78m children in Nigeria at risk of water related challenges

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

As World leaders and relevant organizations convene for the UN 2023 Water Conference, UNICEF is calling for urgent action to address the water crisis in Nigeria.

A statement by Dr. Jane Bevan, UNICEF Nigeria Chief of WASH as world leaders prepare to attend the historic UN Water Conference, said 78 million children in Nigeria are at the highest risk from a convergence of three water-related threats – inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); related diseases; and climate hazards – according to a new UNICEF analysis.

“In Nigeria, one-third of children do not have access to at least basic water at home, and two-thirds do not have basic sanitation services. Hand hygiene is also limited, with three-quarters of children unable to wash their hands due to lack of water and soap at home. As a result, Nigeria is one of the 10 countries that carry the heaviest burden of child deaths from diseases caused by inadequate WASH, such as diarrhoeal diseases.

“Nigeria also ranks second out of 163 countries globally with the highest risk of exposure to climate and environmental threats. Groundwater levels are also dropping, requiring some communities to dig wells twice as deep as just a decade ago. At the same time, rainfall has become more erratic and intense, leading to floods that contaminate scarce water supplies.

“I believe we need to rapidly scale-up investment in the sector, including from global climate financing, strengthen climate resilience in the WASH sector and communities, increase effective and accountable systems, coordination, and capacities to provide water and sanitation services, and implement the UN-Water SDG6 Global Acceleration Framework.

“If we continue at the current pace, it will take 16 years to achieve access to safe water for all in Nigeria. We cannot wait that long, and the time to move quickly is now. Investing in climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene services is not only a matter of protecting children’s health today, but also ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Diaspora group tasks Plateau governor-elect on effective, inclusive govt

Some indigenes of Plateau living in the U.S., on Tuesday, charged the Governor-elect, Mr Caleb Mutfwang of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on effective and inclusive government that would reflect the will of the people. The group, under the auspices of Plateau State Association USA, Inc. (PSA-USA), gave the advice in a congratulatory letter signed by its National President, Dr Barth Shepkong and addressed to Mr Mutfwang. A copy of the letter was made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. It reads: “On behalf of the members of Plateau State Association USA Inc (PSAUSA), please accept our sincere congratulations on your success in being elected as governor and deputy governor of Plateau State in the just-concluded 2023 Gubernatorial elections. “It is time to come together to build a better, united, and more inclusive Plateau State. “The future belongs to us all. Let us work together to make it what we desire. “The people of Plateau have spoken! We are aware that your service to the state does not come without sacrifice. “We wish you God’s guidance, strength, direction, and the wisdom to deliver on your mandate to the people of Plateau. “We look forward to an effective and inclusive government that reflects the will of the people. “Best wishes and we look forward to working with you.” The group also congratulated the Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr Patrick Dakum, and his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, for running exemplary campaigns.

NAN reports that Mutfwang polled 525,299 votes to defeat his closest rival and the candidate of the ruling APC, Yilwatda, who polled 481,370 votes. (NAN)

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA to urgently rehabilitate the JosBauchi road as well as enlighten commercial and heavy trucks drivers to ensure safety-drive and vehicle maintenance.

The House equally resolved to urge the Federal Road Safety Corps, to introduce regular vehicular checks, and also intensify highway patrols on the road, to ensure strict compliance to traffic regulations;

The House resolutions followed a motion of urgent National Importance moved by Honourable Muhammad Adam Alkali.