General
Oando Foundation Expands Environmental Literacy Project to 50 New Schools
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Fifty new schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja and Delta State have been added to the environmental literacy project of Oando Foundation known as Clean Our World (COW).
This is coming as the organisation launched the Phase V of the initiative designed to promote recyclable waste management practices in targeted schools and host communities.
The scheme focuses on standardized lesson delivery through wide-scale capacity building for teachers, deployment of the climate action superheroes (CASH) syllabus, and various in-school climate action activities, laying the foundation for a cleaner, greener future.
With active government participation, this phase of the project ensures uniform, consistent, and high-quality delivery of environmental education in schools across Lagos, Plateau, Delta States and the FCT.
To date, the project has impacted over 95,500 beneficiaries, encouraging the adoption of eco-conscious lifestyles. The Oando Foundation has also trained 939 education stakeholders, including teachers, Local Government Education Authority staff, and SUBEB officials, to ensure the effective delivery and utilization of environmental education tools and practices.
This initiative also builds on Oando Foundation’s current LEARNOVATE strategy, particularly its PLANET component, which promotes environmental education, green skills development, and waste management at the basic education level.
By fostering sustainability within the educational system, LEARNOVATE ensures that young learners are empowered to contribute to educational advancement, aligning the strategy with global goals like SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
According to a recent report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste is generated annually in Nigeria, with only 12 per cent of that being recycled.
This underscores the urgent call for environmental education and action, especially amongst children and young people who are critical to shaping future sustainability practices.
“Implementation of the fifth phase of the COW initiative, in collaboration with our co-sponsor Sumitomo Chemical, and government partners marks a significant milestone in our journey towards embedding sustainability in education.
“By expanding into two new states, we are not only broadening our geographical reach but also deepening our impact in legacy states like Lagos and Plateau.
“Our goal is to instil a culture of sustainability from an early age, fostering responsible behaviours that extend beyond the classroom into the wider community.
“Through strategic partnerships and active government involvement, we aim to create a scalable model that can be replicated across the nation. This initiative is more than just an educational program; it’s a movement towards a sustainable future.
“We believe that by equipping the younger generation with the necessary knowledge and skills, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener Nigeria,” the Head of Oando Foundation, Ms Tonia Uduimoh, said.
Also commenting on the initiative, the executive chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Samuel Mariere, said, “Oando Foundation’s COW V is a commendable programme that is broadening the knowledge and changing the attitudes of pupils, teachers, and stakeholders in our state towards understanding environmental education for a better healthier living.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos State Police Command is investigating the delivery of a parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the managing director of First Bank Nigeria, Mr Oluwasegun Alebiosu.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State command, Mr Tijani Fatai, confirmed the incident on Tuesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters.
He said Mr Alebiosu reported the case on May 7, noting that two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were sent to him through a parcel.
“The managing director reported the matter to the police after a package containing two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was delivered on his behalf by his security guard at his residence. The case is still under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
According to him, the parcel was first received by the bank chief’s security guard, who then handed it over to him.
The police commissioner said that operatives have launched an investigation, including forensic analysis and intelligence work, to identify the perpetrators and the circumstances of the incident.
He added that no suspect linked to the crime has been brought into custody.
“Presently, no suspect is in custody. Even though the MD has mentioned some people whom he suspected of being the brains behind it, that is his suspicion, anyway. We are still working on it,” he said.
Mr Fatai noted that detectives are reviewing information provided by the complainant, including details of individuals who may have relevant knowledge of the incident.
He assured the public that the command would keep them informed as the investigations go on, adding that the public should allow the police to carry out their duties.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state, as part of measures targeted at tackling insecurity.
According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The movement restriction, between 4 pm and 8 am, lasts for 48 hours in the first instance and affects local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
The affected local councils are Oriire local government (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho), Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi), Saki West (Headquarters: Saki), Saki East (Hq Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede / Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu), Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin), Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti), and Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo).
The development followed a series of protests that rocked the state over the abduction of children and teachers in the Orire Local Government Area in May.
The National Coordinator of the movement, Mr Juwon Sanyaolu, who spoke during the latest protest held on Monday, said the demonstration was part of ongoing efforts by the group to push for the freedom of the victims.
According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.”
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West, and East of Nigeria,” Mr Sanyaolu said.
He also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of Nigerians.
“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive.
“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action,” he added.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Department of State Services (DSS) has closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, prosecuting counsel, Mr Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling further witnesses in the matter, prompting the formal closure of the DSS case.
Following the development, defence counsel, Mr Paul Erokoro, told the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish sufficient evidence against the former governor.
The defence subsequently sought two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution requested two weeks to respond.
The defence also applied for a variation of some of the bail conditions earlier granted to El-Rufai, describing them as stringent and difficult to meet.
They argued that the bail terms were too stringent, particularly the requirements for level 17 civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna state traditional council.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, insisting that qualified public officers who meet the conditions exist and urging the court to refuse the application.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the request to vary the bail conditions, ruling that there are civil servants who own properties at the said location.
The court, however, adjourned to September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and continuation of the trial.
In February, the federal government filed a three-count charge against the former governor of Kaduna State over an alleged interception of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu.
In a television interview, he confessed that he and other unnamed individuals listened to conversations from Mr Ribadu’s phone after it was tapped by a third party. While acknowledging that such interception is technically unlawful, he argued that illegal surveillance was not unusual.
However, the FG, through the secret police, filed charges against Mr El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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