The Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) has announced the cancellation of its scheduled monthly clean-up exercise for August 2025.

The exercise, originally slated for Saturday, August 30, has been called off to accommodate the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference being held in the city.

In an official statement released on Thursday, ESWAMA’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Joshua Ozioko, explained that the decision was made to prevent disruptions during the high-profile legal gathering, which has attracted thousands of delegates and dignitaries to Enugu.

“Although the clean-up exercise will not take place as planned, residents are strongly encouraged to uphold cleanliness standards before, during, and after the NBA Conference,” the statement read.

“This is essential in preserving Enugu’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s cleanest states.”

Despite the suspension of the clean-up day, ESWAMA confirmed that enforcement of environmental laws remains in force.

Offences such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse, disposing of waste outside the approved hours (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm), scavenging at dumpsites, and littering from moving vehicles or tricycles will continue to attract penalties.

The agency also reminded residents of their civic duty to pay sanitation levies through the designated e-ticketing agents, noting that non-compliance could result in sanctions.

ESWAMA called on the public to cooperate with sanitation officials and support efforts to keep Enugu clean and environmentally safe throughout the duration of the conference and beyond.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert over the discovery of counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk in Nigerian markets.

According to a statement posted on the agency’s website, the fake milk product closely resembles the genuine Cowbell “Our Milk” packaging and branding, including the use of Promasidor Nigeria Ltd’s name, logo, trademark, and even the NAFDAC registration number.

Promasidor, the official manufacturer of Cowbell milk, reported the issue to NAFDAC, confirming that the counterfeit sachets use an outdated packaging design the company stopped using in September 2023.

The company clarified that it has no connection with the fake product.

NAFDAC highlighted several differences to help the public distinguish between the real and fake versions:

• Genuine Cowbell milk uses the updated “Our Creamy Goodness” PNG artwork.
• Real batch numbers are laser-printed and positioned within a designated coding area.
• The sachets are sealed and cut automatically.
• In contrast, the counterfeit product features older packaging with the “Our Milk” label.
• Batch numbers are printed using ink and appear in incorrect locations.
• Manual sealing and cutting were observed, and the contents are suspicious in appearance and quality.

NAFDAC has stressed that consuming this fake milk could be dangerous.

Potential risks include allergic reactions, food poisoning, organ damage, and in extreme cases, death.

Vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly at risk.

To tackle the spread, NAFDAC has directed all its zonal and state offices to intensify surveillance and remove the counterfeit products from circulation.

The agency also urged consumers, retailers, and distributors to only source products from licensed suppliers and remain vigilant about food safety.

Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicious food items to NAFDAC through its toll-free number (0800-162-3322), by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or via the reporting platforms on the agency’s website.

For any adverse health events related to counterfeit products, reports can also be submitted to pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and warned that the circulation of fake food products would not be tolerated.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has commissioned the newly rebuilt Hotel Presidential, a historic landmark in the state, promising to restore other moribund public assets and transform Enugu into a hub for investment, tourism and leisure.

The commissioning ceremony, which took place on Thursday at the hotel premises in Enugu, marked a symbolic step in Mbah’s broader economic revitalization agenda.

Built under Dr. Michael Okpara’s administration and originally commissioned in 1963, the Hotel Presidential once stood as a beacon of the Eastern Region’s pride, resilience, and economic ambition.

However, the iconic hotel fell into a state of disrepair, remaining moribund for over 15 years due to mismanagement and neglect.

Governor Mbah, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the people of Enugu for their trust in his administration.

He reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the visions of the state’s founding fathers by breathing new life into long-abandoned infrastructure.

“This iconic structure has been transformed into a world-class hospitality facility. Enugu is now open for business. This is part of our audacious plan to position the state as Nigeria’s top destination for living, investment, and tourism,” the governor declared.

Mbah noted that the project aligns with his promise to create employment opportunities, tackle poverty, and convert dormant public assets into engines of economic growth.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, described Governor Mbah as a “silent achiever” and stated that the revamped Hotel Presidential would significantly boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and enhance its global image.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects linked to various criminal activities in Enugu metropolis within a span of one week.

Disclosing this at a press briefing on Friday, the Enugu State NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Elijah Willie, said the arrests were part of intensified efforts by the Corps to rid the state of crime, particularly vandalism, theft and attacks on security personnel.

According to the commandant, two suspects were apprehended on August 19 and 20 during routine patrols for vandalizing streetlight armoured cables.

One was caught at Nkpokiti Roundabout around 8 pm, while the other was arrested at Nza Street, both in Enugu city.

Tools including a saw and iron rod were recovered as evidence.

In another operation, on August 22 at about 1:30 am, operatives arrested a 27-year-old man at Golf Estate, Enugu, caught in the act of cutting galvanised street poles.

The same day, two additional suspects were detained at the Auditor-General’s Office in Enugu.

They face charges of robbery, assaulting an NSCDC officer and damaging government property.

Among them was an 18-year-old identified as a member of a five-man gang known for terrorizing residents and destroying public infrastructure.

Dr. Willie emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court once completed.

He also noted that efforts are underway to arrest other members of the gang still at large.

“This should serve as a warning, there will be no safe haven for criminals in Enugu under my leadership,” Willie declared.

“Anyone caught engaging in vandalism, robbery, or criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law.”

He further urged citizens to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies, especially ahead of the upcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Conference, scheduled to hold in Enugu from August 25 to 30.

“We call on all residents to report suspicious activities through the 112 emergency line or directly to security agencies. Together, we can build a safer Enugu State.” he added.