News Agency of Nigeria
U.S. Consulate sponsors 100 youths for vocational, entrepreneurial training
Business

U.S. Consulate sponsors 100 youths for vocational, entrepreneurial training

By Kazeem Akande

The United States Diplomatic Mission has sponsored 100 youths in Lagos for vocational and entrepreneurial training, aimed at boosting self-reliance.

U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Will Stevens, on Thursday in Lagos, commended the youths for their resilience and determination during the training, emphasising the importance of entrepreneurial skills in the green economy job market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduands were offered certificates after three months of training at the Field of Skills and Dreams (FSD) Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship Training Institute, Agege.

The theme of the event is: “Life Entrepreneurship Skills for Green Economy Job”.

“I know Nigerian citizens are focused, hardworking and unwilling to give up under any circumstances.

“It’s very rear to see a Nigerian with one job. They work so hard with entrepreneurial skills with credible potential.

“That’s why the U.S. Consulate is sponsoring the youths in solar energy installations and fashion designers,” Steven said.

According to him, the training focuses on helping and equipping the youth with the green economy.

The U.S. Consul General added that vocations and skill acquisitions were what the people needed to be able to succeed in the 21st century.

The most amazing thing in this programme is the incredible entrepreneurial experience of the students with their dedications in promoting themselves and their community.

“At the same time, seeing that all of them have been gainfully employed, which mean ‘graduating on Friday and starting a job on Monday’ that’s exactly why we are so proud as a consulate to support such programme.

“We are also determined to tackle the challenges facing Nigerians and showcase our commitments to partnering with Nigeria,” he added.

Miss Oluwabusolami Yusuf, in her remarks, thanked the U.S. Consulate for sponsoring the vocational training.

“This is a great opportunity giving to us to be empowered and trained in various entrepreneurial skills.

“I am sure the programme will go a long way in making the youth self-reliant in our various fields of training,” she said.

Mr Muhammed Ibrahim, who was trained in solar energy installations, thanked the consul for helping the grassroots youth to benefit in such quality training.

“I really appreciate our sponsor and the institution involved.

“In fact, I really gained a lot in the training because presently, I have submitted three proposals to different clients where I am expecting a positive response from them. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

 

 

NYCN backs full implementation of expatriate employment levy
Metro

NYCN backs full implementation of expatriate employment levy

 

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Forum of the State Chairmen of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure full implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL).

The Chairman of the forum, Comrade Abdul-Quadri Abdul-Salam, made the appeal during a news conference on Tuesday in Ibadan.

Abdul-Salam said that EEL had the potential to expeditiously address both economic and security challenges facing the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EEL is a fee imposed on employers hiring expatriate staff in Nigeria. It serves to address specific socio-economic factors within the nation.

He said that recognising the escalating influx of foreign labour into the country, government deemed it necessary to introduce the EEL to balance economic expansion, social equity, and workforce enhancement.

According to him, EEL aims to regulate the employment of expatriates in Nigeria, while encouraging the recruitment and training of local talent, including young Nigerians.

“Imposing EEL will incentivise the hiring and development of Nigerian workers, thereby reducing dependence on foreign labour and fostering indigenous capacity building.

“While the EEL has garnered both acclaim and criticism, it remains a pivotal policy in nurturing local talent and fostering economic empowerment.

“NYCN Chairmen Forum wholeheartedly supports the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy in Nigeria, viewing it as a significant measure to ensure fair job access across the nation, particularly for Nigerian youth,” he said.

The chairman implored the relevant government ministries, departments agencies, and other stakeholders to endorse and diligently pursue the successful implementation of the EEL, for the benefit of Nigerians.

“We advocate for collaboration among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organisations to ensure the successful execution of the EEL.

“We want quick achievement of EEL objectives, thus fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for Nigerian youth, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development and economic growth,” he said.

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Alleged Defilement: Businessman docked for failing to produce suspect
Judiciary

Alleged Defilement: Businessman docked for failing to produce suspect

 

By Ngozi Njoku

A businessman, Robert Makolo, on Monday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, for failing to produce a suspect he stood surety for in a case of defilement.

