The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • A breath of new life at OOUTH

    A breath of new life at OOUTH

    By Femi Ezekiel

    A week after he took over the mantle of leadership as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Ogun State and paid an unscheduled visit to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Prince Dapo Abiodun had expressed shock at what he described as “the deplorable condition” of the state-owned health institution. As it were then, when the current administration came on board on May 29, 2019, the institution seemed to have become a shadow of its old self and almost a death trap. The sorry state of the decrepit structures, obsolete and non-functional equipment, and offensive odour emitting from the mortuary, due to lack of maintenance, spoke volumes of the glacial insensitivity, resulting from several years of neglect. Lack of funding, inadequate training and poor remunerations for the medical personnel also accounted largely for the sharp decline. The unsavoury development, to a large extent, adversely affected the morale boosting of the personnel who had relapsed into a slough of despondency, culminating in brain-drain of capable hands abroad in search of greener pastures. Apart from the poor pay, the quality of life of the medical workers and their family members were nothing to write home about. The bulk of the blame could be laid on the doorstep of previous administration which had paid lip service on the welfare of the staff and also, when it couldn’t fill the vacant positions, on account of increasing wage bill and absence of subventions. Though staff wages were paid regularly, it was regrettable that the poor funding of the institution was identified as the major problem, because the capital budget that should have been released to upgrade the facilities were not forthcoming. The entire rot was a systemic failure. While taking cognizance of the dream of the founding fathers of the institution towards providing excellent healthcare to the people, with a strong emphasis on emergency services with modern equipment, Abiodun, when he visited the OOUTH, Sagamu, on Sunday, June 9, 2019, had expressed disappointment and displeasure over the deplorable state, saying, “the hospital was unfit to churn out qualified and competent medical personnel, considering the institution’s poor condition which required urgent attention. This new administration attaches a high importance to the health sector and we cannot fold our arms, while the only teaching hospital in the state continues to degenerate.

    “I don’t see how this place can produce good doctors; we shall go back to the drawing board.

    “This place is sub-standard. This hospital is in a depressing state. We shall improve the facilities and work on the personnel.

    “I am putting up a team that will swing into action as soon as I get the final report from the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the institution and we shall restore the lost glory of this hospital”, said Abiodun.

    During the inauguration of the committee, the Governor charged members to assess the operational modalities of the hospital and to suggest ways on how to improve the standard, in line with acceptable universal standard for medical training, research and tertiary healthcare services. Also, he charged the committee to determine the state of facilities of the various units and departments and make recommendations to the state on the steps necessary to ensure sustainable operations in the institution and determine quick wins and palliative actions to stem further degeneration of the institution and facilities.

    Other terms include reviewing all Third Party arrangements in the institution, including the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) agreement and other services, providing arrangements and determine their level of compliance at the time of that engagement and with the efficacy, but more especially suitability for the intent of the state government; reviewing and recommending programmes and strategies to ensure that the operations of the hospital is self-sustaining and financially independent; as well as reviews that will be critical to the long-term sustainability of the image and productivity of the institution.

    Thus, it could be recalled that his visit to the 35-year-old institution was informed by his earlier meeting with the health management authority, following a report that he got about the deplorable condition of the hospital, being the only teaching hospital owned by the state government.

    However, the rest is now history as the hospital has worn a new look.

    The initial Administrative nine-man committee chaired by Dr Yemi Onabowale, Chief Medical Director (CMD), Reddington Hospital, Lagos, to look into both the remote and immediate causes of the challenges facing the hospital and in line with its interim recommendations had submitted its report. And without delay, the Governor had swiftly approved the immediate recruitment of well over 220 medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, nutritionists/dieticians among others, to fill in all the manpower shortage.

    Unlike the rot at the institution under the previous administration, and during a visit to ascertain the level of decay of the facilities, especially at the entrance of the Daniel Akintonde Modular Theatre which was inaugurated on September 15, 1995, the wall had caved in and almost giving ways for reptiles. The brain CT scan, echo cardiography machine, MRI, mobile x-ray machines, peak flow meter, spirometry, dialysis machines, C-arm for orthopaedic cases, operating tables, among others were all dysfunctional.

    By and large, in the last one year, the current administration has changed the face of the hitherto sorry site of the institution. With the full implementation of the recommendations of the Onabowale’s committee, it was gathered that, between September and December 2020, the management of the institution got an approval of the state government, through a newspaper advertisement, for the recruitment of 80 medical doctors, 50 nurses, 50 health attendants, 12 consultants, 10 laboratory scientists, 2 physiotherapists, 2 dietitians/nutritionists, a score of clerical officers, accountants, messengers and other Administrative officers to breathe life into the newly refurbished and equipped hospital. Similarly, the management is empowered to fill in vacant positions in the event that any of the medical staff leaves or resigns his or her appointment in order to bridge the gap.

