspondent approached a scavenger scavenging with his bare hand at the 100-acre dump to inquire about the unhealthy practice, he gave a dismissive look signalling it wasn’t an usual practice.

Probing further on why they were all working without protective hand gloves and equipment, the scavenger who identified himself as Adamu, noted that the level of work at the sites was enormous and the struggle to earn a living was utmost for them not minding the risk involved.

“We don’t use hand gloves. We don’t fear anything,” he told our correspondent, making light of the stark danger the practice poses.

On what happens when one of them sustains injury for such exposure of their skin, he said “It happens daily and it’s not anyone’s business. The person who is injured would bear the brunt.”

“Whenever anyone is injured, they go to take injections and continue work as usual. It’s a daily affair here so we don’t see it as a big deal,” Adamu said without further entertaining the conversation.

Public health concern

Inadequate waste management is a major public health concern, particularly in urban areas, according to the World Health Organisation.

WHO estimated that over 22 per cent of deaths in low- and middle-income countries are attributable to environmental factors, including inadequate waste management.

Similarly, a study published in The Journal said improper waste disposal can have serious environmental consequences, including contamination from industrial chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.

The study highlighted the need for effective waste management strategies, including recycling, proper disposal, and reduction of plastic use, to mitigate the harmful effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and human health.

The study also found that improper waste disposal could result in habitat destruction, with waste piling up in natural areas and destroying habitats for wildlife.

This growing crisis has not only constituted a threat to the environment but also to the health of citizens.

A 2016 World Bank report noted that solid waste management was responsible for about 5.0 per cent of global emissions. The WHO estimated that “one in four of total global deaths are linked to environmental conditions.”

Scavenging at a cost

Aside from Adamu, other scavengers buried in their work at the visited dumpsites were seen exposing themselves to the toxins from the wastes that fill the air which could lead to a severe healthcare crisis.


Scavengers using bare hands at other section of Olusosun. Photo: Idowu Abdullahi
Though the stench of rotting food, excreta and toxic ordour fills the air, hunger and survival leave the scavengers no room for hesitation.

Scavenging without protective gear is more than a daily struggle—it is a gamble with life itself, where every uncovered treasure may come at the cost of unseen illness and suffering.

Recounting their daily experience, another scavenger at Olusosun—the largest dump in Africa, which receives up to 10,000 tons of rubbish each day, explained that injuries, including broken legs by caterpillars, were some of the risks in their lines of duty.

“If you are injured, it’s your loss. Others are not concerned or bothered because work will go on as usual.

“If the machine (caterpillar) is working, it matches anything on its way, even people’s legs. When the machines are pushing the waste to clear land for more waste, the scavengers follow it to get anything they can lay their hands on, but most of them are caught unaware when the machine reverses and that is how it always happens.

“Whenever it matches the scavenger’s leg, they’d just ensure the person gets to Mile 12 (in Kosofe LGA area) where he’d get a bus to Arewa (Northern Nigeria).

“This has happened several times and life goes on,” the scavenger, who identified himself as Nasiru, said while puffing away a cigarette.

Another lady, who works at the facility, lamented the unavailability of protective gear for the scavengers, adding that the dirt pickers were left with no other choice as they needed to make a living.

“The authority managing the facility has not been supplying gloves and other protective gear needed by the scavengers. It is not that the scavengers don’t want to use it, but it is not readily available for them,” the lady, who craves anonymity for fear of persecution, said.

“Even the few gloves you find on some of the scavengers are the ones that have been used somewhere before. Some are even the ones used at the hospitals,” she said.

On possible occupational hazards faced by the scavengers, she said, “Sometime, last year, a caterpillar broke one of the scavenger’s legs, so they brought the victim to LAWMA’s office.

“This incident I am talking about, it took long before the scavenger was attended to at LAWMA’s office because the injured scavenger’s handler wasn’t around. You could see him writhing in pain, it was an eyesore.”

“Depending on the severity of the injury and after they administer first aid at LAWMA’s office, most are taken to Mile 12 for further treatment and then onward transfer back to the north,” she said when asked about who takes responsibility for their health when they face such hazards.

Toxic trade

Our correspondent found out that with every touch, the risk grows for scavengers. While the situation at Olusosun was an eyesore, scavengers at Soluos in the Igando area and Lagos recycling village, Elepe in Ikorodu, (popularly known as Dumping) pressed on without proper protective gear, unaware of the slow damage accumulating within them.


Scavenger working without proper protective gear at Dumping in Ikorodu. Photo: Idowu Abdullahi
During visits by our correspondent to Dumping and Soluos, the story was slightly different as scavengers wore gloves that were not meant for their type of job.

PUNCH Healthwise observed that the scavengers were not using safety shoes, hard hats, respirators, full body suits, eye protection, and protective hearing devices, among others.

With these protective gears absent, scavengers are exposed to biological, physical, and psychological hazards, and these do not only impact these informal workers alone, but also community health risks posed to the general public.

The invisible threat, PUNCH Healthwise investigation revealed, is not limited to the confines of these dumpsites and landfills, it has also found its way to Lagos communities as the scavengers also ply their trade in streets across Lagos ruminating through every handful of filth dumped in recycling bins in front of every compound.

The practice of street scavenging is not regulated in Lagos. Though the Lagos State government banned the operations of cart pushers and wheelbarrow operators in January 2018, it still made little to no difference.

LAWMA had on July 6, 2022, announced that it destroyed about 1,000 handcarts seized from the illegal cart pushers within two months when the clampdown commenced.

