A massive explosion sent a thick plume of white smoke billowing over Tyre province in southern Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon.

This event followed airstrikes by Israeli warplanes, which hit 20 different sites within a span of two minutes, including areas in central Beirut, shortly after an evacuation alert was issued.

These attacks occurred just hours ahead of a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, with officials from Israel, the US, Lebanon, and the international community expressing optimism about the situation.

Israel’s security cabinet even scheduled a vote to discuss the acceptance of a US-mediated ceasefire with Hezbollah.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the seven buildings hit in the airstrikes were allegedly associated with Hezbollah, supposedly utilized for financial management and storage.

The strikes resulted in the death of three individuals and injuries to 26 others in central Beirut, where local residents claimed the buildings were residential.

In response, Hezbollah started launching attacks into northern Israel, purportedly to show solidarity with the Palestinians, just a day after Hamas executed its attack on October 7, 2023, which led to the Gaza invasion.

Since then, both sides have been engaged in a continuous exchange of fire.

Situation in Lebanon continues to intensify

In early September, Israel intensified its bombardment campaign and deployed troops into Lebanon, promising to halt Hezbollah’s attacks.

According to Lebanese health officials, over 3,760 individuals, many of whom were civilians, have died from Israeli strikes in Lebanon over the past year.

The ongoing bombardment has displaced 1.2 million people from their residences. Israel claims to have eliminated more than 2,000 members of Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s actions have forced around 50,000 Israelis to evacuate their homes in the northern regions, with its rockets reaching as far south as Tel Aviv.

At least 75 individuals have lost their lives, with more than half being civilians. Additionally, over 50 Israeli soldiers have died in ground operations in Lebanon.

By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, November 26, 2024.

In recent times, concerns have been raised regarding the operations of Eastern Waste Management Company Limited (EWAMAC) and its partnership with the Imo State Government. While some narratives have been misleading, here are the verified facts about EWAMAC and its waste management and recycling project in Imo State:

1. The Recycling Plant Is Under Construction and Near Completion

EWAMAC is actively constructing a state-of-the-art recycling plant at Agbala. The plant’s infrastructure is at an advanced stage, signaling the company’s commitment to turning waste into valuable products. This facility will include:

An incinerating plant capable of generating electricity through an inbuilt turbine.

A waste sorting plant for separating recyclables like plastics, metals, and paper.

A composting plant for processing organic waste into fertilizers.

Plastic and metal recycling units.

2. Modern Waste Management Equipment Procured

EWAMAC has invested significantly in modern waste recycling machinery, which will be deployed immediately upon the plant’s completion. This includes specialized equipment to handle waste sorting, incineration, and recycling, ensuring Imo State embraces global best practices in waste management.

3. Privately Run Under a PPP Model

EWAMAC operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, meaning it is no longer funded by the Imo State Government. Similar to private companies like MTN or Glo, EWAMAC’s operations are based on a service-fee-driven model. This ensures sustainability without placing additional financial burdens on the state’s coffers.

4. Fair Billing Structure Based on Waste Generation

Contrary to claims of exorbitant charges, EWAMAC’s billing system is proportional to the volume of waste generated by each entity. For instance:

Businesses generating higher waste levels are charged accordingly.

Monthly reminders are sent to clients for four months before any enforcement action is taken.

Businesses are only sealed as a last resort when they refuse to pay for services rendered over an extended period.

5. Significant Economic and Environmental Benefits

Once operational, the Agbala recycling plant will:

Reduce environmental hazards by efficiently managing waste across the state.

Create job opportunities for residents in waste management and recycling sectors.

Provide electricity to neighboring communities through its incineration plant.

Promote sustainable practices by converting waste into reusable resources like compost and recyclable materials.

Addressing Misinformation:

It is essential to separate facts from sensationalized narratives. While challenges in any large-scale project are inevitable, EWAMAC remains committed to delivering world-class waste management solutions. Claims of extortion and non-performance are baseless when viewed against the ongoing construction progress and the tangible benefits the partnership promises for Imo State.

The Ministry of Environment, which has oversight functions regarding EWAMAC, has confirmed that it is effectively carrying out its duties in line with the relevant laws of the land. The Commissioner for Environment has reassured the public of the ministry’s dedication to ensuring EWAMAC adheres strictly to its responsibilities and delivers on its promises to the people of Imo State.

PRESS RELEASE

JOB RACKETEERING: POLICE ARREST FOUR SUSPECTS FOR FORGERY, JOB RACKETEERING AND IMPERSONATION

As Police Operatives Foil Kidnapping Attempt in Katsina State, Other States, Rescue 207 Kidnap Victims.

Following a report received from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and subsequent extensive intelligence gathering, operatives of the IGP-Special Investigation Unit have apprehended four (4) suspects alleged of criminal conspiracy, forgery of official documents, job racketeering, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretence.

The suspects, identified as Khuzaifa Tafida ‘m’, Zakari Abdullahi ‘m’, Abdullahi Baba ‘m’, and Adeyemo Morufu ‘m’, belong to a syndicate involved in forging classified documents emanating from Government Agencies/ Organizations in the bid to deceive unsuspecting victims and extort money from them under the guise of securing a job for them at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil and other agencies of the Federal Government.

The first and second suspects, Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi had forged a document resembling one emanating from the office of the National Chairman, All Progressive Congress and another document with semblance to one from the State House Abuja. The duo then proceeded to present the documents to the office of the Inspector-General of Police as recommendations in favour of 13 persons for the Nigeria Police 2022 Special Recruitment.

Upon receipt of these documents with suspicion, followed by a petition from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a discreet investigation was conducted, which led to the apprehension of Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi. Further investigation would then result in the arrest of the other suspects involved.

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their roles in the crime. They admitted to forging documents from several government offices to defraud unsuspecting victims, promising them enlistment and jobs at various Government Agencies. Some forged classified documents, stamps, the sum of One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand (N1,700,000) and other incriminating items, were recovered from them. With this new trend, members of the public are advised to be wary of such fraudulent elements and avoid dealing with persons and individuals offering assistance outside of due process.

In another development and still part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to combat any form of crime, the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina State intercepted a group of suspected armed bandits along the Magama-Jibia road, where they had accosted and attacked two (2) commercial vehicles in an attempt to kidnap the occupants.

The Police Operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel which compelled the armed and dreaded bandits to flee, resulting in the foiling of the kidnapping attempt and the rescue of fourteen (14) victims. Unfortunately, during the escape, two (2) of the victims sustained gunshot injuries from the assailants.

Similarly, on the 24th of November 2024, police operatives attached to the Kaduna State Police Command engaged a group of bandits in large number at Idasu Village, Kidandan LGA, Kaduna State and foiled another kidnapping attempt, successfully rescuing 89 victims and recovering 1 locally made AK-47 rifle and 5 rounds of live ammunition. This plus other foiled kidnapping attempts in Lagos, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Delta States are highly commendable as well.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., commends the efforts of the operatives of the Force for their exceptional display of gallantry, professionalism, and dedication to duty. The IGP further reiterates the commitment of the Force towards continual professionalism and dedication to the safety and security of our dear country.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

26TH NOVEMBER, 2024