News Agency of Nigeria
RUWASSA, Wastebox campaign against open defecation hits Abuja streets, motorparks
Environment

RUWASSA, Wastebox campaign against open defecation hits Abuja streets, motorparks

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate (RUWASSA), in collaboration with Wastebox ltd, a waste management company, on Monday, took the campaign against Open Defecation to Abuja streets and motorparks.

The campaign tagged, “Clean FCT: Use the Toilet” began from Area 1 temporary motorpark, through several motorparks in Garki District.

Drivers and commuters in the motorparks, including traders and residents on the streets were reached with key messages on the dangers of open defecation.

Mrs Chika Ibe from the waste management company explained that the move was to accelerate the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in FCT by 2030.

Ibe urged the FCT Administration to strengthen collaboration with concerned citizens, development partners and non-governmental organisations and other government agencies to take the campaign to the door steps of residents.

This, according to her, will significantly improve interventions geared towards ending ODF in the FCT before 2030.

She pointed out that the practice of open defecation, particularly in rural communities with little or no toilets was worrisome.

She said that the ugly practice was predisposing rural dwellers to life-threatening diseases like cholera and other infectious diseases.

Ibe stressed the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts in ending open defecation as soon as possible.

“Nigeria is one of the countries that are still practising open defecation.

“The initial target to end open defecation was 2025 but extended to 2030.

“I am sure we will achieve it if we strengthen our collaboration, intensify our interventions and carry out massive sensitization campaigns.

On her part, a Sanitation Officer from FCT RUWASSA’s Sanitation Department, Mrs Esther Shettima, noted that open defecation still persists despite the availability of public toilets in strategic locations across the FCT.

Shettima, however, acknowledged a significant improvement in ODF status across the territory “but if we relax and don’t do anything about it, we will not be able to achieve the ODF status.

“This is why we are partnering with relevant stakeholders to help drive the message to every household on the dangers of open defecation,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Edo Govt  calls for collective action against drug abuse, trafficking
Defence/Security

Edo Govt  calls for collective action against drug abuse, trafficking

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Campaign

By Usman Aliyu

Edo Government has called for collective action against drug abuse and trafficking in the state, with a renewed focus on public education, prevention, and community rehabilitation.

Mr Andrew Oghenovo, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking Control made the call on Wednesday during an anti-drug abuse rally in Benin.

The rally featured participation from NDLEA personnel, other security agencies, students of the University of Benin, and civil society groups.

The campaign, which kicked off from the King’s Square at the popular Ring Road, passed through the Edo House of Assembly, Oba Market, and terminated at the Benin Central Motor Park at Obakhavbaye area in the city.

Addressing commuters, traders and passersby during the rally, Oghenovo said the state government had invested in the prevention of drug abuse as part of its strategic response to the growing menace.

“The governor has promised that he’s going to build a rehabilitation centre where anybody affected can seek help.

“The centre will treat them and teach them work — tailoring, barbering, anything at all,” he said.

The Okpebholo’s aide stressed the state’s commitment to reintegration and skill-building for affected individuals.

“We’ll train you, set you up, make you become useful to society and your family,” he said.

At the Edo House of Assembly, NDLEA Edo Commander, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the rally was to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Ofoyeju reiterated the importance of prevention, in line with the year’s global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

“We are drumming up support to back up this theme, which lends credence to the fact that the war against drugs, is not only through enforcement, arrest, seizure, and prosecution.

“But it can also be through public enlightenment and campaigns to educate people concerning the ills inherent in drug trafficking and abuse,” he said.

He asserted that drug control was at the centre of crime control, and also a key pet project of Gov. Okpebholo, which had to do with kidnapping and cultism.

“I assured the lawmakers that I am going to sanitise and dislodge those hoodlums at Ihama Road.

“We have already taken two; I directed they should be prosecuted, and we are going to continue through constant raid operations,” he said.

Responding to the campaign, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, pledged legislative support for the anti-drug efforts and condemned the rising presence of open drug dens in the state capital.

“I want to commend you for the rally to sensitise the public about the effects and hazards of drugs.

“Of a truth, we need to join you and the agency because we represent every constituency,” the Speaker said.

He revealed that the House had already passed a law against drug abuse, stressing, “Drugs can condemn anybody.”