    Aside a donated Eye centre and a stand-alone prostrate cancer care centre being constructed by a business mogul, Chief Adebutu Kensington and Rotary Club District 911, respectively, the government has not shirked from its responsibilities in the provision of structural projects to enhance an efficient and effective healthcare service delivery. The first project undertaken was the exterior painting of the hospital walls in a bid to give the institution a facelift. The isolation ward has also received a boost, now rebuilt to a modern standard from a four-bed room to 18-bed room, including two-bedded Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Four private rooms, six-bedded rooms for the male and another six-bedded rooms for the female wards have been built to add up to the existing ones. It is no longer news that two ventilators, four anaesthesia machines, a mobile x-ray, a dialysis machine and 28 modern-bed paediatrics have been procured for an effective and efficient service delivery.

    The Ogun State Ministry of Health, on its part, is also not left out in the assigned task. It has embarked on the renovation of the dialysis units, the repair and servicing of the refrigerators and the expansion of the theatre rooms.

    Notwithstanding, the recent approval for the commencement of the refurbishment of the institution is a good step in a right direction. The expected turnaround of the hospital would include the refurbishing and renovation of the accident and emergency wards and replacement of beds and as well, the painting of the in-and-out patient wards.

    While receiving the Chairman of the Governing Board of the institution, Dr Kunle Hassan, in his Okemosan, Abeokuta office, a fortnight ago, Abiodun noted that the administration is committed towards digitizing the hospital’s records, so as to ensure that data capturing and management is made easy.

    He further charged the Governing Board to ensure that their report translates into a visible difference that can be segmented into immediate term objectives, visible immediate and visible medium term goals.

    According to him, “I have reassured the Board members, that they have the full support of this administration, so that they can achieve their set objectives. I can see that the board is determined to become more efficient and effective. It means that they would endure that the hospital derives value from every job spent in that hospital”, the governor said.

    • Ezekiel wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun state capital
  • Day Mandilas celebrated topflight women

    Day Mandilas celebrated topflight women

    Since Ms Ola Debayo-Doherty’s emergence over two years ago as the first Nigerian and first woman to lead Mandilas, the over 70-year-old conglomerate with vast interest in Nigeria’s fast-paced automobile industry among others, more women have risen to the pinnacle of their profession thanks to the company’s equal-opportunity policy for all. Top women achievers celebrated by the company to commemorate the International Women’s Day share their riveting stories with EVELYN OSAGIE.

    As the Holy Book says, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” This holds true for women in the employ of Mandilas. The company recently honoured womenfolk who are proving their worth and mettle in a male-dominated workplace as a way of rewarding hard work and diligence.

    To mark this year’s International Women’s Daywith the theme #ChallengetoChange#, some of its top women achievers earned their deserved place in the company’s hall of fame as they were recognised and commended for contributing to the growth and stability of the over 70 years conglomerate.

    Given the company’s long history of patriarchy, the feeling out there is that the friendly disposition towards the womenfolk is both heartening and worthy of emulation by other companies; a fact echoed by the majority of the respondents who spoke with our correspondent.

     

     ‘Performance has nothing to do with gender’ – General Manager, Mandilas Mobility Division, Kemi Koyejo:

    Kemi, who has over 25 years post-qualification experience in the automobile sector, joined Mandilas Enterprises Limited as Public Enlightenment Officer in 1991, and later became the Business Development Manager and eventually National Marketing Manager.

    For the younger Kemi, who grew up in a liberal family where there were no gender specific roles, finding herself in an otherwise male-dominated industry wasn’t a big deal at all.

    A goal-getter, she holds the view and very strongly that, “performance doesn’t have anything to do with your gender. I love to take up challenges and never give up easily.”

    Of course, she holds part of her success story today to the  opportunity she got at Mandilas.

    “My story is incomplete without Mandilas. The company has given me a platform to express myself. I became the first female National Marketing Manager years ago amidst doubts and was able to make the best of the opportunity. The platform is currently further enhanced under the leadership of the current and first female CEO – Ms Ola Debayo-Doherty.”

    Her advice to other women is to always hold their head high, no matter what. “If you know your onions, hold your head high, and do not look down on yourself, no one will be able to hold you down.”

     

    ‘Passion for the job my greatest asset’ – Branch Manager, Ibadan Workshop, Uzoamaka Fannie Nwakanma

    Uzoamaka has over two decades experience in the industry. She began her career with Mandilas in 1997 as an Accounts Supervisor in Lagos and later moved to head the Ibadan branch, where she is the branch manager.

    Although she acknowledges that nothing prepared her for the responsibilities she is currently saddled with but her can-do spirit has stood her in good stead all through.