Makolo had promised to produce the suspect, Paul, who is his brother in court by the adjourned date.

The Magistrate, Mr Lateef Owolabi, adjourned the case until May 30 for mention and to enable the defendant to produce the suspect.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Makolo had earlier been arraigned on Jan. 22 and stood trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and perversion of justice.

He had pleaded not guilty.

Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum who must produce evidence of 3 years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

He said that one of the sureties must be a blood relative.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, had told the court that Makolo stood in as surety on Nov 16, 2023, at the Anthony Police Station.

Ikhayere alleged that Makolo stood as a surety for his brother Paul, who was involved in a case of defilement.

She said that the defendant promised to produce his brother the suspect anytime his presence was required at the police station until the case was finally disposed of.

She said that the defendant undertook to produce the suspect on Nov. 30, 2023, but failed.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 97 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos.

Edited by Yakubu Uba/Sadiya Hamza

Lawyers back virtual hearing in Lagos, seek fee reduction
Judiciary

Lawyers back virtual hearing in Lagos, seek fee reduction

 

By Adenike Ayodele

Some lawyers have expressed optimism that the virtual hearing method introduced by the Lagos State judiciary will speed up dispensation of justice in the state.

They disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

They spoke against the backdrop of the N30,000 virtual hearing fee per session announced on March 28 by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba.

Mr Malachy Ugwummadu, a former National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, described it as gratifying to find a way around adopting technology to deal with some clauses affecting the dispensation of justice in the state.

Ugwummadu said Alogba had the constitutional power to make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the High Court of Lagos in accordance with Section 274 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended).

“The legality, constitutionality and validity of the Chief Judge to make regulations were derived from the constitutional provisions which allowed him to announce the virtual fee.

He said there was very little space for escape in relation to adopting technology and modern communication infrastructure as it further advanced the hierarchy of technological revolution, attending the process and procedure in court.

Ugwummadu, however, described the introduction of the fee as a two-way thing, saying that virtual hearing was more recognised in Lagos State.

According to him, there are no escape routes from adopting technology in judicial practice, as it helps in the enhancement of access to justice.

”For me, it is a two-way traffic, on one hand, it is gratifying that we have found a way around adopting technology to deal with some of the clause that we have had in past procedures.

“For instance, in those cases in which I had to bring these applications, I have some witnesses who have relocated to London but must they come back to Nigeria just because I intend to lead them in evidence for a maximum of 40 minutes?

“The answer is no, so we got the application. It was granted and the challenge was handled.

Secondly, where it becomes impracticable to have these witnesses to testify physically, the beauty of what is now available is that you can have the person virtually attended to from the comfort of wherever he is and it is about balancing at the end of the day,” he said.

Ugwummadu, however, urged the chief judge to take into cognizance human rights lawyers who took up pro bono cases.

“My argument is on both sides. On the first side, we are great, boasting to enjoy the beauty of technology and on the other hand is how does it poses a limitation to access to justice.

“I think that my lord, the Chief Judge, is able to factor into decision cases that we human rights activists handle pro bono.

“We pay for filing, service fee and the likes for pro bono cases and in addition to the virtual fee, I think it is a huge sum but if we take all of these into consideration, we will be able to strike the right balance,” he said.

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Ige Asemudara, also applauded the state judiciary for coming to terms with the need for virtual hearing of cases for the sake of speed and to proper management of manpower.

Asemudara, the founder of Mission Against Injustice in Nigeria, added that virtual proceedings would save cost for litigants.

According to him, virtual proceedings were basically introduced for speed and time management.

“Virtual proceeding was introduced because we needed to manage speed, time and reduce cost.

“It is a good thing that the Lagos State Judiciary has taken a step further.

“However, I am of the view that N30,000 is on a high side, though we are not forced to apply for it.

“The honourable chief judge should please look into it as there is a need to allow access to justice for both the rich, middle class and the poor.

