Lagos Relaunches Cash For Trash Program To Reward Residents For Recycling

The Lagos State Government has relaunched its “Cash for Trash” programme, inviting residents to earn money by turning household waste into cash while helping keep the city clean. Managed by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in partnership with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the initiative encourages residents to bring recyclable materials such as plastics, cans, and paper to designated collection points in exchange for cash rewards. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the scheme in a statement and video shared on his X handle on Monday, noting that payments are made every Thursday to participants who deliver sorted recyclables. “Did you know your trash can turn into cash? Our #Lawma_gov Recycling Team is on the ground in Lagos Island, showing communities how to make it happen! We’re rewarding residents every Thursday for helping us keep Lagos clean and green. It’s a win for your wallet and a win for our city! Get involved and see the value in your waste,” Wahab said. The video shows LAWMA officials weighing bags of recyclables on portable scales and handing cash directly to residents. According to Wahab, the programme not only provides financial incentives but also helps reduce environmental pollution, promote recycling habits, and curb the effects of climate change in Lagos. Residents are encouraged to participate and turn waste into both income and a cleaner environment for the city.

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Clifford University Names New Hostel After Davido’s Late Mother, Dr Veronica Adeleke

Clifford University in Abia State has paid a touching tribute to Nigerian music star Davido’s late mother, Dr Veronica Adeleke, by naming a new hostel building after her — an honour the singer proudly commissioned himself. Sharing the emotional moment on Instagram, Davido reflected on how deeply it connected to his purpose and his mother’s lifelong commitment to education and compassion. “Standing before the graduating class of Clifford University today giving the commencement speech, I felt something bigger than music. I saw a generation ready to change everything,” he wrote. He spoke about purpose, resilience, and the responsibility young Africans carry in shaping the continent’s future. “When I looked into their faces, I saw the same fire that built me, that hunger to be seen, to make something out of nothing, to turn pain into power. I told them that talent might open the door, but purpose gives it meaning.” Davido described his late mother as the foundation of his drive and empathy, noting that her values continue to guide his journey. “My mother, Dr. Veronica Adeleke, was a teacher, a giver, a woman who believed that education and compassion could change lives. Everything I am — the music, the drive, the heart — came from her.” He said inaugurating the hostel was a continuation of her mission to uplift others through love and learning. “Walking through that building and seeing the smiles of the students who will live there, I realized this was more than a tribute. It was a continuation of her purpose — turning love into legacy, one life at a time.” Davido ended his message with a reflection on legacy and hope: “Even when our parents are gone, their lessons remain alive in what we build, in who we lift, and in how we love. This one’s for her, for every young African chasing their dream, and for everyone who believes we can rise higher, together. We rise by lifting others.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Davido (@davido)

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Tension In Abuja As Security Operatives Fire Live Rounds To Disperse Pro-Kanu Protesters

Protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were dispersed in chaos on Monday after security operatives allegedly fired live bullets near the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The demonstration, which began around 6:50 a.m. at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters, was led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). According to Daily Trust, personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had tightened security around major government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, and Eagle Square. The protesters, who had earlier vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s freedom, were met with heavy resistance as they approached the Court of Appeal area. Witnesses said security operatives opened fire, sending protesters running in panic. At first, the demonstrators believed the officers intended to use tear gas, but shock spread when live rounds were discharged from multiple directions. Before the gunfire, Sowore and other protesters were heard pleading with the police, shouting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have the right to protest, we’re Nigerians.” The situation quickly descended into chaos as protesters fled in different directions to avoid the bullets. As of press time, armoured vehicles and personnel from the Guards Brigade, DSS, and police remained stationed at strategic locations near the Presidential Villa and surrounding government buildings.

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Education Ministry Denies Snubbing 15-Year-Old Nigerian Math Whiz Chosen For China Olympiad

The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports that it failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian student who allegedly qualified to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. The clarification followed public outrage sparked by a post from Educare’s Chief Executive Officer, Alex Onyia, who accused the ministry of denying financial support to the student, identified as Agbo Adoga from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt. Onyia claimed the refusal prevented the teenager from attending the global mathematics competition. In his post on X, Onyia wrote, “Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, just informed me that Agbo Adoga qualified to represent Nigeria in the International Maths Olympiad in China. Nigerian Ministry of Education said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend. Nigeria lost again!” However, in a press statement released on Sunday, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Feo Folasade, denied receiving any official correspondence requesting sponsorship for the student. “The Federal Ministry of Education wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of the report circulating online regarding a supposed sponsorship request for a 15-year-old student said to have qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China,” the statement said. It further explained that no document or communication from any recognised institution or body was found in the ministry’s records regarding the alleged sponsorship. The ministry also urged members of the public to disregard unverified information and ensure that all education-related matters are confirmed through its official channels. Reaffirming its dedication to promoting excellence, the ministry stated that it remains committed to encouraging and supporting outstanding students through proper and transparent procedures.