    Upbeat, she says, “Finding myself in a male-dominated work environment only brings out the best in me. I see myself most times challenging myself and always telling myself I can do it. As a fast learner, I watch my male colleagues closely as they do their job and apply same in my job as well as I try to build on top of what I have learnt to be better. I feel greatly honoured, highly motivated and exceptional; these have inspired me to adopt a combination of male and female attributes.”

    Above all, working at Mandilas has made all the difference. “Mandilas played a major role in all of these by making available the platform for these to be achieved. Mandilas was able to identify the attribute in me and helped in developing it by giving me the appointment to display hidden talents and unknown skills and abilities.

     

    ‘My greatest motivation is satisfying customers’ – Branch Manager, Ilorin Workshop, Victoria Oluwaseyi:

    Victoria, a certified Mechanical Engineer had stints with few of the major automobile companies for a combined 10 years before joining the employ of Mandilas Enterprises in 2015 as Workshop Engineer and later rose to the rank of a Branch Manager in 2019.

    For Victoria, her journey into the auto world began when she went for the three months compulsory SIWES at the Warri refinery and she hasn’t looked back since then. As to be expected, operating in a male-oriented field comes with its hiccups but it feels good all the same, she says matter-of-factly.

    The greatest motivation for her, she says, is seeing the look of satisfaction in the face of her clients. “The smile of satisfaction on my clients face has been my greatest motivation. Each time we turn out a job and the client is happy with what we have done, it gives me great joy to put in more effort.” She however owes her debt of gratitude to Mandilas for giving her the opportunity to excel.

    “Mandilas has given me the platform to work as a manager and this has helped me develop my managerial skills. It has also increased my confidence level on the job.” For women who are planning to take a career in the automobile sector, focus should be their watchword.

    “Women should stay focused because most women get distracted easily and also they should ensure that they spend quality time and resources to be the best at their profession. When you are the best at what you do people will go all out to look for you.”

     

     ‘Seeing others succeed inspires me’ – Branch Manager, Ebute-Metta Workshop,

    Edna Poroye:

    Edna has three decades experience having begun work at joined Mandilas Enterprises Limited in December 1991 as an Accounts Clerk. She later rose to the position of Senior Accounts Supervisor and presently the Branch Manager of Mandilas Enterprises Limited Ebute Metta branch.

    Working in male-dominated field, sure feels great for her. Her determination and positive-mindedness has put her in good stead on the job.

    Her greatest motivation is watching others succeed she believes she can too. “Mandilas has given the platform so mine is to strive to succeed. I do not feel intimidated because I do not see them as a threat. My advice to women working in male dominated environment is they should not see themselves any less than the male and try to stand out in any given task.”

     

    ‘I’m not intimidated at all’

    – Head, Technical Sales, Mandilas Cooling Division, Cecilia Imomoh:

    Cecilia with an academic background in both Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration, have been able to prove her worth and mettle in Mandilas over the years.

    The youngest in a family of four, her parents raised them to believe in their own choices and take responsibility for it.

    For her, operating in an otherwise male-dominated field is quite interesting and challenging at the same time.

    As she recalled, her first experience with a particular consultant on a massive government project in Abuja brought out the best in her as she was able to wow the client.

    “My first dive into the building services industry was during my industrial attachment. I was privileged to work directly on projects with experienced engineers both within and outside Lagos. Being a one-man business at her growing stage, I was trained to not just be a design/project engineer, but as a draftsman, dispatcher, estimator, secretary etc.”

    Her passion for deeper HVAC knowledge prompted her to approach Mandilas as an experienced corp member where she began a thriving career.

     

    ‘Challenging doing a man’s job but optimistic’ – Branch Manager, Port Harcourt Workshop, Juliet

    Ama-Ajuoyi:

    Juliet joined Mandilas in 2008, as Senior Accounts Supervisor and later rose to the position of the Acting Branch Manager in February 2019 ill date.

    For Juliet, working in an otherwise male-dominated field is both challenging as well as optimistic.

    “Having been in the floor for eight years gave me a great insight and knowledge of work activities. I believe in myself and optimistic that I can do it better and I also believe I can achieve whatever come I can defeat.”

    Her greatest motivation on the job so far is seeing herself doing things differently better than her male counterparts.

    Her advice for other women working in male-dominated environment is that they should have passion for their job. Her mantra remains, to “Be mindful in both personal and professional life.”

     

  • Cuba’s strategies to combat COVID-19

    Cuba’s strategies to combat COVID-19

    By Niyi Akinnaso

    As Nigeria spends billions of Naira to purchase drugs, PPEs, establish new labs for PCR tests, and supplement coronavirus vaccines donated by COVAX to combat COVID-19, the small island nation of Cuba has been swimming in self-sufficiency, by producing its own drugs, PPEs, and vaccines. It has commenced the vaccination of health workers with its own homegrown vaccine, the Soberana (Sovereign) 02. It is one of five vaccine candidates being developed in various laboratories in Cuba.

