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  • Climate Change: Stakeholders donate 120 trees to mitigate impacts

    Climate Change: Stakeholders donate 120 trees to mitigate impacts

    Climate

    By Abigael Joshua

    Gasaki (Nasarawa State), June 22, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in the environment sector on Saturday donated 120 trees to mitigate climate change impacts in Gasaki community of Nasarawa State.

    Gee Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Social Justice and Development, made the donation during a one-day sensitisation.

    The donation was in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and the French Embassy in Nigeria,

    The sensitisation had the theme: “Addressing Land Degradation and Enhancing Climate Resilience for improved Women’s livelihood”.

    Dr Michael David, Executive-Director GIFSEP, urged the community to always plant trees to replace felling trees and tasked them on climate change adaptation.

    He cautioned against the indiscriminate felling of trees to prevent a recurrence of the recent landslide experienced in the area.

    The executive director stated that it was good to preserve the land from degradation because  livelihoods depended on it.

    According to David, planting of trees prevents erosion, flooding, landslides which mitigates the impact of climate change in an area.

    Mrs Gloria Agema, Executive Director, Gee Foundation, said the sensitisation wouldn’t have been possible without the supports of funds from the French Embassy.

    Agema, who expressed concern that only one borehole was serving four communities, promised that the NGO would intervene by providing the community with more boreholes to assist nurture the trees planted.

    Responding, Chief Zaki Tanko of Gasaki (Gasaki of Jeje), expressed satisfaction over the gestures and efforts made by the stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the area.

    He assured them that there would be reduction in the felling of trees and appealed for more construction of boreholes to address water scarcity in the area.

    One of the beneficiaries in the community, Jummai Abubakar, commended the stakeholders and promised to nurture her tree.

    “We are grateful for this assistance; no one has come to our aid in this manner, indeed we have seen light in our community,” she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that each participant went home with a tree to plant and nurture.

    NAN also reports that the event witnessed the planting of palm trees, orange trees, mango trees as well as cultural display by the people of the community. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AIJ/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Nasarawa Assembly Speaker tasks Nigerians on forgiveness, worthy legacy

    Admonition
    Olukayode Babalola
    Akwanga (Nasarawa state) June 22, 2024. (NAN) Mr Danladi Jatau, Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has stressed the need for Nigerians to always forgive, pursue peace and leave a good legacy worthy of emulation.
    Jatau stated this at the funeral service of late Mama Ann Kuje, mother of Mr Awayi Kuje, a Principal Correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday at St. Louis Catholic Church, Ezhiba village, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the state.
    The speaker maintained that death was inevitable for every mortal, hence the need for all to live impactful lives.
    Jatau appreciated the life and contributions of the deceased whom he said would be greatly missed in her immediate community.
    “I am deeply saddened over the death of mama Kuje, which came to us as shock. We are, however, glad she lived a fulfilled life. She trained her children well both morally and educationally,” he said.
    The speaker urged the children to keep her legacy alive by using the training gotten from her to impact people and the society in general positively.
    In his homily, Rev. Father Lawrence Anyembugu, Parish Priest, Saint Kizito Catholic Church, Nasarawa Parish, urged siblings to always remain united after the death of their parents so as to keep their legacies alive.
    Anyembugu described the death of late Ann Kuje as an irreplaceable loss to the family and her immediate community giving her contributions.
    He called on the family to make it a point of priority to stay united despite her passing so as to be able to keep her legacy alive.
    “If you want to keep Mama’s legacy alive then you have to remain united. You must continue to meet periodically and hold family meetings to resolve issues as a family.
    “That is the only way you can keep her legacy alive and make people appreciate the positive impact she had on all of you when she was alive,” he said.
    The priest also admonished leaders, especially politicians to always prioritise the needs of the people they serve  above personal interest.
    Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Awayi Kuje, said his mother’s passing was a devastating blow to the family but they took solace in the fact that she had gone to rest with her maker.
    He noted that the deceased trained her children morally and educationally to be able to fend for themselves before her death.
    “My mother Despite not getting western education engaged in farming and business to ensure that we her children acquired education.
    “To the glory of God we all acquired western education and when it was time for her to enjoy the fruits of her labour, she passed on.
    “Nevertheless, we thank God for a life well lived and for always encouraging us to be united, hardworking and shun all negative acts in our dealings,” he said.
    He appreciated the Speaker of the state Assembly and all dignitaries that came to sympathise with the family in their sad moment.(NAN) (nannews.ng)
    OB/IU
    ========
    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Enugu Govt creates new estate in Udi community

     

    Partnership

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) and the Okofia Ukana community in Udi Council Area, on Saturday, signed a partnership agreement for housing development in the community.