The speaker, however, raised alarm over the drug trade around Ihama Road near the legislative quarters, describing it as “an eyesore” and “the den of drugs in Edo State.

“Even as a member of the House, if you are driving, they will be calling to sell the drugs to you.

“After taking the drugs, you will see them sleeping on the floor like dead persons. I want to appeal to you, please see how you can help us sanitise that area and others.”

He further alleged complicity among some security personnel.

“Let me also let you know that most of the security men also go there to buy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Katsina: NGO begins campaign on climate resilience, disaster preparedness
Environment

Katsina: NGO begins campaign on climate resilience, disaster preparedness

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By Abbas Bamalli

A non-governmental organisation, the GoalPrime Organisation Nigeria (GPON), has begun a campaign to strengthen climate resilience and disaster preparedness in Katsina State.

The Advocacy Officer, Miss Maimunat Muhammad-Kabir, said at the opening of a three-day campaign in Katsina, that the North-West region was facing multiple natural and human-induced challenges.

Speaking at the campaign titled: “Climate Information, Disaster Risk Concepts, and Anticipatory Action Plan Development”, Muhammad-Kabir said that conflicts, displacement, insecurity, and climate change impact were plaguing the region.

The GPON official said that the challenges in the region had disrupted learning, increased vulnerability, and weakened the resilience of both host and displaced communities, especially in Katsina and Zamfara States.

“Children, girls, and those with disabilities are the worst hit, this campaign aims to strengthen community-led anticipatory actions to improve climate resilience.

“Our targets here are vulnerable schools and communities in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina, and Anka in Zamfara.

“The participants are guided through hands-on sessions to help them to develop localised anticipatory action plans.

“These are plans designed to identify key hazards, triggers, and early actions tailored towards their specific local government areas,” she said.

Muhammad-Kabir further said that the goal of the campaign was to strengthen coordination among stakeholders to ensure disaster risk reduction and early warning response.

She said that GPON was a national NGO dedicated to improving the lives of children, young people and caregivers through partnerships and culturally sensitive approaches.

Also speaking at the event, Miss Beatrice Ama-Noah, the Climate Action Lead, said that the campaign would improve stakeholders’ understanding of climate risk, anticipatory action frameworks, and emergency preparedness.

Ama-Noah said that the plans developed during the campaign would enhance collaboration between stakeholders and trigger effective preparedness for climate-related emergencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign is being organised in collaboration with Save the Children International under the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) First Emergency Response project.

It brought together government officials, technical agencies, and community leaders to improve knowledge and coordination around climate risk and early warning systems. (NAN)

Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba and Azubuike Okeh

Foundation’s ‘Read to Lead’ campaign to boosts child literacy
Education

Foundation’s ‘Read to Lead’ campaign to boosts child literacy

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By Angela Atabo/Aderogba George

The Gbemisola Yussuff Foundation (GYF), an NGO focused on empowering underserved children, has launched the ‘Read to Lead’ campaign to promote reading beyond the classroom.

At the Abuja inauguration, founder Aisha Yussuff said the campaign aims to make reading a lifelong habit, vital for personal, social, and academic growth.

Yussuff explained that her passion for children and desire to provide quality education inspired the launch of the ‘Read to Lead’ campaign.

“Many children in underserved communities lack basic education. This motivated me to give back and help bridge that gap.

“It’s time we acted. If you can’t read, you can’t lead. These children are our future, and we must care for them,” she said.

Key initiatives include enhancing school libraries, donating books, hosting storytelling sessions, and organising reading competitions to boost literacy among children.

She also revealed plans to establish ICT and AI learning hubs to teach coding and digital skills to young learners.

Yussuff noted that educational outreaches would support schools, train teachers, and mentor students in underserved areas.

“We want children to return to physical books, while also adapting to the digital age through ICT and AI education.

“With the ICT hub, children can learn coding, interact globally, and improve communication through English despite Nigeria’s diverse languages,” she said.

She stressed that reading basic English is essential for communication and national unity, reinforcing the campaign’s significance.

Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, praised the foundation for launching the initiative.

Represented by his Special Assistant on Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr Sherifat Adegbesan, he said the campaign would instil a strong reading culture from an early age.

“We want children not just to read, but to enjoy it. This will stimulate creativity and curiosity.

“Reading opens minds. A child in a village can explore the world through books, discovering cultures beyond their environment,”Adegbesan said.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof. Sonny Echono, noted that reading benefits everyone and gives students a competitive edge.

Represented by Mohammed Khalid, Assistant Director Education Support Services Director, TETFund, he said reading helps children understand diverse issues and their surroundings better.

“There’s a saying: catch a fish in the morning. Instill reading early, and children will grow up with that habit,” he said.

Mrs Rachel Nebo, Deputy Director,Public service department at the National Library of Nigeria, described ‘Read to Lead’ as more than a campaign — it’s a movement.

“It calls on Nigerians, especially in rural areas, to embrace reading,” she said, applauding the foundation’s initiative.

Nebo congratulated GYF and urged students to take full advantage of the campaign for a brighter future. (NAN) 

Edited by Esenvosa Izah / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Archbishop pledges support for Clean Nigeria campaign
Environment

Archbishop pledges support for Clean Nigeria campaign

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By Tosin Kolade

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has pledged the Church’s support for the Federal Government’s Clean Nigeria, ‘Use the Toilet’campaign to end open defecation.

He made the commitment when he received the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and senior ministry officials in Abuja on Tuesday.

Kaigama commended the government’s engagement with religious leaders, stressing that governance should involve direct interaction with the people.

He noted the church’s role in raising awareness and educating communities, particularly in rural areas, about the dangers of open defecation and the need for improved sanitation.

He emphasised that open defecation contributes to waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and public health risks.

Citing Pope Francis’ Laudato Si on environmental care, he noted that the church is committed to promoting hygiene and sanitation.

Kaigama assured that he would personally advocate for the campaign and encourage priests to incorporate sanitation messages in their teachings.

He recalled the church’s role in promoting health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed readiness to collaborate with the government in ensuring clean and safe environments.

Earlier, Utsev explained that the Clean Nigeria campaign, launched in 2019, aims to eliminate open defecation by 2030.

He noted progress, with 142 local governments now declared open defecation-free, up from 102 before the current administration.

He urged the church to reinforce the message in its teachings and provide sanitation facilities as models for communities.

According to him, the Federal Government is willing to provide technical assistance to support the initiative.

“Our appeal is that we cannot achieve this without the support and collaboration of the Church. That is why we are calling on the Church to support us in this effort, as it will benefit all Nigerians.

“We recognise the power of the Church’s message and its wide-reaching influence. This is why we have chosen the Church as a key partner in promoting Nigeria’s goal of becoming an open defecation-free nation.

“Through Church conferences, this message can be shared, and priests attending these gatherings can help spread awareness in both urban and rural communities.

“Additionally, we would appreciate the opportunity to participate in these conferences, where our personnel can address bishops, priests, and seminarians to further promote this campaign.

“We sincerely thank you and pray that, through this collaboration, our people will enjoy better living conditions. Improved sanitation will also boost our nation’s economy, as public health is closely linked to economic development.

“We, therefore, urge the church to assist and partner with us in driving this campaign forward”.

The minister joined Catholics in praying for Pope Francis’ recovery and expressed hope for stronger church-government collaboration on public health and development. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Kano unveils anti-corruption strategy
General News

Kano unveils anti-corruption strategy

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By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano state government has unveiled an Anti-Corruption Strategy (2024–2028), a comprehensive framework aimed at tackling corruption and promoting integrity.

The event was conducted with support of the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, being implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

The event coincided with the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), whuch has as its theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

The theme of the event highlights the vital role young people play as catalysts for change in the fight against corruption.

Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf undetscored the importance of addressing corruption, describing it as a cancer that erodes trust, undermines institutions, and hampers progress.

“Protecting human rights is at the heart of our administration’s agenda. We are committed to blocking systemic linkages, investigating corruption, and ensuring value for public funds,” he said.

Ibrahim Bello, RoLAC Coordinator in the state, reaffirmed commitment of the EU to support anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria.

“The European Union and International IDEA remain steadfast in their partnership with Nigeria to promote good governance, transparency and accountability. This strategy demonstrates what can be achieved through collective efforts.

“The governor is a formidable partner in the fight against corruption in the state. He has shown unwavering commitment by working with development partners to ensure a corruption free state,” he said.

The event featured debates, sensitisation and discussion sessions, aimed at fostering strong collaboration among stakeholders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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