October 2023

Title: The Government Negligence and Look away syndrome on the Lingering Impact of Gully Erosion: A Case of Atenda, Ibadan. By Babajide Aseyan and Idris Animasaun

3 Comments / Opinion, Volunteering/Social works / / / , , , ,

Gully erosion is a significant environmental issue that adversely affects many regions worldwide, including Atenda, a community in Ibadan, Oyo state. Despite the Ministry of Urban Development’s ten-year demolition marking initiative, the government’s negligence in addressing the root causes of this problem has led to persistent and devastating consequences. This article aims to shed light on the long-lasting effects of gully erosion at Atenda, highlighting the lack of decisive action from the government. The Ministry of Urban Development’s Demolition Marking Initiative: The Ministry of Urban Development in Oyo state launched a demolition marking initiative ten years ago to address the issue of illegal structures built on erosion-prone lands. While the intention was admirable, it looked away addressing the issue. The Need for Governmental Accountability: The case of Atenda underscores the urgent need for governmental accountability. The government must take responsibility for its negligence and prioritize the well-being of its citizens by allocating adequate resources, engaging experts, and implementing sustainable long-term solutions. The government’s negligence In addressing the gully erosion issues in Atenda, Ibadan, after the ten-year demolition marking initiative has led to devastating consequences for the community. The environmental, economic, and social impacts continue to plague the residents, highlighting the dire need for immediate governmental action. By acknowledging the severity of the problem, implementing sustainable solutions, and fostering community engagement, the government can rectify the negligence and pave the way for a better future for Atenda and other erosion-affected areas.

Title: The Government Negligence and Look away syndrome on the Lingering Impact of Gully Erosion: A Case of Atenda, Ibadan. By Babajide Aseyan and Idris Animasaun Read More »

RE: EMERGENCY: ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN ON RINGROAD IBADAN AN OPEN LETTER TO HC OYO STATE MINISTRY OF ENERGY

Leave a Comment / Opinion, Volunteering/Social works / / / , ,

Sometimes in April 2023, I did a post drawing attention of the state government of accident(s) waiting to happen because of an heavy concrete base lying along MKO Abiola way ringroad. It is important to note that the responsiveness of the Hon. Seun Ashamu, the Honorable Commissioner for Energy to avert any unforseen crises. There are about 30 of them lining the road from Mile110 roundabout all the way down to the newly improved junction works at Challenge. However, it is becoming increasingly important to inform the authorities that these concrete base that still line the road median posses alot of dangers and should be evacuated as soon as possible. This we hope should complement the effort of Ministry of Environment and water resources who are recently seen cleaning the sides and evacuating the heap of sand that line these median. While the light up Oyo project has received wide range of commendations from residents in the state claiming that the light has helped the free flow of traffic at night and want the ministry to do more particularly in the areas where the lights haven’t been on. It is consequential that the ministry who recently sought collaborations with the towing vehicle association to forestall hit and run vehicles damaging the street light poles devices means for which they will evacuate these concrete bases that are already constituting nuisances to our roads. We hope Hon. Seun Ashamu led administration continue to run their open door policy with the mantra “if you see something say something ”. Itesiwaju Oyo ajose gbogbo wa ni Idris AnimasaunPublic Affairs Analyst and Environmental enthusiast Writes from Ibadan the Oyo State capital

RE: EMERGENCY: ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN ON RINGROAD IBADAN AN OPEN LETTER TO HC OYO STATE MINISTRY OF ENERGY Read More »

How GSM is making Oyo State a major investment destination.

Leave a Comment / Opinion / / / , , , , ,

Oyo, Lagos state as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have emerged as best performing states in Nigeria’s socioeconomic scorecard, according to Analysts Data Services and Resources (ADSR). A total of 57 relevant indicators were used in the construction of the scorecard across 12 key broad socio-economic segments. Mr Afolabi Olowookere who is The Managing Director and Chief Economist of ADSR said that Nigeria’s average was pegged at 45.79 per cent, the best performing states – Lagos, FCT and Oyo scored 62.5 per cent, 58.9 per cent and 58 per cent respectively. A total of 57 relevant indicators were used in the construction of the scorecard across 12 key broad socio-economic segments namely Economic Output; Government Finance; Financial Sector; and Capital Importation. Others were Land, Housing and Sanitation, Transportation, ICT Infrastructure, Energy and Environment, Industrialisation and Business Competitiveness, Education, Health, and Citizens’ Livelihood and Welfare. The disclosure on Tuesday during a Webinar series with the theme: “The Socioeconomic Scorecard of Nigerian States (2023 Baseline Edition)” and made available by premium times few days ago. A more structured and proper Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework to finance infrastructural facilities therefore enhancing manufacturing and global competitiveness. “It is also important for government to be more efficient in delivering an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. “Education, health and human capital development as key drivers of productivity must be refocused while Nigeria takes advantage of its youthful population and train them on skills that are relevant to get the needed competitiveness across states. Idris Animasaun writes from Ibadan

How GSM is making Oyo State a major investment destination. Read More »

SDG 11: Tokunbo Wahab exemplifying his intentionality in making a change in Lagos

Leave a Comment / Opinion / / /

I was keenly interested in the conversations that erupted yesterday, when Officials from Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources served final demolition notices on properties in Cluster 1, Lekki County Estate, Ikota GRA & Megamond Estate within Lekki Phase2 -Ikota Drainage channel. But, to think people want properties to simply remain along water drains and canals because of sentiment is damaging to the environment which in turn have an adverse effect on the general public. The glorification of government’s negligence in addressing issues around environment being shrouded with our respective biases is unsustainable. In what has been reported in some quarters to be a case of witch-hunting, Lagosians whose lives and properties are affected by the rising cases of flooding activities in the state are commending Mr. Tokunbo Wahab who leads the hardworking Ministry of Environment and Water resources. While it is so sad that these properties will go down, it is also very important to ensure those who gave the approval have their licences revoked, suspended from practice and those who have retired be denied some of their benefits. Those who are part of facilitating kangaroo approval should never be allowed to go scot-free as it has been the norm that allowed the construction of buildings along and around canals, and waterways. However, it is important to note that anybody who’s affected with “genuine” approval to proceed with his construction have a good ground for reallocation and compensation by seeking court redress.

SDG 11: Tokunbo Wahab exemplifying his intentionality in making a change in Lagos Read More »