    The partnership also entailed the signing deed of customary grant for the use of large expanse of the village land for new residential and commercial houses.

    Mr Gerald Asogwa, the General Manager, ESHDC, and the cooperation’s Secretary, Dr Anayo Edeh, signed on behalf of the corporation while Mr Chijioke Achi, the Chairman of Okofia General Assembly (OGA) and the village Secretary, Mr Chijioke Orji, signed on behalf of Okofia.

    The ceremony which took place at the palace of the eldest man in Okofia, Chief Jeremiah Ebunyebe, was witnessed by the directors in the housing cooperation as well as elders and men of Okofia community.

    In a remark at the event, Asogwa said that the acquisition of the land in the community’s Achievers Layout was to fast track the urban renewal programme of the state government.

    He said that Gov. Peter Mbah had plans of expanding the city of Enugu as the state capital was already filled up.

    “There is no way we will continue to restrict the city growth to the area it occupies today.

    ‘The Uwani area, developed years ago is already filled up, the same thing with the Independence Layout, the same thing with GRA.

    “What the Governor wants to do now is what other states have been doing such as Lagos state with its Garden Atlantic City or Epe/Lekki,” he said.

    According to him, it is what a people do in a place that it becomes.

    “In the next couple of months that particular area which we call Blossom Garden Solar City, in which part of your land belongs, is going to have a new face like other major estates in the city.’

    Asogwa thanked the leadership and people of Okofia on behalf of Gov. Mbah and promised that the decision it took to key into the trajectory of the governor would not be in vain.

    “We will develop that place and you people are going to be proud of your decision,” he said.

    Asogwa hinted that a road project had already begun to link the capital city to the estate up to the surounding villages.

    He said such development would increase the value of the land, reduce travel time to the capital and open up the area for other investments.

    The OGA chairman, Achi, said that with the signing ceremony the community had given the corporation authorisation to begin its renewal programme in the Achievers City Layout, Phase 1 covering a total of 800 plots.

    “It is our desire that the corporation will execute the project satisfactorily.”

    Achi gave the assurance that both parties would keep to the terms of the agreement.

    “We use this opportunity to thank the Enugu Gov. Mbah for bringing development to the rural community and for other department strides on various parts of the state.

    “We are satisfied with what he is doing in Enugu state as projects dot every corner of the state.

    The chairman praised Mbah for restoring water everywhere in the state capital and appealed to him to extend the water scheme to Ukana and other rural communities.

    He also gave kudos to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu, for being a true representative of “our people as our son” and being solidly behind the Governor to enable him to realise his development agenda”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

    .

  • NGX Weekly: Investors lose N103bn as insurance, banking stocks decline

    Market
    By Rukayat Adeyemi

    Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The NGX Insurance Index led the losers during the Sallah holiday-shortened week, falling by 1.32 per cent week-on-week.

     

    This contributed to a 0.18 per cent decline in the broader market indices.

     

    The NGX 30 Index followed with a 0.16 per cent decline, and the NGX Banking Index fell by 0.04 per cent week-on-week.

     

    Conversely, the NGX Oil and Gas Index led the gainers, rising by 0.35 per cent week-on-week, followed by the NGX Consumer Goods Index, which increased by 0.29 per cent.

     

