Day: May 16, 2024

10,000 residents from four communities in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT have gained access to clean water thanks to the WaterAid Nigeria intervention project and its partners.

Mr Williams Kolo, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Coordinator for Bwari Area Council, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a WaterAid Project Close-Out meeting for the 14-month intervention project.

The meeting, tagged ‘Strengthening Water and Sanitation Delivery Project in Bwari Area Council,’ was organised by WaterAid Nigeria in collaboration with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other partners in the project included Bwari Area Council and were funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

While presenting an overview of the project’s outcomes, Kolo stated that 10,000 residents now have access to clean water, WASH management skills, and sanitation promotion messages.

‘10,000 people gained access to clean water, 647 people gaine
d access to safely managed sanitation facilities, and 3,500 people, including women and children, were reached with sanitation promotion messages.

‘The organisation constructed and rehabilitated 10,000-liter and 20,000-liter capacity solar/electric powered water boreholes in four communities and one school, including water kiosks.

‘Additionally, 115 members, comprising 67 males and 48 females of WASH management structures and hygiene promoters, were trained across the four beneficiary communities.

‘It is also notable that these water points have been certified to have zero coliform levels in the five water facilities procured in the four communities and the school.’

The beneficiary communities listed were Baran-goni, Zuma II, Sabon-Gari, Dakwa, and LEA Primary School, Tudun-fulani.

Kolo further stated that to sustain and replicate the intervention, an investment plan has been mapped out by the partners to help the council construct more infrastructure in other communities.

This, he added, was to ensure
other communities in the council gain access to clean water, while assuring that the WASH unit would help ensure funds for such projects were included in the council’s subsequent budget.

Speaking with NAN on the progress of the project, Mr Nanpet Chuktu, Head of Programmes, WaterAid Nigeria said that the 14 month project was aimed to strengthen WASH delivery in selected communities in the council.

This, he further said was designed to complement the efforts of government in addressing access to WASH services, while improving hygiene behaviours and outcomes among target population.

The project, he added, focused on increasing access to WASH services by constructing and rehabilitating water facilities in the selected communities and providing gender-inclusive public sanitation facilities and participation.

He said: ‘ Today’s meeting with partners and WASH committee representatives is to close out a one year mini project we currently have in the council.

‘It is to show accountability and say we started this
last year, this is what we promised and this is what we delivered.

‘Bwari Area Council is still a work in progress, the council and RUWASSA are the key institutions we are supporting, and therefore, we are still on ground with similar projects.

‘This is to first demonstrate a model they can use to improve the status of WASH in the communities and at the same time charge government to use the models to grow.

‘We will like to see that by the next budget cycle, the council has dedicated funding for similar projects in other communities and not just rely on donor organisations.’

He also praised the council’s inclusion of 40 percent women in the WASH committee, noting that their active participation was impressive.

One of the committee members, Mrs. Safiya Rafiu from Baran-goni community, appreciated the effort by the partners and prayed for God’s blessings on all who worked to bring smiles to the faces of the people.

She said that the initiative had not only improved sanitation in her community but had als
o helped the WASH committee sell water at a subsidized rate to residents to maintain and sustain the facility.

NAN reports that the meeting, which had all partners and committee members of the project in attendance, also included the presentation of maintenance kits to representatives of all the beneficiary communities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Swap Station Mobility Ltd. has signed a partnership agreement with Glovo and Siltech World to deploy electric vehicle accessories across the country.

The accessories include motorbikes, smart swappable batteries, and a network of quick interchange stations across Lagos State.

It may be recalled that the company, signed partnership agreements with GlovoApp Nigeria Ltd. (Glovo) and Siltech World.

The partnership will provide Glovo couriers with two-wheel electric motorbikes that offer lower cost, clean mobility alternative to the internal combustion engine (ICE).

The Electric Vehicles (EVs) are provided on a lease-to-own model whilst also offering riders a unique ‘pay as you ride’ or ‘weekly subscription’ to access SSM’s battery swap and charging facilities.

It will also give technical support and cover for insurance, licensing, and routine maintenance services.

This is part of efforts to increase adoption to build out a network of solar powered automated quick interchange battery stations along major de
mand routes and logistics bases starting in Lagos and surrounding states over the next 24 months.

