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Ogun state to regulate scavengers and waste dealers

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Ogun state to regulate scavengers and waste dealers

The Ogun State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed into law a bill seeking to regulate the activities of scavengers and waste dealers across the state. The legislation, titled the Scavengers and Waste Dealers Law, 2025, was passed during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta to promote public order, environmental safety, and peaceful coexistence.

The passage followed the presentation of the report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Samusideen Lawal (PDP Ogun-Waterside), who moved the motion for its adoption. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye (PDP Odogbolu), and supported by all members through a unanimous voice vote.

The bill was read and adopted clause by clause before the Committee of the Whole House. The Majority Leader, Yusuf Sherrif (APC Ado-Odo/Ota 1), later moved the motion for its third reading. The Clerk and Head of Legislative Service, Sakiru Adebakin, subsequently read the bill for the third time before the lawmakers.

The Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, directed that the clean copy of the bill be forwarded to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his assent.

During the earlier consideration of the bill on February 11, the Ogun Assembly had emphasized that the law would empower communities to control the operations of scavengers in their areas. The lawmakers stated that the legislation would ensure accountability by mandating all scavengers to register with the Ministry of Environment, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders.

According to the Assembly, the bill aims to protect the environment by creating a structured and monitored framework for waste recycling and disposal. The initiative is expected to reduce illegal waste collection, improve public health, and enhance sustainable waste management across Ogun State.

In another development, the Assembly has invited all stakeholders involved in the defunct Anchor Borrowers Programme, an initiative of the Federal Government implemented in partnership with the state government.

The invitation follows allegations of illegal withdrawals of personal savings from farmers who participated in the programme. The Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, issued the directive after a presentation by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye, who cited Order 8 (47) and requested that the concerned stakeholders appear before the House on October 21.

Elemide explained that previous meetings with the stakeholders, including officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Wema Bank, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the State Ministry of Agriculture, and the Cassava Farmers Association, had not produced meaningful results.

He said, “Many victims of the Anchor Borrowers Programme are still experiencing illegal withdrawals of their personal funds without benefiting from the programme.”

The Speaker added that some farmers were being held liable to repay loans they never received. “The farmers’ personal money was reportedly withdrawn from their accounts without notice, years after the programme had ended,” he said.

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Lagos scholarship board urges batch B to confirm cbt via email, sms

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Lagos scholarship board urges batch B to confirm cbt via email, sms

The Lagos State Scholarship Board has announced that all applicants for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Scholarship Awards who successfully completed the Indigeneship Verification Exercise and are listed for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) Batch B should urgently confirm their participation.

According to the Board, candidates are advised to “kindly respond to the email and/or SMS sent by Dragnet Consulting to confirm their preferred mode of sitting for the CBT.” The Board further stated that failure to respond will lead to disqualification, adding that “there will be no make-up CBT examination.”

Applicants are urged to treat this notice as urgent to maintain eligibility for the Lagos State Scholarship opportunity.

NDE, BIODEC partner to boost youth employment in Katsina

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NDE, BIODEC partner to boost youth employment in Katsina

The State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Katsina State Office, Hajiya Halima Isa Ingawa, on Monday, 14th October 2025, received the Coordinator of the Bioresources Development Centre (BIODEC), Katsina, Dr. Mohammad Ahmad, and his management team during a courtesy visit to the Directorate’s office.

The meeting, which began with self-introductions and opening prayers, focused on ways both institutions could work together to promote skills acquisition, research, and job creation in Katsina State.

In his remarks, Dr. Mohammad Ahmad briefed the NDE management on the core activities and programmes of the Bioresources Development Centre. He highlighted possible areas of collaboration between BIODEC and NDE aimed at boosting entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and local innovation. Members of his delegation also shared insights into the Centre’s ongoing initiatives designed to support economic growth through bioresources and sustainable development.

Responding, Hajiya Halima Isa Ingawa expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the BIODEC team for their commitment to advancing research and vocational training. She said, “The National Directorate of Employment remains open to meaningful partnerships that will empower youths, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable employment opportunities in Katsina State.”

Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation and align efforts toward achieving shared developmental goals.

