The NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Taskforce, Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, also said the agency would work to ensure that fake cosmetics and other counterfeit products were completely wiped out of the country.
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World Water Day: NBC reinforces commitment to water stewardship goals
In observance of World Water Day 2024, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting and accelerating sustainable clean water preservation and stewardship across its plants.
The company hosted a water sustainability forum with its partners and stakeholders recently, in response to the United Nations’ call for increased action to tackle the global water crisis.
During the forum, discussions were centred around raising awareness of the importance of water conservation in fostering global stability and its pivotal role in fostering peace, prosperity, and conflict prevention.
These efforts are also in accordance with this year’s theme – “Water for Peace,” and aligns with NBC’s Mission 2025 commitment aimed at achieving sustainable development in host communities.
National Environment Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company, Temitope Ogunrinde said, “At NBC, we are committed to the cause of water sustainability and stewardship. We recognise the indispensable role water plays in our lives and this is why we prioritise using water in environmentally sustainable ways, benefiting both the environment and the communities where we operate.”
Emphasising the company’s commitment towards initiatives that foster responsible water usage and highlight the importance of collaboration with stakeholders for preserving water as a shared resource, he said, “Over the years and across all our plants, we have instituted effluent treatment plants and water efficiency initiatives such as rigorous monitoring of our water usage and promptly repairing leaks.
“By 2025, we aim to reduce water use in plants located in water risk areas by 20 percent. However, we acknowledge that achieving water stewardship requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Through collective action with our stakeholders, we are working towards the implementation of sustainable practices that ensure the preservation of this vital resource for both present and future generations.”
Production Manager, NBC, Confidence Ebo noted, “Given the environmental challenges impacting water quality, the pursuit of ‘Our World Without Waste’ agenda has become even more imperative, as we actively adopt lightweight packaging, exploring alternative materials, and implement recycling initiatives.
“Through these concerted efforts, we are working to not only mitigate the impact of plastics on water resources but to also foster a more sustainable future for generations to come,” she added.
The Deputy Director of Sanitation and Hygiene, at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mrs. Caroline Aladekomo expressed her appreciation for the proactive steps taken by the Nigerian Bottling Company in addressing water sustainability challenges.
She highlighted the significance of such collaborations between private entities and government agencies in achieving meaningful progress towards water sustainability and stewardship goals.
The event had high-level executives, dignitaries, and industry leaders from the private sector, government agencies, and departments in attendance. Among the notable attendees were Assistant Director of the Sanitation and Hygiene department, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Folasade Adeyoju Olatunde; Head of Corporate Engagement, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Aramide Olaniyan; Director of Laboratory Services, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Olabisi Shonibare, amongst others.
Over the last decade, NBC has made water stewardship one of the drivers of its sustainable manufacturing priorities. The company has made noteworthy progress in its efforts to minimise its water consumption, achieving an 18 percent reduction in its water use ratio.
In 2019, the organisation refurbished the Kano State Water Board Laboratory in Panshekara, equipping it with cutting-edge water testing technology, along with installing two tube wells to provide clean water to more than 300,000 individuals residing in the Madobi area and Challawa community. In addition, NBC has donated 22.5 million litres of water back to its host communities, underscoring its commitment to sustainable water management practices.
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Invoke executive order for state, LG police, Afenifere tells Tinubu
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, on Saturday, urged President Bola Tinubu to invoke an Executive Order for the establishment of state and local government Police.
Afenifere, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi,in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also called for the erection of close-circuit television sets and deployment of modern technology for security purposes in strategic locations to end insecurity.
Ajayi said, “There are indications that Tinubu is desirous of putting an end to this deleterious menace. Towards the end of January this year, he approved the procurement of digital tracking tools to enhance the apprehension of bandits, terrorists and armed robbers.
“On Monday, April 22, this year, he used the occasion of addressing participants at the African Counter-Terrorism Summit which opened on that day in Abuja to assure everyone of his government’s readiness to ensure greater security. Unfortunately, recent happenings have not shown that the President’s desire in this respect is being worked upon.
“President Tinubu should get state and local government police off the ground immediately through the invocation of an Executive Order while the process of amending the Constitution continues.