But a few years later, cart pushers, the majority of them including scavengers, continued their businesses without fear of capture which posed health risks to the communities at large.

Scavengers can spread hepatitis and other diseases – Experts

Meanwhile, public health experts have warned that scavengers working without protective gear could aid the spread of deadly diseases and infections.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the epidemiologists revealed that not only was the practice dangerous for the individuals scavenging without protective equipment, but they also remain a threat to their family members and the community at large.


Prof Adebayo Onajole
An epidemiologist, Prof. Adebayo Onajole, said the scavengers were exposed to different wastes that contain infectious organisms, making them a potential source of infection spread to individuals, families, and communities.

“One of the most common health risks they are exposing themselves to, is tetanus. Tetanus may not spread from person to person, but other diseases, such as hepatitis and other infections found in waste, can be transmitted to individuals, their families, and eventually the wider community.

“Additionally, untreated chemicals, especially organophosphorus compounds, which the scavengers are exposed to, pose serious risks. These chemicals can have long-term effects, such as cancer, or short-term effects, including skin disorders and dermatitis.

“Another concern is that landfill sites are often not properly maintained. Waste, by definition, refers to materials that are no longer useful to one person but may still be valuable to another.

“However, infectious waste should not be carelessly mixed with general waste. Municipal waste may contain viruses, and improper handling or lack of sterilization can lead to the spread of infections within the broader environment, affecting individuals, families, and communities.

“Certain hazardous waste types do not show immediate effects but, due to prolonged exposure, can lead to serious health conditions such as lung cancer and infertility. These wastes impact vital reproductive cells, such as sperm, leading to fertility issues among affected individuals,” the don said.


Dr Mojirola Fasiku
On her part, a Consultant Public Health Physician at the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Dr Mojirola Fasiku, noted that since the scavengers mix with the society, they could easily spread diseases in the communities.

“They may carry some of these diseases back home. Scavengers who develop chronic infections.

https://healthwise.punchng.com/how-lagos-scavengers-sorting-refuse-with-hands-spread-diseases-threaten-lives/

Nawa o.

A mnesty International has condemned officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for allegedly sending threatening messages to a corps member who criticised the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration over rising inflation and economic hardship.

Daily Trust had reported how the corps member Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, in a widely circulated video shared on Tiktok expressed frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria.



She openly tackled President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned what steps the government is taking to ease the suffering of citizens.

After her video gained traction, the serving corps member claimed she began receiving threatening messages, allegedly from NYSC officials.


In the video, the official could be heard saying, “Are you normal? Keep quiet and bring down the video you posted.”

Reacting, Amnesty International, in a post on X, said instead of threatening her, the authorities “should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.”

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.

“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.

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“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the human rights organisation said.

Also reacting, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed support for the Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member who claimed to have received threats after her viral video criticising President Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Atiku praised Raye’s courage, describing her as a symbol of a new generation of politically engaged women committed to advocacy and democratic participation.

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“Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,” Atiku wrote.

The former presidential candidate likened Raye to historic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Atiku called for support rather than hostility towards Raye.


“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future,” Atiku said.

Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has rejected the reported harassment of the serving corps member.

Obi, who spoke on Sunday night on his X handle, said her case was not isolated as he too had been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments.

“I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt.

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“I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognise that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress. To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.”

“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision, nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation,” Obi said.

He said a just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.

https://dailytrust.com/atiku-obi-amnesty-international-back-corps-member-facing-threat-for-criticising-tinubu/

kabillion:
Reverse is the case

Una de hail ya oppressors.

kabillion:
Reverse is the case

Una do well.

kabillion:
Fake news from ipobidients camp

Dem don sell ya head, una no fit think again.

Abufo:
agbado have finally scared off the few multinationals left in Nigeria........however I do not care for these western Multinationals anyways........most of them depend on patents from Chinese and Indian companies anyway! Let us ally with the Chinese companies 100%! The days of whiteman dominance in every field is over!

Na herbs sure pass.

IbnB:
Dividends of Lagos democracy

Nawa o.

Nawa Nlfpmod, pipu no get am for daily bread again.

Global pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has shut down its commercial operations in Nigeria, rendering its commercial employees redundant, according to internal company correspondence obtained by West Africa Weekly.

Documents obtained indicate that affected employees received formal redundancy notifications, signalling a major restructuring of Pfizer’s business model in the country. The documents suggest that the company is moving forward with layoffs but has yet to finalise employee severance packages.

An email dated January 13, signed by Olubukola Oparinde, Manager People Experience, SSA Biopharma, acknowledged employee concerns during discussions about the shutdown and stated that further feedback from leadership would be provided. Employees were issued redundancy notification letters, which they were required to acknowledge, confirming that they had been informed of their job losses.

Further correspondence on January 15 instructed affected staff to sign off on the notifications, emphasising that these were not final redundancy agreements. The company also indicated that severance details were subject to additional approvals.

A follow-up email on February 12 addressed to an employee included severance computation details, suggesting that discussions around employee compensation were ongoing.

Following the shutdown, affected employees are entitled to severance packages, including redundancy benefits, final salary payments, and other entitlements based on their contracts and Nigerian labour laws. However, concerns have been raised over whether Pfizer will fulfil these obligations in full.

This development comes amid ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria, with several multinational companies either downsizing or exiting the market entirely and many losing their jobs.

https://westafricaweekly.com/pfizer-shuts-down-commercial-operations-in-nigeria-lays-off-employees/

Na everybody, know say SDP be extention of APC. NO fall for scam.

Nawa o. Dem wickedness no be here.

Shell and Ogoni.