“We should not look at it from the angle of counsel but from the angle of litigants who may not have the financial capacity to transport themselves to court to and fro,” he said.

Another Lagos lawyer, Mr Abdul Wahab, said that an equitable amount of money should be fixed for virtual hearing.

Wahab said that virtual hearing had made it easy for elderly people who could not afford the time and energy to give their evidence in the comfort of their homes.

He, however, said that the price should be reduced to boost accessibility.

NAN also reports an Information Technology (IT) firm, Global T & T New Solutions Ltd., which partnered the Lagos State judiciary on virtual court proceedings, said that the new development was geared towards leveraging on virtual /remote trial to enhance access to justice.

The remote court payments go to the judiciary purse but managed by Global T&T New Solutions.

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Zenith Bank to submit 2023 financial statement April 30
Business

Zenith Bank to submit 2023 financial statement April 30

By Rukayat Adeyemi
Zenith Bank Plc. on Thursday expressed  optimism that it would submit its 2023 full-year audited financial statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on or before April 30.
The Company Secretary, Zenith Bank Plc.,  Mr Michael Otu, stated this in a notification sent to the NGX in Lagos.

Companies listed on NGX are required to file their financial statements within 60 days of a year-end.

This is in line with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) directives and NGX RegCo’s Circular on the filing of fourth quarter unaudited financial statements.

Specifically, companies with a year-end date of Dec. 31 of any year should file their accounts on or before March 1 of the next year.

However, this rule comes with some exceptions, especially for commercial banks.

Otu said that the bank’s 2023 financial statement would be submitted to the NGX after receipt of approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He stated that the bank had submitted its audited financial statements and accounts to CBN for final approval.
According to him, Zenith  Bank envisaged a delay due to the fact that it recently concluded the component audit of its subsidiary companies.
“We have communicated this to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and NGX for extension of the time within which the bank will publish the audited financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023.
“The extension is to enable the bank  to receive all outstanding regulatory approvals relating to the component audit of the subsidiary companies,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
Academy trains 100 youths on photography
Entertainment

Academy trains 100 youths on photography

By Oladele Eniola

Mr Victor Okhai, Founder, International Film and Broadcast Academy (IFBA), has urged youths in the country to learn skills to achieve self-sustainability.

He said this would reduce the unemployment rate among the youth and develop the national economy as well as enhance self-reliance among them.

Okhai said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on the sideline of the conclusion of a five-day training of 100 up-and-coming photographers on the art of photography.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was held at the Academy Centre, in Surulere area of Lagos State.

He explained that the training would enhance skills of the participants and also help in filling the void of inadequate skills acquisition amongst the youth.

“We are training 100 photographers on the techniques of photography, as this is part of our mandate to offer free training to over 20 million people around the continent.

“Skills acquisition is very important as it plugs different holes and ensures that people can explore and use their skills set to use.

“We have been doing this type of training over the years and we are committed to ensuring that we empower the masses through these means and give people the platform to enhance and put their skills into use,” he said.

Okhia, who is also the President of Director Guild of Nigeria (DGN), revealed that the participants of the training were selected from faith-based organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and advert placement of Facebook.

He said that 2000 people in each state would be empowered before the half of the year, adding that collaborations with the Federal Government and NGOs will aid in spreading the outreach.

“We plan to spread the outreach to other parts of state as that is part of our mandate. So, collaboration with the government and its agencies would help us do more.

“We remain committed to ensuring that we play our part in ensuring that we impact the lives of the people through empowerment programme as this,” he said.

One of the participants, Mr Michael Adeyinka, who is a person with disability, applauded the training noting that it would help him develop a new skill.

Adeyinka, who is a Disc Jockey by profession, said,“I’m very glad I was able to do this training as I was always interested in enhancing my skills in photography, so, this was a great opportunity for me.”