    The feat did not just come overnight. It is a result of decades of investment in biotech and biopharmaceutical industries, leading to over 30 years of vaccine development by the island nation.

    However, vaccine production is only one of Cuba’s major strategies to combat the scourge of COVID-19 in the country. In addition to the non-pharmaceutical measures adopted universally, particularly mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing, Cuba developed two key strategies to combat COVID-19.

    The first strategy is the manufacture of drugs and medical equipment specifically to treat COVID-19 infections. Accordingly, the National Center of Biopreparations (Biocen) immediately focused on the manufacture of several of the main drugs used to treat COVID-19 infections.

    Similarly, PPEs were produced and distributed to healthcare workers and then to all citizens to protect themselves. To this end, the Cuban government repurposed a school uniform factory to produce masks instead. Finally, a prototype ventilator was quickly produced and, once found effective, was later mass produced to treat COVID-19 patients. These efforts resulted from collaborations by the Neurosciences Center; the Grito de Baire Enterprise, affiliated with the Military Industries Union; the Center for the State Control of Medicines and Equipment and Medical Devices (CECMED); and the National Design Office.

    Simultaneously, the government went full force into vaccine research, drawing upon its decades of experience in vaccine production and freely available literature on COVID-19 vaccines. Two preeminent labs in the country were deployed to this purpose. The Finlay Vaccine Institute focused on three vaccine candidates: Soberana 01, Soberana 02, and Soberana Plus.

    The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology produced the other two vaccines, namely, Abdala and Manbisa. Soberana 02 and Abdala. All five vaccines benefitted from preliminary work by the Center for Molecular Immunology, which “fermented” mammalian cells that directly produced the RBD antigen used in producing the COVID-19 vaccines. It is this method of vaccine production that made it possible for these vaccines to have little or no effect on their recipients.

    Another interesting feature of Cuba’s vaccines is storage. Unlike other vaccines that require special temperatures for storage, the Cuban vaccines can be stored and transported at regular refrigeration temperature. This makes it very attractive to countries, which have difficulty with vaccines kept in unusually cold temperatures.

    Of Cuba’s five vaccine candidates, Soberana 02 and Abdala have reached the most advanced stage of Phase III clinical trials, the former being a little ahead of the latter. Both have proved to be safe and effective in clinical trials, with little or no side effects. Even the World Health Organization has also confirmed that the two vaccine candidates in Phase III clinical trials were effective and safe in previous clinical trials. However, how effective on a large scale remains to be seen.

    Nevertheless, many countries have already expressed interest in the Cuban VOVID-19 vaccines. They include Venezuela, Mexico, Vietnam, Pakistan, India, and Iran. Cuba is still open to partnerships with other countries in order to be able to ramp up production. Nevertheless, it hopes to vaccinate all of Havana, the main island, by the end of June and the rest of the country by the end of the year by which time it is hoped that 100 million doses would have been produced.

    There are two unique features of the Cuban vaccine production technology. First, a nasally administered vaccine is added to its array of intramuscular vaccines. This nasal vaccine is Mambisa, now in Phase II Clinical Trial.

    A second unique feature is the production of a vaccine specifically for convalescent patients, recuperating from treatment for COVID-19. This is supplemented with follow-up assistance from medical institutions through a Basic Work Group, consisting of specialist doctors, epidemiologists, and rehabilitation specialists. Cuba is so far the only country to have included this type of vaccine in its array of vaccines. Besides, no other country is pursuing as many as five vaccines simultaneously.

    The Cuban effort should be understood against the backdrop of over 60 years of pernicious trade embargo imposed on the island nation by the United States, intensified recently by the regime of former President Donald Trump. The social, political, and economic sufferings resulting from the embargo were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited Cuba’s exports and shut down the tourism industry, one of the mainstays of the Cuban economy.

    In the face of the American trade embargo and the withdrawal of support by the Soviet Union, following its collapse, Cuba quickly decided to invest in human capital development, focusing on medical education, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry. In Cuba, education is free at all levels, although it has a strong political and ideological emphasis. The fruits of the focus on education are threefold: One, Cuba’s literacy rate is one of the highest in the world, at 99.8 percent. Two, the supply of professionals, especially medical personnel, to other countries is one of Cuba’s major exports. Three, Cuba has developed skilled personnel and expertise in the production of drugs, vaccines, and medical equipment. No wonder then that Cuba has one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

    No matter what one thinks about Fidel Castro and communism, one factor that cannot be denied is strong leadership and commitment to development. Until Nigeria has such a visionary leader we may have to continue to beg, even with money in hand, for drugs, medical equipment, and vaccines.

