Nigeria News (Standard)
Alimosho Council Arrests 10 for Illegal Refuse Dumping, Unveils Project Iron Shield
Task force targets Egbeda, Shasha and Dopemu hotspots as authorities intensify environmental sanitation drive in Lagos
Task force targets Egbeda, Shasha and Dopemu hotspots as authorities intensify environmental sanitation drive in Lagos
Authorities in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State have arrested at least 10 persons for allegedly dumping refuse illegally in various parts of the council. The arrests took place during an overnight operation on June 11, as part of the maiden enforcement exercise for ‘Project Iron Shield,’ a new initiative designed to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal and improve environmental sanitation.
According to a statement issued by Taiwo Onayinka, Head of Legal Services and Chairman of the Project Iron Shield Task Force, the operation focused on key hotspots notorious for illegal dumping—including Egbeda Road Corridor, Shasha Axis and Dopemu Under Bridge. Onayinka stated that the suspects were apprehended while purportedly disposing waste at unauthorised locations within these areas.
The local government launched Project Iron Shield to address persistent environmental challenges caused by illegal refuse dumping, which has led to blocked drainage channels and increased risk of flooding in several neighbourhoods. The council noted that previous warnings had not deterred offenders, prompting this more robust enforcement approach.
Onayinka emphasised that those arrested would be prosecuted in accordance with existing environmental laws. “We are committed to ensuring that Alimosho remains clean and safe for all residents. This operation is just the beginning,” he said in the statement. He further called on community members to support government’s efforts by properly disposing their waste through authorised channels.
The local government plans to sustain similar operations across other identified hotspots in Alimosho. Residents have been urged to comply with sanitation regulations or face legal consequences, as authorities move to enforce stricter penalties against environmental offenders.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ibadan Fire Destroys Four Vehicles, Container at Akingbade Mechanic Workshop
Oyo State Fire Services Agency says swift response prevented spread to nearby buildings after Saturday night blaze
Oyo State Fire Services Agency says swift response prevented spread to nearby buildings after Saturday night blaze
A fire outbreak on Saturday night gutted four vehicles and a container at a mechanic workshop situated on Togunde Street, Akingbade Area, along Old Ife Road in Gbagi, Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident, which occurred around 9:16 p.m., was confirmed by the Oyo State Fire Services Agency following a distress call from a resident identified as Mr. Damola.
According to the agency, firefighters led by a Chief Fire Superintendent were immediately deployed to the location after receiving the report. Upon arrival, personnel discovered that flames had already engulfed a container and four vehicles within the premises of the mechanic workshop, with thick smoke visible from surrounding properties.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency stated that its team was able to contain the inferno and stop it from spreading to other buildings or shops in the area. The agency emphasised that quick intervention helped to avert further loss of property and possible injury.
Fire incidents remain a concern in urban centres like Ibadan, where densely populated neighbourhoods and commercial clusters pose high risks for rapid fire spread. Authorities have consistently urged business owners and residents to maintain proper safety measures and ensure functional fire-fighting equipment is available on site.
As at press time, no casualties had been reported in connection with the incident. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency reiterated its commitment to improving emergency response across the state and called on members of the public to promptly report any suspected fire outbreaks.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Electrical Surge Sparks Early Morning Fire, Destroys Ogbomoso Shop
Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirms quick response prevented spread to six-room residential building nearby
Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirms quick response prevented spread to six-room residential building nearby
An early morning electrical surge triggered a fire outbreak that gutted a pre-fabricated shop in the Stadium Area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Sunday. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency (OYSFA) said it received a distress call at about 4:39 a.m. from Hon. George Gbadegesin, who reported the incident at No. 5, Ile Atagbonrin.
According to officials of the agency, fire service officers from the Ogbomoso Zonal Command were immediately mobilised to the location following the call. Upon arrival, the crew found that the shop—adjoining a six-room residential building—had already been engulfed by flames. Firefighters commenced operations without delay and managed to put out the fire within minutes.
The quick intervention by OYSFA personnel was credited with preventing the inferno from spreading to the nearby residential building and other structures in the vicinity. Incidents of electrical surges causing fire outbreaks have raised concerns among residents and business owners in Oyo State, especially given recent cases in both commercial and residential areas.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency urged members of the public to ensure regular maintenance of electrical installations and promptly report emergencies for swift intervention. The agency stated: “We advise residents to be vigilant about electrical safety in homes and business premises to avoid future occurrences.”
No casualties were reported in connection with Sunday’s incident. Authorities said they will continue investigations into the cause of the electrical surge while reinforcing public sensitisation efforts on fire prevention across Ogbomoso and other parts of Oyo State.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/electrical-surge-causes-shop-fire-in-ogbomoso/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Jigawa Launches AI System to Support Public School Pupils Missing Classes in Rural Areas
State government partners with NewGlobe to deliver home-based learning, real-time teacher support and education data tracking
State government partners with NewGlobe to deliver home-based learning, real-time teacher support and education data tracking
Jigawa State Government has deployed an artificial intelligence-powered education system across public schools, aiming to help pupils continue their studies from home when they are unable to attend classes due to farming, bad weather, or other disruptions. The initiative was officially launched under the JigawaUNITE programme in partnership with NewGlobe on Friday, targeting thousands of children especially in rural communities.
The new technology allows pupils who miss school for reasons such as assisting their families on the farm or travelling long distances to access lessons remotely, preventing them from falling behind academically. According to state officials, the AI system will deliver educational content directly to pupils outside the classroom and ensure they remain engaged with their schoolwork even during unavoidable absences.
Jigawa has prioritised digital learning reforms in recent years, investing in smart school projects, ICT-enabled classrooms and innovation hubs. Officials say this latest move is designed to bridge the gap for children in underserved communities where regular attendance is often disrupted by local realities like seasonal farming and harsh weather conditions.
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Haruna Musa, Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board, said that deploying artificial intelligence marks a significant step in modernising public education and improving learning outcomes. He explained that the technology will also offer teachers real-time coaching and classroom monitoring tools while providing education administrators with instant data on school performance and learning gaps.
One of the core features of the project is an AI platform called COGNITION, which enables officials to ask questions about the school system and receive immediate answers based on real-time classroom data collected statewide. This is expected to assist policymakers in making informed decisions about resource allocation and future interventions.
Beyond supporting pupils and teachers, the state government believes that combining classroom instruction with AI-driven solutions will help reduce learning loss and improve academic results for all children irrespective of their location. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the deployment.
The JigawaUNITE programme forms part of broader efforts by the North-Western state to strengthen digital education access through technology-driven solutions. Officials expect that insights generated from the new system will inform policy development and further drive improvements across basic education in Jigawa.