“Close circuit television sets, deployment of modern technology for security purposes including drones must be effected immediately.”
He explained that the statement was motivated by the recent reports of banditry and kidnapping in Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Zamfara and Niger States, respectively which made a research organization declare Nigeria as one of the top nations where kidnap ranks highest globally.
Ajayi noted that Fulani herders and farmers’ clashes kept occurring in Osun, Ondo and Oyo State; Otu, Igbeti and Alaga in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State were the latest victims.
The Afenifere spokesperson also said, “In order to end insecurity, enhance people’s welfare and ensure the sustenance of Nigeria as one of the top investment destinations in Africa as desired by the government, there is the urgent need by the Federal Government and security agencies to be more innovative and decisive.”
He lamented that banditry, including armed robbery, kidnapping was still occurring on South-West roads such as Lagos-Ibadan, Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode; Akure-Ilesa-Ibadan; Ore-Ijebu Ode-Lagos, Ikirun-Osogbo-Ilesa; Lokoja-Abuja, Owo-Benin and Ibadan-Iseyin-Saki.
“Latest reports have it that on Monday, May 13 instant, eight cocoa farmers were kidnapped at Marindoti Cocoa Farmers’ settlement in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. Three students of Millicent Secondary School in the same area on their way to write their Senior Secondary School Examination, were also kidnapped at the same time.
“A sum of N31 million was reportedly paid to ransom three people who were kidnapped at Longe village on Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road last week Sunday. On Thursday, May 16, one Seliat Adeniji (nee Raji) was kidnapped in her Ebedi home in Iseyin, Oyo State. Her guard was killed in the process.
“Hon Bello Hassan representing Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives last Tuesday claimed that terrorists have sacked about 50 communities and abducted over 500 people in his area of Zamfara State as bandits overran Zurmi, the second most populous town in the state killing palace officers as well as policemen.”
To put a serious check on all these, the Afenifere spokesman said that there was an urgent need to dig deep into the roots of the menace and to be decisive in applying the necessary measures.
News
NAFDAC shuts cosmetic shops in Lagos, seizes counterfeit products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut three shops and raided others during a clampdown on the sale of unregistered “Dr. Teal’s” brand of cosmetics in Lagos State.
The agency disclosed this in a post on its X handle on Saturday, stating that the action came after a complaint from the trademark holder.
The statement read, “NAFDAC has shut down three cosmetics shops and raided others, targeting the sale of unregistered ‘Dr. Teal’s’ brand cosmetics. This action follows a complaint from the trademark holder regarding potential counterfeit products.
“Two suspected shops along Excellent Line at the Trade Fair Complex were targeted, resulting in sealed shops and invitation letters issued to attendants.”
It added that another development unfolded at Okas Global Link Limited where NAFDAC confiscated over 200 cartons of various Dr. Teal’s products and other unregistered cosmetics, suspecting them to be the source of distribution.
A shop identified as Cubana Stores at Phil Hallmark Plaza was also reported to have been sealed for stocking and selling the moisturising body and bath products of the alleged unregistered Dr. Teal’s brand.
NAFDAC added that according to its regulations, shop owners found guilty of selling unregistered products face penalties of up to ₦5m fine.
It said shop owners were also being questioned as part of ongoing investigations.
In the statement, the agency emphasised the health risks associated with fake cosmetics, stating the potential dangers of using products containing harmful substances.
News
Traders, soldiers clash at Banex Plaza in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed intelligence officers to Banex – an electronics and telecommunications gadgets market, in Abuja following a conflict that ensued between soldiers and some traders on Saturday.
A viral video seen by our correspondent on X on Saturday showed a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all fight at Banex.
The Defence Headquarters, and the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu could not be reached for comments as of press time.
Meanwhile, a trader who simply identified himself as Abdul, told our correspondent on Saturday that the conflict ensued over the sale of a mobile phone.
“There’s a problem at Banex now. Some soldiers came to complain about a phone, and during an argument with the traders, a fight ensued,” Abdul simply revealed.
When contacted over the development, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh said the Commissioner of Police, Benett Igweh has deployed officers of the FCT Intelligence Response Team to the scene of the incident.
“The CP has deployed the Intelligence Response Team to the scene,” Adeh confirmed.
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