    Also, the NGX Pension Index rose by 0.20 per cent and the NGX Industrial Goods Index advanced by 0.10 per cent week-on-week.
    Specifically, sell pressure witnessed in the declined sectors led to negative price movements in the stocks of VFD Group, AIICO, Insurance and AXA Mansard.
    It also include FBN Holdings, Fidelity Bank,  Zenith Bank, MTN Nigeria, Transcorp Hotel, among others.
    Consequently, NGX All-Share Index and market capitalisation depreciated by 0.18 per cent to close the week at 99,743.05 and N56.424 trillion each compared to 99,925.38 and N56.527 trillion respectively recorded in the previous week.
    As a result, investors lost N103 billion week-on-week.
    Meanwhile, 53 equities appreciated in price during the week higher than 51 equities in the previous week.
    25 equities depreciated in price higher than 24 in the previous week, while 76 equities remained unchanged, lower than 79 recorded in the previous week.
    A total turnover of 3.301 billion shares worth N53.157 billion in 27,536 deals was traded this week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to 2.633 billion shares valued at N43.652 billion that exchanged hands last week in 33,709 deals.
    Trading in the top three equities namely: Fidelity Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc measured by volume accounted for 2.469 billion shares worth N37.405 billion in 3,006 deals.
    This contributed 74.80 and 70.37 per cent to the total equity turnover
    volume and value respectively.
    Additionally, NGX30Z4 and NGX
    PENSIONZ4 Futures Contracts were listed on the NGX on Wednesday at N3,905 and N3,885 respectively and would expire on Dec. 20.
    Fidelity Bank Plc’s rights issue of
    3.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N9.25 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing 10 ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Jan.5 also opened on Thursday and would close on July 29.
    Meanwhile, looking ahead to the next week, analysts at Cowry Asset Management Ltd. have predicted that the local bourse will trade in mixed sentiment.
    They said this would ride on the back of low valuation and portfolio repositioning for value stocks as investors continue to exhibit a wait and see approach.
    The analysts advised market players and investors to trade in stocks of companies with sound fundamentals as trading volume patterns continue to
    fluctuate.
    According to them, the present market outlook suggests buying interest in some sectors and profit-taking in others, amid a wait-and-see attitude.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/AWA
    ==========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • No confirmed cholera case in Ebonyi — Health Commissioner

    Cholera

    By Chukwuemeka Opara

    Abakaliki, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Ebonyi government on Saturday said there is no confirmed cholera case in the state except suspected cases.

    Dr Moses Ekuma, the State Commissioner for Health, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.

    He explained that the state currently had 38 suspected cases.

    Ekuma said that the ministry in collaboration with relevant agencies were closely monitoring the situation and had taken proactive steps to forestall any outbreak in the state.

    “We have inaugurated a technical working group on the issue while increasing the training and re-training of health personnel for emergency responses.

    “We have increased our enlightenment campaign on the citizens to take precautionary measures while our health facilities are on alert to handle emerging situations.

    “The citizens have been enlightened to wash their hands always before eating, avoid drinking contaminated water, cover their foods properly among other measures,”he said.

    The commissioner noted that emphasis was being placed on open defecation, which the citizens must avoid presently and beyond.

    “We are working in synergy with sister ministries of water resources, environment among others, to ensure that adequate water is supplied to the citizens and the environment kept clean.

    “The citizens should not panic but ensure they engage in safe health practices and be vigilant within their environment,” he said.

    He urged the citizens to report suspected cases to nearby health facilities and not engage in self medication.

    NAN reports that there are reported cases of cholera across the country with attendant fatalities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    RCO/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Ondo Govt., NDDC to partner on youth development – says State Commissioner

    Ondo Govt., NDDC to partner on youth development – says State Commissioner

    Partnership
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Ondo State Government says it is poised to partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on ways to implement more empowerment programmes for the youths of the state.

    The Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the commission’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, in his Akure country home on Saturday.

    According to the commissioner, the present government in the state wants the youths to be engaged actively to reduce social vices.

    “We are here to inform you about our plan to visit your office in Port Harcourt and we felt it won’t be a good thing for you to see us in your office without you having pre- knowledge of our visit.

    “I don’t want to be seen as a commissioner for football, I am for all sports and we also want to ensure that our youths are positively engaged.

    “We will continue to engage critical stakeholders on how to empower our youths and take them away from social vices,” Yusuf-Ogunleye said.

    Responding, Abegunde lauded the commissioner for the steps he was taking to collaborate with the commission.

    He said that youth empowerment was part of the mandate of NDDC, adding that it was the responsibility of the commission to make the leaders of tomorrow self-reliant.

    He urged the youths in the state to register in the NDDC database programme, tagged Holistic Opportunity Project of Engagement.

    “What you are here for is part of our commission’s responsibility and I will ensure that this collaboration is successful.

    “I promise to inform my chairman that your ministry is coming,” he said.

