NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Archbishop pledges support for Clean Nigeria campaign

Archbishop pledges support for Clean Nigeria campaign

462 total views today

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

FG awards 113 water contracts, completes 40 in 2024

FG awards 113 water contracts, completes 40 in 2024

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By Isaiah Eka

The Federal Government on Thursday said that it awarded 113 water contracts in 2024 and completed 40 of the projects.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made the remark in his keynote address at the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting is  “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change”,

He said that the ministry, in line with  Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, leveraged on revolutionising irrigation programme to boost food security in and alleviate poverty.

Utsev said that the ministry had continued to work towards the revitalisation and sustainability of the water supply sub-sector.

He said that it also provided strategic guidance for the effective delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene services across the nation.

The minister said that water supply was included in some significant progress made by the ministry in 2024.

Utsev said that ministry had perfected over 40 different projects across rural, small town and urban areas.

He stated that other achievements included the construction of 44 projects under the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) programme;

He said that among the project completed were 45 projects under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme;

Others are implementation of 64 projects funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Inclusive Basic Delivery System for Development and Livelihood Empowerment Improvement Project.

Utsev said that a total of 113 contracts for water supply was awarded which were currently at various stages of construction.

He further said that plans were underway to construct additional dams across the country.

According to him, this is aimed at expanding water storage capacity to address flood and enhance food security through irrigation.

‘’Irrigation is a critical role in food security, economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction,’’ the minister said.

In his  remarks, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom said that the state government would work tirelessly to ensure that citizens enjoyed the initiatives and programmes outlined in the President’s agenda.

He said that tha ARISE Agenda of his administration was aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu.

He urged the federal government to reactivate  the abandoned dams in Nkari and Ibiono Ibom in Ini and Ibiono Ibom LGAs respectively.

According to him, these dams, when revitalised, would drive agricultural growth and economic prosperity in the state.

Eno said that government had implemented several initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate through Flood Mitigation Committee,

“We want to reiterate our administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges of water and food security in the face of climate change.

“We recognise that these challenges required a collective response.

“Together we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all Nigerians,” he said.

The Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Sada Soli said the National Assembly was ready to play its role as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He described the theme of the meeting as apt, considering the increasing awareness of the need for sustainable development of water resources for various purposes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Jane-Frances Oraka

Minister advocates water management for food security

Minister advocates water management for food security

512 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged collaborative efforts to harness water resources for food security and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

Utsev made the call at the Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop on the National Action Plan for the newly developed flagship programmes on Thursday in Abuja.

They are; River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA), the Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO), and the Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme (PEIRPRO).

He emphasised the importance of tackling the challenges facing the nation through food security.

“Harnessing Nigeria’s abundant water resources can boost food security, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

“President Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda highlights food security and poverty eradication. We must translate these priorities into impactful actions.

“These programmes signify a paradigm shift in managing water resources and agriculture, unlocking our river basins’ potential for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth,” he explained.

He noted that the initiatives were conceived through the ministry’s Department of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate to transform Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.

“The RB-SPA prioritises interventions to enhance agricultural productivity, promote inclusive economic growth, and alleviate poverty in river basin areas.

“WEIRPRO and PEIRPRO focus on expanding irrigated agriculture, harnessing water resources to boost yields and livelihoods while driving economic prosperity,” Utsev said.

He stated that presentations at the workshop would address challenges and opportunities in water resources management, including “Harnessing Water Resources for Food Security” and “Expanding Irrigation in Nigeria”.

These, he added aim to provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding water’s role in food security and sustainable development.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, highlighted the global importance of enhancing water resources to support farmers and promote sustainable development.

He expressed optimism that the presentations would address key challenges and opportunities in water resources management.

“The workshop is expected to provide global best practices to meet farmers’ needs and foster sustainable development.

“Considering the calibre of participants here, I have no doubt justice will be done in the presentations and deliberations”.

An expert in the water sector and lead paper presenter, Mr John Ochigbo, called for innovative technologies in the sector to maintain the ecosystem and achieve food security in Nigeria.

He emphasised the need for infrastructure, conservation, and public-private collaboration in water management.

Ochigbo stated that food security requires affordability, accessibility, and nutrition, not just availability.

Mrs Christy Oduh, Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, emphasised that collaboration and dedication are crucial for advancing water resources development and achieving sustainable goals in the sector.

The workshop included presentations by water resources experts, such as Benson Ajisegiri and Elijah Aderibigbe, focusing on irrigation expansion, water resource management, and the revitalisation of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants at the meeting included Managing Directors of River Basin Development Authorities, government agencies, CSOs, and private sector representatives.

The meeting is expected to strengthen partnerships, develop a concrete action plan to implement the flagship programmes and harness water resources for food security and poverty alleviation in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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