 

Abaji Yahaja, an actress and movie producer, said the training would help in improving her photography skills as she has always known the basics about it. (NAN)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Folasade Adeniran

LUTH ‘ll continue to partner public/private institutions to achieve laudable goals – CMD
General News , Health

LUTH ‘ll continue to partner public/private institutions to achieve laudable goals – CMD

 

By Abiodun Azi

Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), says the institution will continue to partner public and private organisations to achieve its set goals.

 

Adeyemo said this during a news conference on Monday in Lagos to mark his one year in office.

 

“On assumption, l was faced with three major tasks of completion of projects by the last management, which I was a member for eight years.

“Pursuing my own vision as highlighted in my strategic plans, and pursuing the vision of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW).

“The FMOH&SW has developed a four point agenda to drive the objectives of this administration. The key vision behind the 4-point agenda of the Ministry was that of President Tinubu,’’ he said.

He read the agenda as improving quality of governance and leadership of hospital, regulatory capacity of agencies under the ministry, improving population health outcomes, promoting medical industrialisation and improving health security/investment in public health.

Adeyemo said that the present administration of LUTH under his leadership would continue to partner the leadership of the FMOH&SW and contribute its own quota toward achieving the laudable four- point agenda.

“The multi-million-naira NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre is the single largest Cancer Centre in West Africa, and has provided care to over 11,000 patients since 2019 when it was commissioned.

“Thereby, saving the country millions in foreign exchange that would have been expended on medical tourism. The Centre has 3 Linear Accelerators, a CT Simulator, Brachytherapy machine, and a Chemotherapy suite (containing 14 Chemotherapy chairs).

“LUTH is now a go-to Hospital for Cancer Management in West Africa and is even attracting clients from abroad.

“For comprehensive cancer care, Federal Government has also committed to building a state-of- the-art Nuclear Medicine Centre at the hospital, the first of its kind in a Public Hospital in Nigeria,” he said.

He assured the public of the institution’s commitment to providing qualitative and affordable healthcare to Nigerians.

He said that the institution was committed to the policies and programmes of the Federal Government and its parent ministry, targeted at reviving and upgrading the healthcare sector.

“The federal government has also made funds available to LUTH to upgrade endoscopic surgical services, urology and gastroenterology.

“Endoscopic procedure otherwise not possible a few years ago, are now being carried out in LUTH. Other hospitals now refer patients who require video-bronchoscopy to LUTH,’’ he said.

Adeyemo said that last month, LUTH became the first public tertiary hospital in Nigeria to perform Thoracoscopic primary repair of Oesophageal Fistula.

He said that this was a case of minimal access surgery performed on a 13-day-old baby, made possible with the increased funding by the federal government, commitment of the ministry of health and management of LUTH. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Folasade Adeniyi

FG to patronise local meter manufacturers to close metering gap
Economy/Business , General News

FG to patronise local meter manufacturers to close metering gap

By Yusuf Yunus

The Federal Government has pledged its commitment to patronising local meter manufacturers in boosting local content development and fostering growth in the industrial sector.

 

Mr Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, during a working visit to Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Ltd. (MEMMCOL), gave the assurance to local manufacturers investing in domestic production in Mowe, Ogun State.

 

Adelabu emphasised the importance of sustaining local producers through access to affordable funding and long-term capital

He said, “We will also prioritise patronage, ensuring sustainability in their operations, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed agenda.

“It is a must to have significant local content in power sector’s projects and contracts.”

He highlighted plans to introduce legislation mandating local content in the power sector, just like the oil and gas industry, stressing the necessity of comprehensive plans for full backwards integration and technical training.

Adelabu said: “That is the only way local producers can be sustained.

“But, we need to start developing capacity in terms of investment infrastructure and also ensure mass production.

“Need to develop local capacity to avoid importation.

“We must have comprehensive plan for full backward integration, so that the locally manufactured productst will be achieved.

“We need to start training our people in technical training.”

The minister outlined the Presidential Metering Initiatives’ target of installing two million to 2.5 million meters annually over the next five years.

