Plans to unveil an ambitious strategy to decommission notorious dump sites across Lagos state in the wake of air pollution and cholera outbreak within the next 18 months is to commence.
In a stark revelation on the nature of air quality in Lagos, findings revealed the alarming extent of air pollution in Lagos. In a 15-kilometer run from Maryland to Ikeja which not only brought community together but also collected real-time data, revealing no areas with good air quality and highlighting severe pollution along major routes, the findings, with air quality ranging from moderate to very unhealthy air, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive action to combat the hazardous air conditions threatening the health of Lagos residents.
By Collins Odigie Ojiehanor
The protest, a testament to the power of unity and collective action, sent a clear message to the government: that the intimidation and harassment of journalists will no longer be tolerated. The arbitrary arrests, detentions, and harassment of journalists have become all too familiar in Nigeria, with many facing trumped-up charges and intimidation tactics for simply doing their job.
By Collins Odigie Ojiehanor
The Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas presided.
. . . 30,000 medical doctors necessary to meet its healthcare needs . . .
as Africa contends with the challenges of rapid urbanization and industrialization, air quality management has become a critical public health and environmental concern. With cities expanding at an unprecedented pace and industrial activities intensifying, the continent faces a pivotal moment where sustainable development must be balanced with the imperative of safeguarding air quality.
Across Africa, air pollution levels are rising alarmingly, posing significant health risks to millions of residents. Chief pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone, are increasingly being detected in urban and peri-urban areas. These pollutants, emanating from sources such as vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, open burning of waste, and domestic cooking practices, contribute to a toxic atmospheric cocktail that threatens respiratory health and exacerbates climate change.
By Ejiro Umukoro and Collins Odigie Ojiehanor
The Silent Crisis of Air Pollution and Infant Mortality is a cause for concern to us at LightRay! Media.
In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, the air carries a hidden menace—one that silently claims lives and leaves a trail of devastation. According to a 2019 report by the Clean Air Fund, nearly 23,900 premature deaths in Lagos were directly linked to air pollution. Shockingly, this toll surpasses fatalities from malaria and HIV/AIDS combined.
But the impact extends beyond Lagos. At the national level, air pollution-related deaths reached a staggering 198,000, outpacing malaria fatalities (191,000) and more than doubling those caused by HIV/AIDS (82,000). These numbers paint a grim picture of a crisis that demands urgent attention.
Air pollution is the unseen threat to new lives
When pregnant mothers breathe in polluted air, harmful impurities infiltrate the placenta, affecting fetal organ development. By the time these babies enter the world, they bear the burden of poor air quality—a burden that can be fatal. Indeed, air pollution now ranks as the second largest risk factor for neonatal death.
But it’s not just neonates who suffer. Over 700,000 children worldwide succumb annually due to the insidious effects of air pollution. The heaviest burden falls on Africa and South Asia, where young lives hang in the balance.
As we grapple with this invisible menace, we must recognize that every breath matters. The air we breathe shapes our future, and safeguarding it is a collective responsibility. Let us raise our voices, advocate for cleaner air, and protect the most vulnerable among us—our children.
This is our editorial position. Our correspondent, Collins Odigie Ojiehanor and Publisher, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, provides more insight into this investigative report.
Picture of the a metal scrap worker burning insulated copper wires to collect copper in Ghana. Credit: Muntaka Chasant / Wikimedia Commons
The #DontPoliceMySpeech protest at the Federal Ministry of Justice saw a remarkable turnout! We were thrilled to see a large number of young journalists, under 30, passionately advocating for press freedom. The significant representation of women, outnumbering men, was an encouraging sign of a brighter future for journalism an women’s advocacy within the media landscape. As we fight for the rights of journalists and citizens alike, it’s heartening to see the next generation of journalists stepping up to carry the baton. Together, we’ll ensure the power of the pen and voice never fades. #All4One&One4All” – ED, LightRay! Media.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu presided.
There is a need to declare a state of emergency on the significance of transforming air quality management in Africa and addressing the health risks associated with air pollution.
Data suggests that Lagos is a highly populated city with a pollution hovering between 12 million to 21 million. With the recent flood crisis, the wellbeing of inhabitants has become the number one concern. And this is not just in Lagos, as cyclic climate change has ushered in a new global review of what climate and weather means today.
African cities are coming together in Lagos to address air pollution, a major challenge in the city. Lagos, with a population of over 21 million according to WHO, faces air quality issues due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, open burning of waste, and domestic cooking practices.
The direct impact of the lives of humans, animals, and plants is devasting. Air pollution can lead to respiratory infections, heart diseases, stroke, lung cancer, environmentally induced asthma, increased risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and neurological conditions in humans and other animals as well.
LightRay! Media is at the forefront of championing the voices of leaders in this field in this important discussion as a matter of mainstream call-to-action by everyone no matter their country. The mantra: “All for one, one for all” is perhaps an approach all must adopt to ensure we keep our planet, this beautiful earth safe for ourselves and every other living and existing thing that is part of this circle of life.
In this investigative report by the Editor-in-Chief and Special Correspondent, Ejiro Umukoro and Collins Odigie Ojiehanor respectively, this feature uncovers critical DEVCOMM approaches to addressing these issues. It will take a collective effort on the part of everyone to create a cleaner, safer, saner, healthy, and prosperous society.
Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the world, represents both the promise and perils of rapid urbanization. With a growing population exceeding 14 million, Lagos is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, businesses, and opportunities. However, this sprawling metropolis is also faced with significant urbanization challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and the relentless impacts of climate change.