     

  • Lagos is doing a lot in waste recycling, says Environment Commissioner

    Lagos is doing a lot in waste recycling, says Environment Commissioner

    The Waste Management Society of Nigerian (WAMASON) estimates that nearly 65million metric tons of waste are generated in Nigeria yearly, with Lagos alone, which is the undisputable commercial capital of the country, generating about 13 million metric tons. Of this, about 2,250 tons of plastic waste is generated daily in Lagos; yearly, it is about 821,250 tons. In this interview with Jill Okeke, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, under whose watch the state emerged from being one of the dirtiest to that of beautifully lined roads and streets with green plants and flowers, spoke on what the state is doing to turn the rampant plastic menace to wealth, among others. Excerpts:

    The state has many recycling centres but we still have much plastics around as can be seen after a down pour. Please comment on this.

    As you may have noticed, the state government is doing a lot in terms of recycling and we are also encouraging private investors to join in the campaign. Recently, we held series of stakeholders’ engagement with relevant people and organisations involved in plastics and plastic packaging on the best available option that will soot us.

    In the coming weeks, the state government will be making public, a policy document to regulate activities around the plastic waste value-chain. We are also going to be having aggressive campaign and education of the public on what to do with the PET bottles.

    Does the state have a reward system to encourage consumers to return used plastics?

    Yes, LAWMA and other private organisations we are collaborating with have a reward system for any member of the public that returned used bottles. We have a spot within my Ministry where people exchange used plastic bottles for cash gift and other items.

    A visit to Igando dumpsite last week revealed that the private sector is making money from plastic waste, but they are uncoordinated. How can the government encourage them?

    Contrary to your opinion, the market is being regulated by LAWMA, however, I agree that more needs to be done. I am using this opportunity to call on investors that may want to partner with the State to come forward.

    Lagos alone generates over 10,000 metric tons of waste daily, 86 per cent made of plastic. What’s the possibility of turning this waste to wealth?

     My Ministry is inundated with proposals on waste-to-wealth. We are appraising them and when we see any of the proposals that is implementable, the government shall surely support such investor/proponent.

     How successful is the Pick-a-Plastic campaign which commenced last December in Badagry? Any plans of extending it to other local government areas?

    The pick-a-plastic campaign is a private funded and executed action which the state government is grateful for. We are willing to support other initiative in this regard.

    What progress has the government made with the PAKAM application deployed in the recycling programme?

    The Pakam Application as you  are aware  is an Uber like mobile application system designed to support the Lagos Recycle Initiative by connecting households to aggregators/recyclers closest to them.

    The system is an all-inclusive waste management software application that turns waste to a win-win situation for all. The process is still being fine-tuned and will be unveiled in due time.  

  • Converting plastic waste to wealth

    Converting plastic waste to wealth

    By Jill Okeke

    Driving from Egbeda/Isheri Road, down Igando/Ikotun Road, in Alimosho Local Government Area(LGA), I kept looking cautiously to the road sides to see when I would get to the infamous Igando dumpsite, unarguably, one of the biggest dumpsites in Lagos State.

    But I needed not have worried because in no time, I started perceiving a very offensive putrid smell, a clear testimony that I was approaching the dump. The further I drove, the stronger the smell, until I sighted the mini dump site on my right, and then the mountain of waste on my left – the other side of the road.

    Parked along the road by the dumpsite and constituting serious menace on their own, were several Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) waste collection vehicles; many of them still loaded with waste and awaiting their turn to tip their content. Some of the trucks already relieved of their content had their drivers chatting away idly. Unbranded trucks, ready to convey buyers to their destinations, could also be seen.

    Despite the huge rubbish and its accompanying smell, the place was a beehive of activities. A building housing the State Ministry of Special Duties had already been blocked by waste and activities of stakeholders at the dump.

    “People are making millions, building houses from here. You see dirt and waste here, but those of us in this business only see money,” said an elated Kelly, one of the Agents.

    Bales of clothes, picked from the dumpsite, cleaned and dried, were neatly stacked by the sides. Several bags of plastics, cans, card boards, newspapers and other papers could also be seen, neatly packed, awaiting buyers.  Several heaps of aluminum materials of various types and other things, discarded, were all waiting buyers. Because it rained the previous day, wet paper, card boards and wet clothing were left in the sun to dry.

    Picking my steps carefully, I walked through the tarred patch onto the top of the dump site, where I saw about 20 men rummaging through the waste, scavenging for plastics, clothes, paper, aluminum and other metals. Oblivious of my presence, they kept rummaging through the dirt, separating items they fancied into big sacks and dragging them as they moved from one end of the dump site to another.

    Soon, Abu, as he later introduced himself, looked up and saw me watching them intensely. Speaking loudly, so that his colleagues could hear him, he asked in very bad English  if I was an Agent or a new buyer.