ART X Lagos releases 10-year impact report, unveils 2025 Fair highlights

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ART X Lagos releases 10-year impact report, unveils 2025 Fair highlights

ART X Lagos, West Africa’s leading international art fair and a major player in global contemporary culture, has unveiled its 10-Year Impact Report while announcing the programme highlights for its 2025 edition. The milestone event is set to take place from November 6 to 9, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

For the past decade, ART X Lagos has redefined how African creativity is experienced and appreciated worldwide. The platform has evolved beyond a traditional art fair, welcoming over 700,000 visitors from 170 countries and supporting more than 500 of Africa’s leading artists.

“As we mark ten years of ART X Lagos, we honour the countless artists, curators, gallerists, collectors, and audiences who have shaped this journey with us,” said Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Chairman and Founder. “This report not only reflects what we have achieved in our first decade but sets out our intent for the future, to deepen our role as a catalyst for Africa’s creative future, and to amplify the global presence of African voices,” she added.

Since its inception, ART X Lagos has become a major catalyst for Lagos’ art week, transforming it into one of the most anticipated highlights of Nigeria’s annual art season. The fair has inspired a city-wide celebration that has helped position Lagos among the world’s most vibrant cultural capitals, further boosting tourism, creative economy growth, and international investment opportunities in the art and culture sector.

According to the organisers, the 10-Year Impact Report serves as a testament to the fair’s influence, capturing insights and experiences from artists, gallerists, and cultural leaders who highlight how ART X Lagos has changed the global conversation about African creativity.

“This is a fair that has succeeded in transforming the futures of both artists and collectors. It has had an unmeasurable economic regenerative effect, and it has increased exponentially the cultural capital of Lagos,” said Yinka Shonibare CBE, Artist and Founder of the GAS Foundation.

Wale Lawal, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Republic, also praised the fair’s impact. “ART X Lagos has been nothing short of transformative. Over the last decade, I’ve witnessed the fair reignite both local and regional interest in Lagos as a critical creative hub.”

Maria Varnava, Founder and Director of Tiwani Contemporary, echoed the sentiment, saying, “ART X has become a new cultural language for Africa that is contemporary, rooted, and resolutely forward-looking.”

The 2025 edition, marking its tenth anniversary, will hold under the theme, “Imagining Otherwise, No Matter The Tide.” This year’s theme explores how imagination can help reimagine the future of Lagos and other global urban centres. It reflects on how people can use creativity to shape communities, identities, and shared futures. The programme aims to inspire innovative thinking and collaborative action among artists, cultural institutions, and audiences.

The 2025 programme promises several landmark events, including rare exhibitions, commissions, and cross-disciplinary platforms. Confirmed highlights include a special exhibition of J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere’s classic photographs from the 1950s through the 1970s, alongside new installations by Nigerian artists Nengi Omuku and Temitayo Ogunbiyi.

Visitors can also look forward to the return of The ART X Library, a dedicated literary space featuring a special spotlight on Bruce Onobrakpeya. The fair will also feature ART X Live!, a music platform that fuses art and performance; ART X Cinema, which celebrates independent African filmmakers; and ART X Talks, where leading African and diasporic thinkers share their perspectives. Previous keynote speakers have included El Anatsui, Njideka Akunyili-Crosby, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Wangechi Mutu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, and Ibrahim Mahama.

As part of its long-term vision for sustainability and growth, ART X Lagos is deepening its investment in the next generation of African artists. This year, the fair launched Resonance, an annual residency programme in partnership with the Embassy of France in Nigeria and the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. It will also host the fifth edition of Art Across Borders, which highlights dynamic pan-African and diasporic artists under the age of 50.

Ekiti RAAMP hails Gov Oyebanji’s 3 years of rural development

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Ekiti RAAMP hails Gov Oyebanji’s 3 years of rural development

The Project Coordinator of the Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Hon. Sunday Adunmo, has congratulated the State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on the third anniversary of his administration, describing his tenure as a period of developmental strides and purposeful leadership.

Speaking during the 9th Implementation Support Mission of the project held in Lagos, Adunmo noted that Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated a strong commitment to the progress of Ekiti State through the initiation of citizen-focused projects and programmes. He said the governor’s leadership has driven major transformation across various sectors, especially in rural infrastructure and agricultural development.