    The commissioner, who inspected the skill acquisition centers in Akure, promised to put the facility in use as soon as possible for the benefit of the youths. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/OJI/USO
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sam Oditah

     

     

  • Airports: FAAN vows crackdown on touts, sets up task force 

    Airports: FAAN vows crackdown on touts, sets up task force

     

    Touting

     

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

     

     

    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Saturday said it had set up a task force to eliminate touting, extortion and illicit activities at airports.

     

    The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Saturday, in Lagos.

     

    Kuku expressed her worries over reports of harassment and extortion of passengers at airports.

     

    She vowed to crackdown on perpetrators of such illegal activities, emphasising her commitment to ensuring a seamless and pleasant experience for travelers.

     

    Kuku said that Mr Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties at FAAN, was to spearhead the initiative as the chairman of the task force.

     

    The FAAN MD also declared her intention to personally engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with the anti-touting and anti-extortion measures.

     

    Kuku said that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in illicit practices, stressing that it was no longer business as usual.

    She highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.

    Kuku announced that as measures to ensure the zero tolerance policy, magistrate courts would be established at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders.

     

    “The task force has been mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism at all levels.

     

    “In addition, dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of providing feedback on their airport experience.

     

    “All airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability,” she said.

     

    The FAAN MD reiterated the authority’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for passengers and other airport users. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ITM/SOA

    ========

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Nigeria, others yet to harness opportunities in organic agriculture –experts

    Nigeria, others yet to harness opportunities in organic agriculture –experts

    Opportunity
    By Emmanuel Oloniruha
    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN)Experts in organic agriculture have called for more concerted efforts by stakeholders for Nigeria and other West Africa countries to access enormous opportunities in organic agricultural produce and products.

    They made the call in Abuja, at a two-day conference with the theme: “Development of a Harmonized Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) standard for West Africa.”

    Jude Obi, President of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria, said the West Africa region must access its quotas from the inestimable amount of money available for organic agriculture globally.

    Obi said that development of organic agriculture could comfortably address the challenge of food security and increase foreign exchange earnings, stifling the economy in the region.

    He expressed concern that the African continent and West Africa were yet to scratch the surface of their own quota in organic agriculture trade.

    “Now, the West Africa organic agriculture landscape is evolving, clearly evolving, but the opportunity is massive.

    “The amount of money available for organic agriculture in the world is inestimable. And for us in Africa and West Africa, we are not even scratching it.

    “So, this is an effort to expand the horizon, make trade easy, make people interested in organic agriculture, increase production which is very important and earn the much needed foreign exchange.

    “Which is one of the things that are stifling the economy of West Africa and by extension Africa.

    “It is clear that both the African continent and West Africa; they are not scratching the surface. They are not scratching the surface of their own quota in organic agriculture trade,” he said.

    Obi said the essence of the conference was to ensure that organic agriculture get rooted in the region to address the challenge of food security and earn more foreign exchange in the region.

    “We are gathered here importantly because organic agriculture is gaining traction in West Africa, Africa and the world. And it is not organic if it does not have guidance, if it does not have traceability.

    “So, traceability is very important in organic agriculture. We are here to establish protocol for traceability in organic agriculture in West Africa.

    “If we are able to achieve this, then there will be easy trade within the sub-region.

    “This traceability we are talking about, we call it participatory guarantee scheme. It is the lower level of traceability simply because we have two levels of traceability.

    “The first one is a third party. The second one is the participatory guarantee scheme. This participatory guarantee scheme is designed for farmers.

    “Third party is expensive and organic agriculture prepares itself to bring in everybody.

    “So, participatory guarantee scheme is a process through which a small farmer that doesn’t have a large quantity of money to go through a third party can still establish their traceability, have standard, have certification and be able to trade just like every other person.

    `And most importantly, have premium prices because the target is premium price. So, we have gathered here to establish a protocol for a participatory guarantee scheme for the West African region,” he said.

    Oyewole Gbadamosi, Coordinator of the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative in West Africa, in his submission said that organic agriculture would enhance global trade, promotion of exports, and exportation of material among others in the region.

    According to him, the conference was planned to facilitate the development of a regional standard for organic agriculture in the West African states.

    “It is aimed to create a short supply chain for product movements across the member states and we are gathered here to do exactly that,” he said.

    He said that the conference would among others address the issue of verification in terms of the quality of things that are produced organically.

    “We have had many products labeled organic and which are not. I have also had different regulations which have not been followed particularly in some West African states, where we do have regulations on organic agriculture.