    Alerted, his colleagues straightened up and all eyes turned on me. Smiling broadly, I greeted them in broken English, introduced myself as a journalist and told them my mission. With relief on their faces, all but Abu turned back to their task and totally ignored me.

    Beckoning on another colleague, whose name I later learnt to be Lawal, and who appeared the most enlightened, Abu, with him, drew closer to me. From them, I gathered that they pay N200 each to the management of the dumpsite before they are allowed to scavenge. Some of them are contracted by dealers they refer to as ‘Bola Collectors,’ who pay them weekly. Apart from dump sites, they harvest plastics along the streets, streams and gutters, especially after a heavy downpour. Some of the scavengers make as much as N50,000 monthly, they claimed, depending on how swiftly they can work.

    The scavengers or sorters are mostly of Northern Nigeria origin, with the agents and middle men mostly Igbos, while the buyers come from different ethnic backgrounds. Even though I introduced myself, some of the agents were still hostile and suspicious of me, insisting I had to pay money, register as an agent before I would be introduced into the business.

    However, Julius Chukwura, one of the established agents who said he has been in the business for over 20 years, said a kilo of plastics sell for between N160 to N200. “It used to sell for N120 before COVID-19 but now materials are scarce, as social activities has reduced and people no longer generate waste as much.”

    According to him, these agents register with various recycling companies and manufacturers. “I sell paper to companies manufacturing toilet rolls, plastic, cans and aluminum to recycling companies; but business has been dull since the outbreak of COVID-19’’.

    It is reported that about 65 million metric tonnes of waste is generated annually in Nigeria while about 150,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean in the country every day. According to experts, of the 65million metric tonnes of waste, Lagos State alone, which is the undisputable commercial capital of the country and most populated, produces about 10,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste, most of which end up in landfills and waterways.

    Due to this very disturbing and unhealthy development, experts say wildlife and the ecosystems are undergoing incalculable destruction worldwide.

    This, however, may be a thing of the past soon, as many people are realising that used discarded plastics can be turned into money. According to Professor Ejike Odogwu of the Petrol Chemical Department, University of Port Harcourt, “Many countries are already converting used plastics into gas fuel that can be used to produce electricity or turned into liquid fuels and even raw materials for [chemicals] for manufacturing, for example, chemical feed stocks, wares, and lubricants.”

    Explaining further in a Zoom conference interview, Professor Odogwu said numerous companies abroad use a process called pyrolysis to thermally decompose and then convert non-recycled plastics into petroleum products that can be refined into fuel for automobiles and other purposes.

    Investigations reveal that currently, fabric made from PET bottles are making waves in the fashion industry abroad, especially amongst famous brands in the sports fashion like Nike, Hoffman, Patagonia, Quicksilver that use high performing and sustainable material in their athletic wears.

    “Though it sounds pretty unbelievable that a hard drinking container can turn into soft fabric, it is actually a relatively simple process and it’s used in our clothing industry. Now clothing made from recycled plastic bottles is trendy, if not mainstream,” said a spokes person for Nike.

    During New York Fashion Week recently, Hoffman, Nike alongside other big brands that use Repreve, a fibre made from upcycled plastic bottles, set up a demonstration room where visitors could see how plastic bottles are turned into textiles and what those textiles can become.

    First the bottles are broken down into small flakes; those flakes are then melted down into tiny pellets; and then the pellets or chips are melted again and filtered and spun into threads through a process that resembles water flowing through a shower head.

    Depending on how the threads are treated, they can be used for a range of textiles – from swimwear to denim to car seats. They can also be used for shoes.

    Lending credence to the above, 31-year-old Felabuyi Akunse, founder of the upcoming brand, ‘Salubata Shoes,’  said he crafts footwear from recycled plastic waste. “The problem in Nigeria is that over 90.5 per cent of plastic have never been recycled. We have a lot of recycling companies around but the volume of plastic waste is still very high.”

    “Aside the fact that we even make shoes from plastic waste, we realised that even Adidas, Nike in the US, make shoes from plastic waste. It starts from the collection of discarded plastic. There are machines that shred these plastics, then heat and get them drawn into yarns. The yarns are turned into fiber and we make any design from them.”

    “We want to make anything wearable from these sustainable materials,” added the Environmental Scientist graduate of the University of Lagos.

    Katsina State born Intissar Bashir Kurfi, Managing Partner Ifrique Eco Solutions is busy making money by converting disposed plastics to interlocking tiles, building blocks amongst others.

    “I have always had issues with how waste is disposed and knowing the negative effects of nylon littering, I started researching into ways to put these disposed nylons to positive use. That was how I came about interlocking tiles production.”