Blackaion Capital and FundCo Capital Managers who are the co-sponsors of Swap Station Mobility, believe the operational cost of battery swapping per kilometre (km) will remain substantially lower than the fuel cost per km for the ICE counterpart.

‘This is the main value driver which has been catalysed by the Federal Government’s near elimination of fuel subsidies.

‘The products are designed to exceed the performance of petrol alternatives whilst significantly improving CO2 emissions, local air quality, and cost efficiency for users over the life of the asset,’ said Obiora Okoye, Director at Swap Station and Partner at Blackaion Capital.

Okwu Njoku, who sits on the Board, said ‘We are very excited about signing with Glovo who operates one of the most prolific food delivery platforms in Nigeria.

‘Our EVs and swappable batteries are in-country, and Siltech World, one of our key technology and technical partners
, supported us with the procurement, testing, and certification of the EVs, and so, we are now ready to start operations.

‘We plan to spend the next few months securing additional swap locations, building our technology platform, and expanding our team.’

Abiodun Oni, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FundCo Capital Managers, and former Regional Sales Director, Energy, for Tesla, stated, ‘e-mobility is critical to our sustainable infrastructure investment strategy, and this agreement with our partners enables us to kick start that process’.

On his part, Head of Operations at Glovo, Ify Adah stated, ‘ By 2030, our goal is to have about half of our orders delivered by non-combustion vehicles.

‘So, we are very excited and look forward to working with Swap Station, and supporting our couriers with cleaner and more cost-effective transport solutions.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the company is an integrated EV financing and battery charging infrastructure development company that has built a b
usiness-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) platform.

It provides access to electric two-wheel and three-wheel vehicles, swap station infrastructure, swappable batteries, and a hub for repairs and maintenance services to fleet owners, businesses, and users operating in the logistics and last mile connectivity in Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Bill for the establishment of Disability Trust Fund before it.

The Executive Secretary, Dr James Lalu, made the appeal at a two-day sensitisation of stakeholders on Disability Accessibility Regulations, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NCPWD, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.

Lalu explained that the fund, if established, would enable the commission to implement disability-inclusive programmes and interventions to leave no one behind.

He added that the fund would also enable the commission to support states that were yet to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (prohibition) Act, 2018, to do so.

He also said that the Act, if domesticated across the states, would also make provisions for the Disability Trust Fund at the state level.

This, according to him, will encourage the states to implement their peculiar disabi
lity inclusive programmes, especially the enforcement of disability accessibility regulations.

‘Most of the states have domesticated the disability law. Some even established agencies for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), but ensuring disability inclusion and accessibility for PwDs is capital intensive.

‘In fact, some states have established disability institutions, but our interest in the disability trust fund is to raise funds to support states that are yet to domesticate the Act to do so,’ he said.

In her remarks, Ms Brisca Aaron, the Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for the Disabled Persons, pointed out that the state had already domesticated the disability prohibition act.

Aaron added that the state government had equally implemented the five percent employment quota for PwDs and commenced enforcement of the accessibility law.

According to her, the law was designed to ensures PwDs’ access to public infrastructure in the state.

Also speaking, Mr Monu El-Dad, Chairman, Abia State Commission f
or the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to advance the course of PwDs in the state.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The unending political rift in Rivers has taken a fresh twist with five Commissioners resigning.

Their resignations were contained in separate letters addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the mass resignation is the second since Gov. Siminalayi Fubara became governor on May 29, 2023.

The first of such mass resignations led to the peace accord initiated by President Bola Tinubu which later led to the recall of the commissioners.

The crises in the state had since defied all interventions, climaxing in the fresh round of resignations.

While the Commissioner for Social welfare, Mrs Inime Aguma, gave ‘absence of work place progression’ as reason for her resignation, her Transportation counterpart, Dr Jacobson Nbina, cited ‘prolonged political crises’.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Gift Worlu, accused Fubara of ‘promoting toxic working relationship and attempting to fuse the legislative and executive arm thereby breaching the l
aw of separation of powers’.

Also, Mr Austen Ben, Commissioner for Environment, in his letter, said that he decided to tender his resignation ‘because of the political crises in the state’.