According to him, initially to address significant metering gaps, stressing the need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

Commending MOMAS for its contributions to bridging the metering gap, Adelabu stated,  “MOMAS remain our proud local meter manufacturing company in Nigeria. Its investment in metering and other electrical equipment is topnotch.

“I visited the meters manufacturing company to see how they can be supported.

“lt’s part of my visit to see how they can be supported through the meter expansion programme of the Ministry of Power.

“We know that Nigeria is highly import dependence country, this are one of the reason our currency has lost vulues.

“lt one of the intention of government to ensure we are back on import substitution journey.

“The only way we can do this is to support local manufacturers, apart from support.

“We must also incentives them by providing conducive atmosphere that we make their production activities in terms of cost to be competitive,” Adelabu expressed.

He acknowledged MOMAS’s substantial investment in metering infrastructure and emphasised the importance of creating a conducive environment for local manufacturers to thrive.
Impressed by MOMAS’s commitment to local content, Adelabu promised to engage with regulatory bodies to expedite meter acquisition plans, underscoring the urgency of addressing the widening metering gap.
He urged other Nigerian businesses to emulate MOMAS’s dedication to local content development, emphasising the government’s commitment to promoting self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign goods.
In response, Mr Kola Balogun, Chairman of MOMAS, expressed appreciation for the minister’s support and stressed the need for sustained government commitment to local industries.
Balogun highlighted MOMAS’s capability in meter manufacturing and called for increased government support to facilitate raw material procurement and potentially explore export opportunities.
As the nation’s sole Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in meter production, he said that MOMAS is poised to meet Nigeria’s metering needs.
He advocated for continued government patronage to support its investment in the country’s industrial development.

We design meters from scratch and  that capability not in doubt because we complied with all the various standards that Nigeria has set and also global best practices in terms of design.

“Virtually all DisCos are our partners. We also supply meter to Liberia,  Sierra Leone and  other African countries, but the volume Nigeria needed supersedes any volume in Africa,” he said

Balogun said: “The local patronage is still very much needed to be able meet up the investment threshold that we have done in the country today.

“We are the only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the country. We design from scratch, which is an embedded conceptualisation in engineering.

“That is the capability we have brought to the country.  It also behoves on the government to leverage on this and patronise us,”  Balogun added.(NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

LASG, Brazilian descendants to host 3rd Popo Aguda Easter Extravaganza
Entertainment

LASG, Brazilian descendants to host 3rd Popo Aguda Easter Extravaganza

By Taiye Olayemi

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Brazilian Descendants Arts and Culture Association (BDACA) is set to host the third Popo Aguda Easter Arts and Music Extravaganza.

Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, during a news conference in Lagos on Friday commended members of BDACA for the laudable effort in consistently promoting the culture of the state.

Aregbe assured intending tourists and revellers of an interesting edition, urging everyone to be part of the two-day Easter extravaganza, which will hold on March 29 and March 31.

Aregbe also appreciated Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his support toward the growth of the entertainment space.

“I wish to salute the Brazilian descendants association for preserving the history and culture of the state.

“We are proud of what you are doing and I will assure you that this will be more colourful than the previous editions,” he said.

Giving details on the entire programme, Chairman, planning committee for the third edition, retired Rear Adm. Anthony Oni, said the first day of the event, Good Friday, will feature Frejon food festival.

Frejon, is an import by Brazilians to Nigeria, and is commonly eaten at Easter, particularly on Good Friday.
He said the food festival would hold at Igbosere Holy Cross Primary School, where the local cuisine would be prepared for over 1,000 people to eat, dine and wine.

According to him, for the second day of the event, March 31, there will be series of cultural performances, including a match past to begin from Tinubu Square through to Obalende.

He said this would involve different masqueraders like Gelede, Sango and many more.

“We have embraced our culinary heritage with the introduction of a food festival, showcasing the iconic Frejon delicacy.

“This traditional dish, to be prepared on Good Friday to commemorate the Easter season in Popo Aguda, not only symbolises communal love but also reflects the inter-generational transmission of culinary knowledge within our community.