    “Five hundred water sachet can be used to make one inter locking tile. Any nylon can be used for this. This innovation can be used to build roads and houses. The end results are sure to last longer because research has proved that plastics do not degrade into the ground’’, explained Intissar.

    Listening to this amazing Architect on March 15, during a Zoom conference anchored by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to commemorate World Consumer Day, which theme was ‘Tackling plastic pollution in the environment’, one is convinced that there is indeed wealth in waste.

    The Abuja-based Intissar established a factory in the state capital for upcycling plastic waste in Abuja. The factory upcycles Low Density Polyethylene [LDPE] such as pure water sachets, plastic bottles, polythene bags and others into interlocking tiles.

    Intissar, who was among the youth innovators who received cash donation of N500,000 from the Federal Government last year, also said her company uses PET bottles like the one from bottled water and plastic drinks to build toilets instead of the usual blocks. “ You can gather the pet bottles, fill them with sand and lay them just like you lay your blocks and build toilets or any structure.”

    “The toilets are built using eco-friendly materials. For instance, 15,000 bottles can make a two bedroom flat. They are bullet proof and insulating,” she said.

    She said she sources waste from scavengers and students whom they give incentives like small solar touch, women, jobless people all of whom they give incentives.

    Employment potential for this industry is equally high, explained the mother of two. “This industry involves many people, like the collectors broken in different categories including site workers , sellers, drivers… the list is endless. We are hoping to create 500 jobs in the next two years.”

    Speaking further, she said the business is very lucrative as construction goes on every day.

    Industry stakeholders are equally not resting on their oars. It is in the realisation that waste management is one of the most demanding challenges faced by urban and rural residents in Nigeria, that one of the world’s leading beverage companies, Coca-Cola, was propelled to initiate the World Without Waste Vision to provide leadership and drive awareness on effective waste disposal.

    Coca-Cola’s outreach to other leading beverage companies led to the formation of a voluntary group in 2012, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and NBC, Nestle Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Seven-Up bottling company Plc; all of which became the nucleus of an industry alliance known as Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), which was formed in 2015 to serve as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the food and beverage sector.

    Despite the above, Coca-Cola, committed to tackling plastic waste pollution in the environment, along with its bottling company, NBC, went ahead to set up a large scale recovery and buyback scheme for PET bottles, where it is recycled into synthetic fibre for use.

    Also amongst the numerous strides taken by Coca-Cola in this laudable venture, is the changing of the Sprite bottle in November 2020 from its iconic green plastic packaging to clear plastic packaging to increase its recyclability.

    According to industry experts, this change also offers material benefits for informal waste reclaimers, due to the higher valuation placed on clear plastic bottles.

    Another notable multinational committed to reducing plastic waste and turning it to wealth, is Nigeria’s foremost brewing company, Nigerian Breweries Plc.

    One of the ways through which it has ensured this is by pioneering the establishment of a PET Waste Recycling Framework in partnership with other organisations, through the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) – a coalition of multinationals dedicated to promoting the cause of recycling through Awareness, Advocacy, Collection and Recycling.

    According to Mrs. Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries and the first chairman of FBRA, issues affecting effective plastic waste management cuts across six critical areas, which are generation, collection, conversion, sorting, aggregation and processing.

    “Unfortunately, when you look at the level of waste management in Nigeria, it has a very low level of maturity. This is further compounded by the fact that we have low awareness among the users and the consumers themselves. There must be awareness on the separation of waste for easy management. Therefore, we have to be deliberate about awareness and enforcement for effective waste management. Plastic waste problem is accelerating, and we must curb the spread”.

    “Through our Brewing a Better World Agenda, Nigerian Breweries Plc remains committed to tackling this issue and ultimately creating shared sustainable value for all stakeholders; the company, the society and the planet at large”, stated the amiable Mrs. Morgan.

    FBRA, during Mrs. Morgan’s leadership, successfully recycled almost one billion bottles into fibre, created over 1,800 jobs through direct employment and ensured the creation of synthetic fiber for local industries and for export.

    The giant beverage brewery, which enjoys wide acceptance and patronage across Africa, continues to drive its Brewing a Better World (BaBW) initiative, signing different Memorandum of Understanding  (MoU) with both private and government organisations with the view of creating a better and more healthier environment, that ultimately creates more opportunities for employment.

    The fact is that things are gradually changing in the waste industry. A lot of people are realising that used and discarded plastics can fetch money. What is lacking now is coordination in the private sector and government encouragement. At the rate at which many people are jumping into the business, before long, plastics will cease to be a menace in the environment.

    Other stakeholders, especially FBRA, which consists of eleven members and other multinationals in the industry, should also be encouraged to display some enthusiasm and commitment in tackling plastic pollution to have a cleaner and healthier environment while creating jobs for the teeming unemployed in the society.

    As it stands, there is still need for the establishment of large recycling facilities that can complete the recycling process in Nigeria, so as to stimulate more demand.