    “So this particular workshop is to provide the working documents for certification and reference label for organic products and to serve as a value addition for the organic product and to increase the credibility of the products while moving across the region.

    “We are expecting that this can be a giant stride for the development of organic agriculture in the region, while working hard to see that we are able to even leverage on some of the other important things that this particular initiative brings.”

    Dr. Kofi Emanuel, Programme Officer of Rural Development and Land Government at the ECOWAS Commission, Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, said development of organic agriculture would address the challenge of food security in the region.

    Emmanuel, who is also the Chairman of the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative, Secretariat in West Africa, stressed the need for harmonisation of standards across member states.

    “I cannot say that there is no standard. There are standards in the member states. People are producing organic products but for free trade across our member states.

    “We need to harmonize these standards. That is why we are doing this now. We are working.

    “You know, our agriculture, if you compare our practice to other countries as in other continents, we can say that we are seeing the area of Ecological Organic Agriculture because we use less of our fertilizers.

    “The chemical fertilizers are very less. We are about 18 to 24 kilograms per hectare. Even compared to those of Asia who are 300 kilograms, more than 320 kilograms per hectare.

    “Our agriculture is still ecological and organic. It feeds its population. So we need to have the label, we need the standard for it,” he said.

    He equally harped on the need for access to technology, sharing of information, research and develop capacity of our farmers for the development of the sector.

    “So, the capacity building issue is very important for our farmers and our organization. We need certification. It’s very important.

    “If you go to the market, your products are not certified. If you didn’t have a label on your products, it cannot make visibility of that. So it’s very important to do all these processes,” he said.

    He agreed that organic agriculture might not be able to feed the entire population in the region but can contribute significantly in feeding them.

    “Organic agriculture can contribute to feed this population; can contribute to produce and taking into account our soil health.

    “But we cannot feed all our population through only organic agriculture. We need to manage, taking into account the necessity to preserve the fertility of our soil and to tackle all the challenges we have to face,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OBE/IAA
    =======

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Baba Wande, Kelani reconciliation, valuable lesson for Nollywood—Filmmaker

    Veteran Yoruba actor, Baba Wande and renowned filmmaker, Tunde Kilani

     

    Reconciliation

    By Kazeem Akande

    Lagos, June 22,2024 (NAN) Dotun Taylor, President of Aroba Groove, an international cultural organisation, has praised the exemplary leadership displayed by veteran Yoruba movie actor, Kareem Adepoju, popularly as Baba Wande and renowned filmmaker, Tunde Kilani, in settling their long-standing feud.

    Taylor cited the willingness by the veterans to put aside their differences as a valuable lesson for the movie industry and beyond.

    Taylor, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said that the 30-year dispute revolved around royalty issues from the 1993 hit movie, “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile”.

    He added that the reconciliation would pave way for renewed collaboration and advancement of Nigerian culture as well as entertainment on the global stage.

    “Ti Oluwa Nile”, initially written by Adepoju in 1987, was transformed into a three-part movie in 1993 through Kilani’s Mainframe Films and Television Productions.

    According to Taylor, the feud between the two veterans had affected the growth of Nollywood in one way or the other.

    “Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also told me how great the film ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ is and that’s why he chose me as agent for the reconciliation of the long time feud.

    “As the Asoju Asa Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, I played a pivotal role in facilitating the peaceful resolution.

    “Delegates from the palace, at the behest of the Ooni of Ife, visited Tunde Kelani at his Abeokuta home to seal the settlement.

    “This historic reconciliation is a testament to the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove Ltd. in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage.

    “The Aroba Groove successfully mediated the reconciliation which has given birth to the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI’, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.

    According to him, ASIYANBI is produced by Aroba Groove in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa with the endorsement of the Ooni of Ife, for the younger generation to learn the rich history of  Yoruba culture.

    He said that their actions demonstrated the importance of intergenerational collaboration, ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and values between the old guard and the next generation.

    “By working together, we can avoid misunderstandings and misaligned efforts, ultimately driving progress and development in the entertainment industry.”

    Taylor said that the two veterans expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife for his intervention.

    According to Taylor, Baba Wande in his remarks during the reconciliation said that Kelani is his bosom friend.

    Kelani was also quoted to have said that the peace initiative was a reminder that their work (Ti Oluwa Nile) was appreciated.