“We are delighted to witness a resurgence in the appreciation of this cuisine, thanks to our collective efforts in promoting cultural renaissance.

“This event is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity that is embedded in the state as well as what it has to offer.

“The event, initiated by BDACA in 2019, under the Coordinator-in-Chief, Bolaji Mendis, serves as a platform for fostering unity, social interaction, and cultural preservation through music, arts, and tourism.

“Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain steadfast in our commitment to showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of our cultural identity,” he said.

Oni urged Lagos residents to turn out in their numbers to experience and learn more of the state’s culture while being entertained.

Mrs Oluruntoyin Atekoya, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the Brazilian descendants for always coming up with innovative ideas during the annual Easter extravaganza. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

World Water Day: Lagos unveils new WASH policy
General News

World Water Day: Lagos unveils new WASH policy

WASH

By Adebola Adegoke/Mariam Akande

The Lagos State Government, has unveiled its new Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy 2023, aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation.

The state government said that the policy was also in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six.

The policy was presented during an event organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Water Day with the theme: “Water for Peace.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State WASH policy was developed by the Lagos State Government with technical support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The technical support came through the USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity.

Presenting the policy, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said it served as a guiding framework in the journey towards ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.

Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab.

“This comprehensive policy outlines a holistic approach to water management, encompassing strategies for conservation, pollution prevention, and equitable distribution.

“By implementing the provisions of the WASH Policy, we reaffirm our commitment to leave no-one behind in our quest for water security and peace.

“In our pursuit of water security and sustainability, it is imperative that we embrace the principles of inclusivity and equity.

“By addressing water scarcity and inequities in access, we can mitigate conflicts and build a more peaceful and just society,” he said.

The governor added that the ongoing activities of the LUWASH project supported by USAID, exemplified the government’s dedication to promoting water security and sustainability in urban areas.

He said that LUWASH was currently supporting the water sector in various activities, which included rehabilitation of five micro/mini water works for Lagos Water Corporation (LWC).

He said that it also included capacity building for Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) in the area of tariff setting, and supporting the development of a business case for Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO).

“Through innovative interventions and partnerships, we are improving water infrastructure, enhancing sanitation services, and empowering communities to take ownership of their water resources.

“By investing in urban WASH initiatives, we are not only improving the quality of life for urban dwellers, but also fostering resilience and social cohesion in our cities.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, said access to clean water remained a luxury for too many people.

Utsev said that this led to inequality, conflict, and instability.

“More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders.

“Yet, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water as reported by the UN waters.

“Public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity all rely on a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle.

“Today, we are confronted with unprecedented challenges, from the escalating impacts of climate change to the growing demands of a rapidly expanding global population.

“Yet, in the face of these challenges, we must also recognise the immense potential of water as a catalyst for cooperation, collaboration and peace-building,” he said.

Speaking on the theme, Utsev highlighted the power of water to create peace or spark conflict.

According to him, when water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal, or no access to water, tensions can rise between communities and countries.

“By harnessing the power of water as a tool for diplomacy and dialogue, we can bridge divides, build trust and forge lasting partnerships that transcend the limitations of geography and ideology.

“By promoting inclusive governance structures, promoting integrated water resource management, and investing in water infrastructure and technology, we can create the conditions for peace to flourish and prosperity to thrive,” he said.

Mr James Racicot, LUWASH Chief of Party, explained that LUWASH was implemented in 2023 as a five-year $38.9 million activity supported by USAID.

He said that it was to increase the availability, quality and use of safe water and sanitation services.

According to him, the objectives of the LUWASH activity are to strengthen governance and institutional arrangement to deliver improved WASH services, improve public and private service provider performance.

Others, Racicot said, are to increase access to safe and sustainable water services and improve the quality of source water.

“LUWASH has started capacity building of key institutional stakeholders and will soon begin rehabilitation of selected priority Lagos Water Corporation water works to enable increased water production and supply,” Racicot said.

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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