According to Adunmo, “The Governor has shown unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our people. His administration’s support for RAAMP has been exceptional, ensuring that rural communities enjoy better roads and access to markets.”

He highlighted that the State Government, under Oyebanji’s leadership, has co-funded the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, leading to the construction of 18 rural roads across different communities in the state. Two of the roads, he said, have already been completed and are ready for commissioning.

Adunmo explained that the construction of these roads has significantly enhanced the accessibility of farmers to local markets, thereby boosting agricultural productivity and income generation. “The impact of RAAMP on Ekiti State’s agricultural sector cannot be overstated. By providing farmers with reliable access to markets, the project has increased their income and improved food security. The project is also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in rural areas, contributing to the overall development of our dear state,” he said.

He further commended the governor’s visionary approach to governance, describing it as a key factor in the success of projects that improve rural livelihoods and economic sustainability. “I must commend Governor Oyebanji for his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare of Ekiti people. His administration’s support for RAAMP is a testament to his dedication to promoting economic growth and improving the living conditions of rural dwellers,” Adunmo added.

The Project Coordinator also acknowledged the continuity of support from Oyebanji’s predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, which he said laid the foundation for the seamless progress of RAAMP in the state. He emphasized that sustaining the current administration’s policies beyond the present tenure would expand the reach of the project to more communities.

“As we celebrate three years of Governor Oyebanji’s administration, I congratulate His Excellency on this milestone. We look forward to continued collaboration and support for RAAMP as we work together to build a brighter future for Ekiti State, particularly in the agricultural sector,” Adunmo stated.

Wema Bank, Microsoft open 2025 NYSC-ALAT accelerator program application

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Wema Bank, Microsoft open 2025 NYSC-ALAT accelerator program application

Wema Bank, in partnership with Microsoft and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has announced that the 2025 application for the NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Program is now open. The initiative is designed to empower corps members with essential digital and business skills through free training, mentorship, access to finance, and job opportunities.

According to Wema Bank, the NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Program “provides free training, mentorship, access to finance and markets for all corps members who register for the program.” The initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with the right digital skills to navigate the business and corporate world.

Participants will gain access to Microsoft Digital Skills self-paced content, covering basic, intermediate, and advanced certification courses. The bank explained that registered corps members can also benefit from Wema Bank’s grants, loans, and job placement opportunities.

“Corps Members can write our recruitment test without applying, get invitations to our fairs, employee readiness sessions, tips on how to job hunt and ace interviews, CV re-writing for free through the NYSC CV Jobs Portal,” the organizers stated.

The program also includes mentorship sessions where participants will receive personalized guidance from industry experts. These sessions will cover exclusive workshops, discussions, and resources designed to strategically boost each participant’s career growth.

Training will include in-demand tech and non-tech skills such as Generative AI, Cybersecurity, and sustainability, aligning with modern employment needs. Some participants will also have access to free data during the program.

The partners emphasized that the program offers “access to markets for your unique abilities and much more, to give you a head-start after your national youth service year.”

The NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Program is open to all corps members serving in Delta, Oyo, and Kano. Interested corps members can apply via the official link https://nysc-accelerator.alat.ng.

GZI opens 2025 graduate support programme application

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GZI opens 2025 graduate support programme application

GZI has announced the opening of its Graduate Support Programme (GSP) 2025 for young professionals in Nigeria who want to grow their careers in manufacturing. The company said the programme offers graduates a chance to build real experience, apply their knowledge, and grow with a world-class manufacturing leader.

According to GZI, “Candidates of diverse backgrounds, gender, and people with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.” The programme is open to individuals who are legally eligible to work in Nigeria.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or related Engineering fields with a minimum of Second-Class Upper (2:1) or equivalent, and must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

GZI stated that having internship or project experience in a technical field is an added advantage. The company clarified that submission of an application does not guarantee selection or employment. The selection process may include assessments, interviews, and background checks. Applications close on October 29, 2025, via cutt.ly/GZI-GSP.

18 Nigerian engineers earn senior green design certification in China

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18 Nigerian engineers earn senior green design certification in China

Eighteen Nigerian engineers have been officially certified as Senior Green Design Engineers by the World Green Design Organization (WGDO) in Shanghai, China, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s engineering and sustainability sectors. Among the recipients is Engr. Mohammed Kabir Wanori, FNSE, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA). His exceptional contributions to green development in Borno State and beyond have earned him this esteemed international recognition.

The certification was presented during the World Green Design Conference hosted by the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) in Shanghai. The recognition celebrates professionals who have demonstrated excellence in applying sustainable design principles to real-world challenges. Engr. Wanori’s selection underscores his leadership in integrating green engineering with digital innovation to drive digital transformation in Borno State and across Nigeria.

Having previously served as Borno State’s Commissioner for Environment from 2019 to 2022, Engr. Wanori was instrumental in advancing the state’s environmental reform agenda under the leadership of Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. During his tenure, he reintroduced the long-abandoned State Environmental Sanitation Exercise, which had been inactive for over thirty years. This initiative revitalized public hygiene and urban cleanliness in Maiduguri, reestablishing community ownership of environmental stewardship through the creation of the Borno Environmental Protection Volunteers and the launch of the “Zulum Go Green” campaign.

In his role as Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Engr. Wanori led the planning and execution of critical green infrastructure projects in local government areas such as Konduga, Magumeri, Askira-Uba, and Kaga. These projects aligned closely with the National Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative and addressed key issues such as desertification, land degradation, and climate change. His work created sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities and served as a textbook example of grassroots-level green design in action.

Speaking after the award ceremony in Shanghai, Engr. Wanori expressed gratitude to the World Green Design Organization for the recognition and praised their ongoing global efforts in promoting sustainable design practices. He also acknowledged the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) under the leadership of its President, Engr. Margret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, for nominating him as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and WGDO conferences.

“This international recognition is not just a personal achievement; it’s a validation of the forward-thinking leadership of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum and our collective commitment to sustainable development,” Engr. Wanori stated. “Our initiatives, from reintroducing sanitation to implementing green projects in various local governments and beyond, are tangible expressions of green design. This award inspires us to do even more, using technology to accelerate our green transformation.”

He dedicated the award to the Borno State Government, emphasizing that the success of green design initiatives in the state has been made possible through the government’s strong support for sustainability and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, President of the NSE, congratulated the entire Nigerian delegation and highlighted the global significance of the recognition.

“The recognition of eighteen Nigerian engineers by the World Green Design Organization reflects the high standards and growing global influence of Nigerian engineering professionals,” she said. “Engr. Wanori’s achievement, in particular, is a shining example of how engineering can be used as a force for sustainable development. The NSE is proud to support engineers who are advancing green innovation and representing Nigeria on the world stage.”

The certification of Engr. Wanori among eighteen Nigerian engineers as a World Green Design Senior Engineer positions him as a leading voice in green engineering powered by information and communication technology in Nigeria. His work demonstrates how local innovation, backed by international standards, can effectively address environmental challenges while contributing to global sustainability goals.

As one of the eighteen Nigerian engineers honored in China, Engr. Wanori’s recognition stands as a proud moment for Borno State and Nigeria at large. It reflects how local expertise, guided by vision, innovation, and integrity, can achieve global excellence in green technology and environmental engineering. This milestone also strengthens Nigeria’s position in the international green economy and reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable development through engineering and digital transformation.

Oluremi Tinubu empowers 800 Rivers farmers with agricultural support

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Oluremi Tinubu empowers 800 Rivers farmers with agricultural support

Nigeria’s First Lady and national coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed agricultural support materials to 800 farmers in Rivers State. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s effort to promote food security and boost agricultural productivity across the country.

Senator Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the empowerment by cultivating their farmlands, nurturing livestock, and working toward higher yields that will help build a food-secure nation. The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, made this call during a brief ceremony held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The event was organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Rivers State Government, and the Young Farmers’ Club of Nigeria. The programme provided support materials such as seedlings, farm inputs, and livestock to encourage agricultural development among young and older farmers.

Delivering the First Lady’s message, Lady Fubara encouraged the beneficiaries to be dedicated and responsible in managing their farms. She said, “Grow these seedlings, nurture these livestock, and turn them into good yields. As you do that, you will also reawaken the entrepreneurial spirit that we are known for.”

