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Concerns As Waste Threatens to Overrun Awka, the Anambra State Capital

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2 years ago

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With only about two months to change of government, there are clear signs that seem to suggest that the current government has perhaps been disserted. An elegant proof of this is the attitude of government officials towards their duty. Understandably, transition comes with its own demands and pressures which tend to affect work and work pace. But even that must not subject the people and the society to incredible stress and confusion that smacks of absence of government.

Awka, Nnewi, and especially Onitsha have had long-standing challenges with waste management. In fact, Onitsha at some point was so filthy that the city easily qualifies as the waste capital of Anambra State, if not the Southeast. With so many big markets, that feature thousands of sellers and buyers daily except on Sundays, in addition to at least over a million residents, waste generated in Onitsha is only better imagined. Close to Onitsha is Nnewi which also has some very popular and big markets, with a lot of imported products, some industries among others, plus waste generated by residents who are in their numbers. This also makes Nnewi only second to Onitsha in waste generation. Awka comes third and most of the wastes generated in Awka are from residents of the city who have now more than doubled from only a few years ago, and with that is the challenge of waste management in the capital city.

For the past few weeks, different waste dumps across Awka metropolis have been filled to the brim and overflowing to nearby roads. In many instances, the wastes have nearly blocked off roads completely. While in some cases, waste covers a better part of the roads such that commuters moving in both directions can only take turns to use the small portion left uncovered by waste. Every nook and cranny of Awka is dotted by piles of waste and this only is a reflection of the type of government we have in place. Otherwise, why must city administration, environmental management be abandoned because a new government is coming in?

It is unfortunate that governance suffers in our clime because we have not been able to systematize our government so that it does not revolve around people who are occupying government offices, per time. Under that prevailing circumstance, there can hardly be any sustainable progress because each time, the system depends on the political allegiance or emotions, biases, and other considerations personal to the occupant of a public office, to be able to function and deliver or hinder results.

The tragedy, however, is that the people seem to be comfortable with the situation to the point of giving excuses for this failure, hopeless and yet expecting the worst. For instance, a businesswoman whose shop is at the point of being covered by waste overflowing from the dumpsite at Udoka Estate in Awka said that the situation is expected considering that the current government is leaving. ‘We will soon have a new government. this one now is tired and cannot do much again, look at my shop, it is as if I am selling this waste’, she said. People are angry, yet moving on and adjusting as if nothing is happening.

As of the time of this write-up, feedback could not be secured from the Ministry of Environment or the Anambra State Waste Management Agency – ASWAMA. However, the former Chairman of ASWAMA regretted that what is happening now was exactly what led to his resignation in February 2021. While resigning, ‘I noted with sadness non-funding of waste management by the government. I used my personal money and at other times, borrowed money from friends and family, to do government work…I hope that the incoming government of Prof. Soludo will take waste management very seriously’, Philip Chinwuba said. Regretting that the approach the government took did not solve the problem, Chinwuba noted that engaging private contractors as waste managers as it is obtained now may be a smart way of shifting blames but does not solve the problem of waste management.

This therefore only perhaps suggests that there is no solution in view pending when the new government takes over from Governor Obiano on March 17, 2022, by which time the whole of Awka and indeed Onitsha and Nnewi might have been swallowed up by filth and dirt and trash and refuse. This can only get even more perplexing as the rainy season draws closer. As of now, waste have already blocked some drainage and water channels, which will increase the chances of flooding in the coming months. The question remains, for how long will governance and public good be sacrificed on the altar of politics and in this particular instance, political transition?

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Houston

8th Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival, Nigerian Exhibit Set to Takeover Downtown Houston

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2 days ago

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July 25, 2024

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Houston, Texas – July 22, 2024 – The 8th annual Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival is set to light up Downtown Houston with unapologetic fashions, rich cultural displays, and lively masquerade performances on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This highly anticipated event celebrates Nigeria’s diverse heritage and contributions to the cultural landscape of Houston.