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Hairstylist Dies By Suicide After Discovering Boyfriend’s Infidelity

A 22-year-old hairstylist, Odama Mary Agado, has reportedly taken her own life in Enugu after discovering that her boyfriend was unfaithful. Mary, who hailed from Woleche-Ipuole, Yahe Ward in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, allegedly ingested a poisonous substance, believed to be sniper, following the emotional shock. She had been living and working in Enugu, where she was reportedly doing well in her hairstyling business. According to sources, Mary had even bought a car and rented an apartment for her boyfriend, highlighting the depth of her care and commitment. A family member, Daniel, said Mary visited her boyfriend last Friday and found him with another woman in the apartment she had secured for him. Heartbroken, she returned to her own apartment and called her mother, reportedly saying she could not continue living. Her mother, unable to return the call due to lack of airtime, later received word that Mary had ingested poison and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, she was pronounced dead later that day. Mary’s body was taken back to her hometown in Yala, where she was buried immediately on Saturday. “We buried her right away. She was too young for a prolonged burial process. Some believe spiritual forces were involved, but nothing can bring her back now,” the family source said. The family decided not to involve the police, considering the death a suicide. The tragic event has left residents of Enugu and Yala in shock and has reignited discussions about mental health awareness and the importance of emotional support for young people.

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Federal Government Confirms Mathematics Still Mandatory For All O-Level Students

Federal Government Confirms Mathematics Still Mandatory For All O-Level Students

The Federal Government has clarified that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for O-Level examinations in Nigeria. The clarification came in a statement on Sunday by Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, following public confusion over earlier remarks suggesting that students in the arts and humanities might not need a credit in Mathematics for tertiary admissions. Earlier in the week, Boriowo had announced that some tertiary programmes could admit students without a credit in English or Mathematics. The announcement sparked debate, with critics arguing it could lower academic standards and encourage students to take the subjects less seriously. In the latest statement, Boriowo emphasized that all students are still required to register and sit for both Mathematics and English Language in their O-Level exams. “All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement said. She clarified that the adjustment only affects admission requirements, allowing some institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit in one of the subjects is not mandatory. The Ministry said the reform is part of the Federal Government’s effort to promote equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while noting that Mathematics and English remain crucial for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. Students, parents, and stakeholders were urged to rely on official government channels for accurate updates on education policies. When asked if this represented a reversal of the earlier position, Boriowo said, “No, it’s not a U-turn — it’s a clarification of the admission requirements aimed at expanding access to tertiary education.”

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UK-based Public Health Assistant Arrested for Drug Trafficking

Consignments of illicit drugs concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs and female clothes heading to the United States, United Kingdom and Democratic Republic of Congo have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a courier company in Lagos. At least, two suspects linked to attempts to export the illicit substances have already been taken into custody. One of them, a cargo agent Boladale Riliwan was arrested on 7th October 2025 following the discovery of 15 parcels of skunk, a strain of cannabis, concealed in 10 pieces of giant rechargeable electrical bulbs he presented in a carton for airfreight to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the export shed of the Lagos airport. Another suspect in custody is 48-year-old Olawale Oyebola Hakeemot who is a UK-based Public Health Assistant. She was arrested on Sunday 12th October at the departure hall of terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja following the discovery of frozen snails used to conceal 2,300 pills of tramadol 225mg in her luggage while heading to Manchester, United Kingdom, on a Qatar Airways flight. Attempt by another syndicate to export 810 pills of bromazepam hidden in female clothes going to the United States was also thwarted by NDLEA officers at a courier company in Lagos on Thursday 16th October.

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Tears As Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu Is Laid To Rest In Agulu

Tears As Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu Is Laid To Rest In Agulu

It was a heartbreaking scene on Saturday as family, friends, and colleagues gathered in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, to bid farewell to late Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie.” The funeral Mass took place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, and drew mourners from different parts of Nigeria who came to honour the journalist whose life was tragically cut short. Her body was later laid to rest around 1:30 p.m. amid tears and tributes. Among the mourners was former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who joined others to pay his respects. In his sermon, Reverend Father Peter Ezewuzie of St. Theresa’s Parish urged the grieving family to take comfort in the belief that Sommie lived a meaningful life and fulfilled her purpose. “The Lord who created us knows the beginning and the end,” he said. “You may feel her life was cut short, but God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. He loves her more than you do. The best gift you can offer her now is your prayers. She lived a quality life, and that’s what truly matters.” Peter Obi described her death as a painful loss, emphasizing that no one could question God’s will. “We cannot question God,” he said. “When I first heard about her passing, I didn’t even know she was from Agulu. This is a huge loss, but it is the will of God. Before I left Birmingham yesterday, I told people I was rushing home for the burial of one of my daughters. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.” Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Sommie’s uncle, Mr. Obi Maduagwu, expressed deep appreciation to Arise News for their unwavering support since her death. “We sincerely thank the management of Arise News. They have stood by us from the very beginning,” he said. “We are also grateful to everyone who travelled from different places to mourn with us.” Somtochukwu Maduagwu tragically lost her life in September 2025 during an armed robbery attack at her home in Abuja, a tragedy that left colleagues and viewers across the country in shock.

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