Lady Fubara described the programme as a practical step to revive Nigeria’s agricultural potential and drew lessons from past government efforts such as Operation Feed the Nation and the Green Revolution. According to her, the initiative reflects a strong commitment to empowering Nigerians and demonstrates genuine love and dedication to national progress.

“This support programme is not just assistance, it is an investment that will lead to food surplus and help combat scarcity,” she said.

She further explained that the Rivers State Government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is complementing the initiative by supporting an additional 400 farmers, including 100 young and 300 older farmers, making the total number of beneficiaries 800. She added, “The First Lady of Nigeria is trusting you to make the best use of this opportunity. The Rivers State Government believes in your ability; do not let us down.”

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, commended the initiative as a platform promoting inclusivity and reducing socioeconomic gaps. “This initiative embodies the Federal Government’s commitment to improving lives through sustainable and inclusive development,” she said.

Prof. Odu also praised Lady Fubara for her leadership and passion in localising the Renewed Hope Initiative within the state. “Beyond the immediate benefits, this programme lays the foundation for a more prosperous and self-reliant Rivers State,” she added.

The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, described the programme as timely and impactful. She called on the beneficiaries to be examples of commitment and to ensure the programme continues to grow. “You are the first set of beneficiaries, please, show an example so that the program will be replicated. Let it not die in your hands,” she said.

Promasidor Nigeria hosts harness your dream career guidance programme

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Promasidor Nigeria hosts harness your dream career guidance programme

Promasidor Nigeria has continued its commitment to youth empowerment with the latest edition of its career guidance programme, Harness Your Dream, held recently in Lagos. The initiative brought together students, educators, government officials, and professionals for a day of mentorship, motivation, and career insights designed for junior secondary school students.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Promasidor Nigeria, Mr François Gillet, said the company believes that education is a powerful tool for change and community growth. “Promasidor is more than just a food and beverage company, we’re part of the community,” he said. “Harness Your Dream gives students a chance to understand their strengths, explore different career paths, and start thinking about their future in a focused way.”

Mr Gillet also mentioned other educational initiatives supported by the company such as Cowbellpedia and Ikun Milk Day, both of which promote learning and youth development across Nigeria. According to him, the company remains focused on building programmes that encourage students to think critically and plan ahead for success.

Representing the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at the event was Mrs Anike Adekanye, former Tutor General and Permanent Secretary of Education District II. She commended Promasidor for sustaining a programme that aligns with the Lagos State Government’s goal of preparing young people for a productive future.

“This kind of initiative fits right into the Governor’s vision for a more educated and empowered generation,” Mrs Adekanye said. “Your dreams are important, but they need to be backed by discipline, purpose, and hard work.” She advised students to stay curious, keep learning, and understand that their choices today will influence the kind of adults they become.

Also speaking, Dr Chinenyem Obasi-Obonga, Head of Regulatory and Government Affairs at Promasidor, explained that the programme supports both global and state education goals, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and the Lagos State THEMES+ agenda. “Our goal is to help students connect the dots between what they’re learning and who they want to become,” she said. “With the right support, there’s no dream that’s out of reach.”

Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Mr Adebayo Olasoju, also shared his experience with the students, encouraging them to believe in themselves regardless of their background. “Don’t let your situation define your future,” he said. “What matters is your drive and how much you believe in yourself.”

Students had the opportunity to interact with Promasidor staff members who offered practical career advice and shared personal success stories. Among them were Mr Olabisi Ajeyomi, Head of Sales and Operations Planning; Mrs Arike Nwachukwu, National Key Account Manager; and Mr Chukwunonso Udeh, Performance and People Services Specialist. They urged students to set realistic goals, stay committed, and plan wisely as they pursue their dreams.

The interactive event featured quizzes and games that kept the students engaged, with some winning prizes for their enthusiasm and quick thinking. The atmosphere reflected excitement and learning, showing how initiatives like Harness Your Dream can inspire students to make informed career choices.

Other notable attendees included the Director of Human Resources and Corporate Services at Promasidor Nigeria, Mrs Efeguom Oriero; representative of the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Mr Ibrahim Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Oshodi Local Government, Mr Leke Banjoko; and members of the Education District 6 team.

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