  • Lagos panel extends sitting

    Lagos panel extends sitting

    By Robert Egbe

    The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)-related abuses and other matters has extended its sittings by three months.

    The panel was inaugurated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on October 19, 2020 with a six-month mandate.

    But its chairman, Justice Doris Okuwobi, said the extension was essential to allow the panel adequate time to hear the deluge of petitions it had received.

    The panel was set up by the state with a N200 million kitty in the wake of the near-nationwide protests against police brutality under the hashtag #EndSARS.

    It is also hearing petitions concerning last October’s shooting incident at the Lekki Toll Gate.

    Petitioners have accused the army of shooting at and killing some protesters, a claim the military denied.

  • Catholic priest, 3 others feared abducted in Kaduna

    Catholic priest, 3 others feared abducted in Kaduna

    By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

    Reverend Father Anthony Dawah of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna has been feared abducted by bandits.

    The cleric was abducted alongside wife and child of a catechist and a domestic staff of the church located in Dogon Kurmi in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna.

    However, Kaduna Police Command could not confirm the incident as the time of filing this report.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Muhammad Jalige did not respond to several calls put across to him.

    However, the Communication Director of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, Reverend Father Stephen Onyena, confirmed the abduction.

  • PHOTOS: 11 petrol tankers destroyed in Kaduna fire incident

    PHOTOS: 11 petrol tankers destroyed in Kaduna fire incident

  • Army recruitment: I meant 50,000 youths, not 50m, says Tinubu

    Army recruitment: I meant 50,000 youths, not 50m, says Tinubu

    By Robert Egbe

    The Tinubu Media Office has clarified a proposal by the former Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the country’s need to combine its employment and national security policy.

    It said Tinubu, while calling for more youths to be drafted into the Army in a bid to adequately tackle the nation’s security challenges, made an innocent error.

    The occasion was the 12th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium to mark his 69th birthday.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader had, while advocating national employment and a security policy that could stem the tides of insurgency, asked the Federal Government to recruit 50 million youths into the Army.

    Asiwaju said the recruitment would help restore peace within troubled regions and stop miscreants from recruiting young people to do their bidding.

    But a statement signed by Tunde Rahman for the Tinubu Media Office, explained that the 50 million figure was a mistake.

     
    It said Tinubu intended to recommend the recruitment of 50,000 youths into various national security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army.

    It said: “Speaking at the event, Asiwaju Tinubu canvassed the urgent need to combine employment and national security policy by the recruitment of five million youths in all aspects of nation-building, ranging from infrastructural development to agricultural modernization.

    “He believes that the more job opportunities are presented to our youth the less some of them will be tempted into illegal and dangerous activities.

    “As part of this overall approach, he believes that eligible youth should be recruited into the armed forces, police and other security agencies to augment the functional capacity of our security apparatus thus ensuring the better security and safety of our people.

    “Asiwaju seeks the expansion of security personnel by 50,000 for the armed forces not the N50 million that was mentioned in error. It was an accidental verbal mistake of which we all commit from time to time especially when reciting a series of large numerical figures. 

    “He did not mean N50 million, which is almost a quarter of our total population.
    The crucial matter is that Asiwaju rightly observed that such strong recruitment would serve the twin-purpose of helping to tackle unemployment while at the same time enhancing the security of every Nigerian.

    “Please forgive any confusion due to this innocent error. The most vital thing is that he set forth a wise and timely approach that would help us face two of today’s stiffest challenges. 

     
    “It is in the spirit that we hope you view and assess his proposal for it seeks to provide a way for more youths to participate in building a greater, safer and more prosperous country.”

    The 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium marking Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s birthday was a well-attended event that focused on the important theme of national cohesion during these challenging times.

    This was the first time the colloquium was held in the ancient and important city of Kano.

    According to the APC chieftain, the choice of venue was most appropriate given the theme and the underlying objective of highlighting the oneness of the country and the need for unity so that Nigeria may attain its best destiny.

  • 11 petrol tankers destroyed as Fire guts garage in Kaduna

    11 petrol tankers destroyed as Fire guts garage in Kaduna

    By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

    Eleven petrol tankers were destroyed on Tuesday when fire razed a parking garage in Anguwan Mu’azu Kaduna South Local Goverment Area.

    Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Abdulahi Hassan, confirmed the incident.

    Read Also: Police kill bandit, nab gun supplier to Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger bandits

    The KADSEMA boss, who was on the spot assessment to ascertain the level of destruction, said the fire incident led to discovery of different illigal activities involving petroleum products in the area.

    He said the agency would investigate involvement of residents and members of the community in such activities that allegedly led to the fire outbreak.

    Eye witnesses informed our a few persons who sustained injuries have been evercuated to hospitals for treatment.