The festivities will commence with a parade through the streets of Downtown Houston near the Toyota Center, featuring traditional Nigerian attire, music, and dance. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Nigeria’s rich cultural traditions at the festival near Root Memorial Square, enjoying a variety of activities, including traditional dance performances, music, art exhibits, and West African cuisine.

This year brings an exciting addition to the celebration! The Nigerian Exhibit at Houston City Hall is proudly presented in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs under the theme “Feels Like Home”, highlighting the city’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity and unity. This exhibit will be open to the public from October 21, 2024 to January 3, 2025, showcasing Nigeria’s history, art, and cultural milestones.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs to bring the Nigerian Exhibit to Houston City Hall,” said Jane Brown, Founder of Culturally Naija. “This exhibit, alongside our annual parade and festival, offers a wonderful opportunity for Houstonians to experience and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.”

Event Details:
Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival:
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Downtown Houston (1400 Clay Street, Houston, Texas 77002

Nigerian Exhibit at Houston City Hall/City Hall Annex:
Date: October 21, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002

The Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and preserving Nigerian culture in Houston. The event is organized under the aegis collaboration by Culturally Naija and WeLead, Inc.

For more information about the event, please visit www.nigeriaculturalparade.com or follow the event on social media.

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Education

Nigerian Appointed First Female Chancellor of the University of Birmingham

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2 weeks ago

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July 14, 2024

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Nigerian, Sandie Okoro OBE has been appointed by the University of  Birmingham as its new Chancellor. With her appointment, she becomes the first female to be appointed chancellor by the university since its establishment over 100 years ago.

Okoro, a lawyer and diversity expert is currently the Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered where she leads the Bank’s Legal, Group Corporate Secretariat, and Shared Investigative Services functions.

Okoro will succeed Lord Bilimoria of Chelse CBE who will step down after 10 years in the role on July 10.

Speaking on her appointment, she said:

I am truly honoured and delighted to be appointed Chancellor. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to give a little something back to the amazing University that has given so very much to me and my family.

“The wonderful University of  Birmingham is the alma mater to three generations of the Okoros, my mum, me and my son. So my connection to it is very special indeed. I have followed the University’s outstanding progress very closely since my days there as a student on a full grant back in the 1980s – its dedication to impactful research, its focus on creating an inclusive environment for talented, minority students and educational excellence are themes very close to my heart.

Okoro, an alumna of the University of Birmingham is a graduate of Law and Politics qualifying as a barrister at the City, University of London. She has held roles as Head of Legal for Corporate Services at Schroders, Global General Counsel at Barings, and General Counsel for HSBC Global Asset Management. Okoro was also Senior Vice-President and General Counsel, and Vice-President for Compliance, for the World Bank Group.

She is a 2024 officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and an Honorary Bencher of the Middle Temple.

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Houston

Hurricane Beryl: Wazobia postpones family fanfare slated for this weekend  

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2 weeks ago

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July 14, 2024

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As Houston slowly struggles to recover after Hurricane Beryl left millions without power, the Wazobia Wazobia African Market has postponed its annual family fanfare, set to take place on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

The deadly storm slammed into Texas early Monday, knocking out power to nearly 3 million homes and businesses, unleashing heavy rain, and killing at least 11 people before it weakened to a tropical depression.

Mr. Tunde Fasina, the owner of Wazobia, said that a new date for this event will be announced. “While we sympathize and pray for all those affected by this storm, we wish everyone a safe recovery and will announce a new date for this event,” he said.

The Wazobia family fanfare and Customer Appreciation event has become a beloved summer tradition, offering a diverse range of activities for both adults and children to enjoy. The festivities include a variety of games, live Afrobeat music, and a dedicated kid’s zone to keep the whole family entertained.

Established on June 18, 2013, Wazobia African Market has quickly become the premier African grocery store in Houston. The store is committed to promoting economic development, fostering community connections, and providing authentic products from various African cultures.

This free event will be held at the George Bush Park Pavilions located at 16756 Westheimer Pkwy, Houston, TX 77082. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day of celebration and appreciation!

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