    Mr Ibitayo Akindeji, the Producer and Project Coordinator of ‘ASIYANBI’, said that Aroba Groove was reviving the classic tale through a groundbreaking stage production, promising a thrilling and innovative theatrical experience.

    Akindeji said that the captivating stage play was set to captivate audiences in major cities in Nigeria, UK and USA later this year. (NAN)

    AKA/FAA

    ======

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Cholera Outbreak: LWC assures safe, potable water to residents

    Cholera Outbreak: LWC assures safe, potable water to residents 

    Water

    By Henry Oladele

    Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Amid the cholera outbreak in the state, Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), on Saturday, assured residents of safe and potable water, advising everyone to maintain good hygiene.

    The corporation’s Executive Director, Operations, Mr Helen Omolanke, gave the assurance while sensitising residents at the Baruwa Community Engagement Forum in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the community forum  was organised by LWC to sensitise residents about safe and World Health Organisation’s standard public water.

    NAN also reports that the forum was in line with the Lagos State Government’s policy to ensure access to safe drinking water.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had reported an outbreak of the water-borne disease in 30 states of the federation and urged state governments to prioritise actions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation and proper hygiene practices.

    The centre, in an advisory released to the public, healthcare workers and state governments on mitigating the spread of the disease, reported a total of 1,141 suspected cases of cholera, with 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states from Jan. 1 to June 11.

    The NCDC highlighted that 10 states—Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos—account for 90 per cent of the cholera burden in the country.

    The centre explained that cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, ingested through contaminated water and food.

    Water contamination usually results from the faeces of infected individuals, occurring during water collection, transportation or storage at home.

    Food can also be contaminated by unclean hands during preparation or consumption, it added.

    At-risk populations, the centre said, include those with limited access to clean water, poor sanitation and hygiene, consumers of potentially contaminated food or fruits without proper washing and cooking, and healthcare workers providing direct patient care without standard precautions.

    The centre noted that symptoms of cholera include acute, profuse, painless watery diarrhoea (rice water stools), sudden onset vomiting, and may be accompanied by nausea and fever.

    Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration from massive fluid loss.

    However, NCDC stressed that most infected individuals (about 80%) may show mild symptoms or be asymptomatic.

    NCDC cautioned that the best prevention against cholera include ensuring access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation and waste disposal and adopting appropriate hygiene practices, including regular handwashing.

    The water corporation  director, therefore, told residents at the Baruwa Community Engagement Forum that “LWC is the most safe water. We have tested the boreholes and other sachet waters in the time past and we have seen that  LWC is the best.

    “It is reliable. it takes away sickness and you won’t have cholera from drinking LWC water.

    “There is cholera in the country, so we are encouraging everyone to tap into this opportunity and get connected to LWC, because it is potable.”

    She added that LWC has a mini water works at Abesan Estate, adding that Baruwa community should take ownership of the water.

    She explained that “the essence of this gathering is to sensitise the community to take ownership of this mini water works because the facility was built from tax payers’ money.

    “The people should own it and see to its sustainability, more so to also encourage them to pay their bills.”

    She added that water from the boreholes in the community is not potable as that from LWC, which has been treated and processed to the standard of the World Health Organisation.

    The Baale of Baruwa Community, Chief Aludu Baruwa, appreciated the LWC for providing potable water to residents and beyond.

    While urging LWC not to charge high water rate so people can afford to pay, Baruwa said “I implore everyone to pay water dues because this water is always treated.”

    The Chairman, Baruwa Water Corporation, Pa James Oyewole, appreciated the gesture by LWC, saying it is a laudable project.

    “This is a long awaited ceremony, we have been involved in water pollution for about 28 years.

    “The underground of the whole Baruwa is already polluted so we can’t get good water.

    “We want to thank LWC for coming to our rescue and we assure that we will pay our dues to ensure sustainability.”

    The representative from the Lagos Water Regulatory Commission, Mr Idowu Olowu, said “the water payment by residents is just a token, as governtment is subsidising it.”

    One of the residents, Mr Abiodun Adigun, expressed delight over the potable water introduced to the community, assuring LWC that he will pay charges apportioned to him.

    Another resident, Mrs Basirat Komolafe, a business woman, said it was a long awaited prayer that got answered, adding that residents are ready to cooperate with LWC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HOB/HA 

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu