NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Environment

Agency celebrates 171 ODF communities in Kwali council

183 total views today

By Akpan Glory

Abuja, Dec. 2, 2024 (NAN) The FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has commended the efforts of 171 communities in Kwali Area Council that have achieved Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.

Mr Luke Ulom, the overseeing director of FCT RUWASSA, praised these communities during an event marking World Toilet Day 2024, held in collaboration with UNICEF in Abuja on Monday.

He commended the people of Kwali for their commitment to ending open defecation and urged them to continue adopting hygienic practices.

He stated, “This milestone demonstrates that behavioural change, driven by consistent sensitisation, is achievable”.

Mrs Aisha Bakpet from the Sanitation Department at FCT RUWASSA said that 171 communities in Kwali had been certified ODF following two years of sustained campaigns.

She noted the success of the pilot programme in Kwali, which will now be extended to other area councils within the FCT.

She explained that young people in all ten wards of Kwali have been trained as Toilet Business Owners to help sustain these achievements.

According to her, they are responsible for constructing toilets and educating their communities on the importance of sanitation.

Mr Sakiru Otusanya, UNICEF’s WASH Consultant, praised the collaboration between RUWASSA and the people of Kwali, urging residents to maintain their progress in sanitation.

Alhaji Abubakar Pai, the Emir of Pai, called for stronger stakeholder involvement to eliminate open defecation.

Similarly, Abdulaziz Usman, the Emir of Wako, encouraged household heads to prioritise the construction and use of toilets, emphasising the need for stricter sanitation laws to ensure compliance.

The Etsu of Kwali, Ayedo Luka Nizassan II, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and RUWASSA for constructing public toilets in schools and health centres.

He urged residents to continue their efforts to eradicate open defecation.

Mr Daniel Elisha, Head of Administration for Kwali Area Council, assured the public that sensitisation efforts would be strengthened to ensure lasting progress.

The event concluded with the recognition of Gumbo, Pai, and Kwali Central as the wards with the highest number of certified open defecation-free communities.

Signposts were installed in these wards to commemorate the achievement, and committees were established to ensure ongoing progress.

This year’s World Toilet Day, themed ‘Toilet: A Place for Peace’, highlighted the critical role of sanitation in promoting healthier communities.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, the annual observance addresses global sanitation challenges. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

HIV Logo
Health

World AIDS Day: FCT places 61,384 people, children on treatment

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory has successfully placed 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) on treatment.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at a press conference to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day.

Fasawe said that the day, with the theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children”, calls for renewed focus on addressing pediatric HIV and safeguarding the rights of everyone affected by the disease.

She described the World AIDS Day, commemorated every Dec. 1 as a day to unite efforts, increase awareness, support those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and honour the memory of those we have lost.

Represented by the Director-General, Hospital Management Board, Dr Olubenga Bello, the mandate secretary, said that figure represents 223 per cent of the projected number of PLHIV.

Fasawe said that the number included those migrating from neighboring states.

She added that of the 61,384 people placed on treatment, 1,048 were children, representing 3.8 per cent and receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

She said that FCT, with an estimated population of 6.95 million had a HIV prevalence rate of 1.4 per cent, a little over the national figure of 1.3 per cent.

She said that the FCTA was currently expanding and strengthening HIV Services in the FCT.

“Our health sector response has been strengthened by a comprehensive network of 122 service delivery points, offering antiretrovirals across the six Area Councils in the FCT.

“Also, there are 285 other conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites, which provide decentralised community-based care to ensure services reach even the most remote populations.

“The FCT’s decentralised model ensures that no one is left behind, enabling communities to access quality care and support close to home,” he said.

The mandate secretary further said that to address pediatric HIV, the FCT has deployed unique interventions, such as mentor mothers who serve as linkage escorts for pregnant women, guiding them through care pathways.

She added that FCT also trained unconventional caregivers, such as traditional birth attendants on the importance of facility-births, prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis with samples taken within 72 hours of life.

According to her, community initiatives like the Mothers’ Love Party and the AP3 Initiative also enhance support for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes.

“We also expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, ensuring that individuals without HIV remain free of the disease.”

Fasawe attributed the successes being recorded to strong partnership and collaborations.

She identified the partners as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme and National Agency for the Control of Aids.

Others, she said, were implementing partners such as the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mothers2Mothers, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, and YouthRISE.

“Together, we have prioritised key populations, women, children, and vulnerable groups, ensuring that every person diagnosed with HIV receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

“The FCT AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Control Programme and the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS’ leadership in integrating services across the territory have made significant strides in addressing the needs of the FCT population.

“From scaling up PMTCT services to expanding pediatric care and decentralising service delivery, these efforts continue to drive the FCT’s progress in meeting and exceeding national targets.

“While we celebrate these achievements, the work is far from complete. Nigeria’s high burden of pediatric HIV demands sustained efforts to identify cases, link individuals to care, and prevent new infections,” he said.

The mandate secretary, who commended the support of the partners, reaffirmed FCTA’s commitment to ending stigma and discrimination, which remained significant barriers to care.

She also said that the FCTA would intensify efforts to reach the unreached, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure that every child, woman, and man living with HIV had access to quality care and support.

Fasawe said that activities would be rounded up on Tuesday with a road walk from Government Secondary School, Garki, to Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

FCT, China to strengthen cooperation in urban devt. education, others

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Hunan, a landlocked province of southern China, have expressed commitment to strengthen cooperation in urban development, cultural education, tourism, and environment, amongst other areas.

The Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stated this during a visit of the Hunan delegation to the FCTA in Abuja on Friday.

The delegation was led by Lai Mingyong, the Vice Chairman, of the Hunan Provincial Political Consultative Conference.

Mahmoud stressed that the strategic partnership between FCTA and the Chinese province would ensure expertise, resources, and knowledge sharing.

“This will lead to greater innovation, effective problem-solving, and enhanced capabilities that would be difficult to achieve alone.

“It is important that partnership fosters mutual benefit, strengthens individual and collective efforts, and promotes growth and resilience,” she said.

The minister said that the FCT was transforming President Bola Tinubu.

She added that the partnership with Hanan Province would facilitate more infrastructural development in the capital city of the most populous country in Africa.

The minister commended the Chinese delegation for the warm reception extended to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his delegation during his recent visit to China.

She also said that the partnership would enable the FCT to harness its potential in the areas of tourism, culture, education, and environment.

Earlier, Mingyong, who expressed commitment to strengthening the partnership with FCTA, noted that Abuja, the capital and political-cultural centre of Nigeria was wearing a new look.

He said that the capital city was renowned for its unique urban planning, beautiful architectural style, and well-developed infrastructure.

“This city has grown into a modern metropolis with significant achievements in terms of infrastructural development,” he said.

Mingyong invited the FCT Administration to the China-Africa Economy and Trade Expo, taking place from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, at the Abuja Trade and Convention centre. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

General News

Foundation advocates transformation of rural communities to tackle youth migration

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By Ahmed Musa

Mr Emmanuel Obiabo, Executive Director of Statecraft Foundation, has emphasised the need for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration to prioritise transformation of rural communities to address increasing rate of youth migration.

Obiabo made this appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting with FCT Community Youth Associations in Abuja, focusing on enhancing service delivery in rural communities.

The meeting with the theme, “Promoting Active Citizenship and Leadership Development in FCT,” highlighted the importance of good governance in facilitating development.

Obiabo stressed that providing basic infrastructure in rural communities would significantly address challenges associated with youth migration.

“Some FCT rural communities lack Primary Healthcare Centres, power supply, and access to clean water.

“These gaps must be addressed to ensure the well-being of rural dwellers.

“The objective of the meeting is to facilitate commitments from stakeholders on addressing identified gaps, opportunities, and strategies related to infrastructure and service delivery in FCT rural communities.

“This includes education, primary healthcare, food, water, sanitation, power supply, and economic empowerment,” Obiabo said.

Mr Iliya Philip, Secretary of Ijah-Pada Community in Kwali Area Council, representing the youth, commended the foundation’s efforts in highlighting the community’s challenges.

Philip lamented the deplorable condition of roads and healthcare facilities in the community, appealing to the FCT Administration to expedite action towards revitalising the infrastructure deficit.

“While the FCT Administration has made efforts to improve infrastructure gaps in rural communities, including the inauguration of several roads in Kwali, Kuje, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Abaji, and Abuja Municipal Area Council, more needs to be done.

“This is especially in areas like Abattoir, Naharati, Rafi-Zurfi, Lanto, Kuyami, Sabo-Iddo, Peyi, Pambara, and Jigo”.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

NOA takes campaign against  gender-based violence to Abuja communities

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By Angela Atabo

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has taken the campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to communities in the FCT, Abuja.

Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, Director, Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilisation of the agency, disclosed this on Tuesday when she visited Mr Joseph Narayi, the Chief of Karu, Abuja.

According to Maduekwe, NOA was leveraging on its wide reach to address the menace of GBV.

“NOA is bringing the fight against gender-based violence to the heart of communities across Nigeria.

“This is part of activities to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

“The aim is to spark conversations and raise awareness for a violence-free Nigeria.

The activity will run between Nov. 25 and Dec. 10,”she said.

Maduekwe described GBV as a crime, adding that it discourages love for others.

“Violence whether against children, men or women, either in the home, school, on the streets or even in the marketplace is not good,”he added.

The director called on Nigerians to rise against GBV, adding that such a move would encourage progress and growth in the society.

She said that NOA had lined up activities to commemorate the  16 days of activism against GBV, adding that NOA would engage traditional and religious leaders in the campaign.

“The activities will strengthen the knowledge base of parents, guardians, and caregivers in rural communities on the need to invest in children to ensure a better future and protect them from GBV,”she explained.

Responding, Narayi  thanked NOA for the initiative, particularly in creating awareness on other critical national issues.

Narayi said that before now cases of GBV were not under-reported in the community due to the inability of victims to speak out.

“I am willing to work with NOA to address GBV, I will support you to continuously spread the message against GBV,”he promised.

Narayi called on parents and guardians to always cater for their wards and correct behaviour that may likely lead them to promoting GBV.(NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Metro

AEPB takes campaign against open defecation to FCT suburbs

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By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has taken its campaign against open defecation to the suburbs of the territory.

The Director of the board, Mr Osilama Braimah, stated this during the campaign at Bmuko and Dutse Makaranta in Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Tuesday.

Braimah explained that the campaign was organised to commemorate the 2024 World Toilet Day, with the theme, “Toilets are a Place for Peace.”

According to him, the move is part of efforts to entrench good hygiene practices among rural dwellers across the FCT.

He said that the AEPB, through the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, had been organising awareness campaigns in rural communities across the FCT on the health risk of open defecation.

He stressed the need for every household to have a functional toilet and imbibe good hygiene practices for the health wellbeing of families and communities.

He said that the world toilet day was being observed on Nov. 19 of every year to celebrate toilets and raise awareness of people living without access to safely managed sanitation.

“The whole idea is to prevent health challenges such as cholera, diphtheria, diarrhoea, and other diseases associated with open defecation in communities.

“When people have access to clean and safe toilets, they are protected from preventable diseases associated with poor hygiene practices,” he said.

The director assured the commitment of AEPB in maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic environment across the territory.

He added that the FCT Administration, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has been providing public toilets in schools, parks, markets and other public spaces to ensure accessible and dignified sanitation facilities for all.

Braimah also said that the board was equally engaging school children in the campaign to catch them young.

“We are trying to inculcate in these young ones the habit of proper sanitation and hygiene by enlightening them on the importance of using the toilet.

“It is always easy when people learn good habits at an early stage of their lives so that they will grow with it,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Kate Ogbonna, Director, Environmental Health and Safety Department, said access to clean and safe sanitation was a right of every individual.

Ogbonna urged FCT residents to work with relevant government agencies and critical stakeholders towards addressing sanitation crises in communities through collaborative efforts, policy innovation and public awareness.

She said that the awareness campaign was organised to educate the residents of Bmuko and Dutse Makaranta on the need to own functional toilet facilities.

The Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr John Gabaya, commended the AEPB for ensuring rural communities across the FCT were free from environmental hazards that could lead to outbreak of diseases.

Gabaya, who was represented by the Councillor on Environment, Mr Saliu Matthew pledged the council’s maximum support and cooperation toward ensuring safe environments for all.

Similarly, the Chief of Bmuko Community, Ibrahim Dangana, called for closed monitoring of the toilet facilities installed in schools and public places to ensure effective and efficient use of the facilities.

Dangana, who was represented by one of his aides, Alhaji Ahmad Olajire, also called for improved security in rural communities to ensure the safety of lives and properties. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Metro

FCT reopens barricaded slip road, begins dry season sensitisation

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has reopened the barricaded slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange.

The acting Director-General of the Department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, explained that the slip road was barricaded on June 25 to mitigate flooding during the rainy season.

Mohammed stated that the road was reopened to ease traffic flow, as the rainy season had ended.

“The onset of the rain in Abuja is usually in the month of May and the slip road is usually flooded every raining season, hence the need to barricade the road.

“To the glory of God, no life was lost in this area since 2020 because we made it a tradition to block the road during the rainy season,” he said.

He commended residents and stakeholders for their understanding and support throughout the rainy season.

The acting D-G also announced the commencement of the 2024 dry season sensitisation campaign against incessant fire outbreaks in the FCT.

Mohammed advised residents to be cautious while handling cooking gas, petroleum products, electrical appliances, and other inflatable items or chemicals.

He urged residents to keep cooking gas outside their kitchens and avoid storing petrol or inflammable chemicals in cars and in their homes.

He also advised residents to make sure they have fire extinguisher in their cars, homes and offices to control fire during outbreak.

He further urged residents to be careful when burning bushes, adding that anyone who wishes to do so, for whatever reason, should monitor it to prevent spreading to unintended areas.

Mr Richard Dauda, Director of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA), stated that the slip road was part of old road infrastructure in the area.

Dauda explained that the road would be reconstructed and elevated to solve the problem permanently.

He explained that once the ongoing construction of Galadimawa Interchange was completed, a bridge would be constructed to replace the temporary culvert contributing to flooding of the road.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Gender , Health

Menopause: FCTA rallies support for women to promote households’ stability, happiness

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By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has begun mobilising support for women, experiencing menopause for households’ stability and general wellbeing of families.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said that the move was part of the secretariat’s efforts to promote emotional stability in households.

Benjamins-Laniyi spoke on the topic “We Factor”, at a one-day Menopause Awareness programme in Abuja on Wednesday, organised by the secretariat for couples in the FCT.

She explained that the We-Factor embodies the essence of community, support, and shared experiences, particularly during menopause.

She described menopause as the stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant.

The mandate secretary said that for some women, the menopausal transition could bring various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, and pain during sex.

Other symptoms, she said, may include moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficultly concentrating, or a combination of all the signs.

According to her, a woman’s emotional instability will affect the husband, the family and if not handled well, will affect family finances and happiness.

“The woman’s emotional state may affect the overall wellbeing of the family, but a happy woman will translate to a happy home.”

She stressed the need for collective support for women experiencing menopause, particularly from men to maintain their emotional stability needed to ensure a happy household.

She said that menopause, often perceived as a solitary journey and a transition that women face independently but doesn’t have to be so.

According to her, happy people are healthy people, and healthy people create wealth and create a strong economy.

“We have come with a message of advocacy, the advocacy of caring, sharing, collective responsibility.

“Let us support our women, care for them and support them to first care for themselves before extending the same to the rest of the family.

“This is because women find it very easy to kind of keep deferring their own self-care in the name of caring for the family and caring for the community.

“So, you have to make sure that as her husband, you help her to care for herself.”

The acting Director, Women Development Department in the secretariat, Mrs Aina Sani, said that the awareness creation was organised because of the effect of menopause on women, homes and workplaces.

“Menopause is affecting women in their offices and homes in the way they do things, and that is why we want people to be aware and support women during this period.

“We also invited their spouses to know how to assist women during this stage in their lives and know what to do to support their wives during this period,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

ASIS International lauds Wike’s commitment to addressing insecurity in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, has commended the commitment of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing insecurity in the territory.

The Chairman of the Abuja Branch 273, Mr Edward Orim, gave the commendation during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Orim, who was re-elected to serve for another year, said that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt the use of technology to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

He, however, added that the absence of political will was a serious challenge to deepening the use of technology to tackle insecurity across the country.

He said that Wike, on the other hand, had in the last one year demonstrated the capacity and the political will to address insecurity and make FCT a great and secured capital city for all.

He said that the minister’s support to security agencies, particularly operational vehicles fitted with latest technology equipment, was a game changer in the fight against insecurity in FCT.

“The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of FCT safe,” he said.

He added that Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, FCT Administration’s Security Services Department, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of his support and contributions to the growth of ASIS International in Abuja.

The chairman said that the association would be looking forward to a stronger partnership with the FCTA to improve security in the nation’s capital.

He said that the association has made significant strides in Nigeria’s security sector through impactful initiatives and strategic outreach in 2024.

“The chapter also advanced professional development through its Women in Security webinar, which strengthened engagement among security professionals.

“In line with ASIS International commitment to humanitarian efforts and gender inclusion, Women in Security provided aid to flood victims in Borno State and championed career growth for women on the International Day of the Girl Child.

“For the next one year, we will be looking forward to deepening the use of technology in addressing insecurity, through collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders,” he said.

Responding, Gwary thanked the association for the recognition, adding that the FCTA was open to more collaboration to strengthen the FCT’s security framework.

Gwari, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control Centre, noted that in a global community, security was everybody’s responsibility.

“We are happy that ASIS is contributing to addressing insecurity in the FCT.

“The FCT minister has established a robust and standard Command and Control Centre in the territory to respond effectively to security threats.

“The control system will be equipped with the latest and necessary technology to fight insecurity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also elected was Mr Jacob Akinola as Vice Chairman, Amos Itodo as Secretary and Ms Jane Wilson as Treasurer. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

Minister tasks corps members on creativity, innovation to serve communities better

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By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged prospective graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to be creative and innovative to serve communities better.

Mahmoud made the call during the NYSC pre-mobilisation workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the world is changing and the needs of communities are equally evolving rapidly.

She stressed the need for prospective youth corps members to be prepared to meet the challenges with creativity, resilience and innovation.

She, however, added that “stakeholders must play a critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates.

“We must ensure that the graduates are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and mindset to contribute positively to the society.”

She described the NYSC as “cornerstone” of national integration and development since its inception in 1973, to foster unity among young Nigerians.

Mahmoud said the pre-mobilisation workshop provides an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on
strategies that would enhance the effectiveness of the scheme.

She noted that the theme of the workshop “Strengthening the NYSC Mobilisation Process for Effective Service Delivery”, resonates deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.

She commended the leadership of the NYSC for the unwavering commitment to improving the quality of service rendered by youth corps members.

She said, “your dedication to training and preparing our youth for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable.

“By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.”

The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, said the scheme had been the vanguard of nation building, fostering unity among different nationalities, as well as playing critical role in national development.

According to him, the imprints of the scheme are all over the landscape of the nation from the mega cities to every rural community.

Ahmed explained that the mobilisation process is a critical component of the service year that deserved all seriousness.

He pledged the management’s commitment to ensuring that the right things were done at all times for Nigerians to get the best out of the scheme. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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