As for the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmon, the ‘absence of trust, animosity and division amongst colleagues’ forced out of Fubara’s cabinet.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), says the country’s gas sector is now well positioned to help businesses in the country generate more revenue.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari, said this when he spoke with newsmen on Wednesday in Owerri.

He spoke on the sidelines of the presidential inauguration of three critical gas infrastructure in Delta and Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the ANOH-OB3 CTMS gas pipeline and ANOH gas processing plant in Assa, Ohaji/Egbema in Imo.

Tinubu also inaugurated the expansion of the AHL gas processing plant 2 gas project in Kwale in Delta.

The projects are being undertaken by NNPC Ltd. and partners in line with Tinubu’s commitment to significantly leverage gas to grow the economy.

According to Kyari, the Tinubu-led administration is ensuring a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the country.

‘There’s ample fiscal environment today. The laws are good. It en
courages gas development and taxation is lower. Businesses can make more money from gas in this country.

‘And that is why we are seeing renewed interest in taking investments in the floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNGs) that is already happening.

‘We are already progressing massively on one other LNG product, and there are a number of other floating LNG projects that are now ongoing,’ he said.

According to Kyari, the inauguration of the various infrastructure is an evidence of a gas revolution in play.

‘what this means to our country is that enormous resources are being put into domestic market.

‘It will provide gas for power, gas for industries, gas to chemicals and to the value chain.

‘It will create jobs and everything that you can imagine of a typical gas countries should benefit from.

‘And this is becoming very apparent because you do need the backbone infrastructure to deliver on all this. And this is what Mr President has pushed, and we are delivering on them.’

Kyari said the speedy realisatio
n of the gas projects was proof that Nigeria could transform its gas resources into value.

‘And we are already seeing this value. And I believe that in the very near future, the prosperity from gas will become very much.

‘As the president has said, from gas to prosperity, and this is very important,’ he said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of AHL, Mohit Barot, commended the president in his effort towards revitalising the gas sector and boosting the business environment in the country.

‘We from the private sector look forward to contributing more significantly to the nation’s economy by providing more jobs, advancing technology in our sector and ensuring exemplary citizenship.

‘We will continue to ensure environmental sustainability and economic resilience. And I thank you for your leadership and support,’ Barot said.

Also, Sen. Udo Udoma, the Chairman of Seplat, reiterated the company’s commitment towards supporting the government’s drive for industrialisation and economic growth.

‘The plant being ina
ugurated is a clear example of what can be achieved through an effective collaboration.

‘This project aligns with Seplat’s mission of leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable and reliable energy for social and economic prosperity,’ he said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by senior government officials, partners and stakeholders in the sector.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Larry Odeh, a school administrator, has underscored the need for proper upbringing of male children to ensure moral uprightness in society.

Odeh, Head of Administration, VineCare Schools, gave the advice during the commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child, organised by the school on Thursday in Abuja.

The Day often celebrated on May 16 yearly was founded by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a university lecturer from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in 2018.

The celebration seeks to focus on the promotion of the well-being of the male child, particularly their need to feel happy, healthy and valued within family, and community.

He explained that the proper upbringing of male children was crucial to ensuring a healthy and functional society in the future.

‘Today is a day where you need to remind boys of how special they are and how useful they are to society.

‘This is because without proper mentoring of boys to ensure moral uprightness, we will have a dysfunctional society.

‘The more reason
we need to remind them of their potential and worth, have a sense of belonging so they can grow up to be more humane and imbibe good morals, as well as ensure a better society in future.’

Odeh reiterated the day was not intended to relegate or neglect the girl child, but to celebrate the boy child as the girl child was also celebrated globally.

Mr Raphael Odanaogun, Head of School (Academics), said the school decided to celebrate the boy child because the management recognised the importance of children.

‘It is our responsibility to celebrate the boy child today, because internationally today is boy child day and we value them so much, and we want them to know they are valued.

‘It is also to let them know they need to be responsible and accountable to have a better brighter future.

‘We want them to understand how valuable they are and the need for them to grow with a sense of value.

‘This is to help them become responsible and grow up to become what is morally expected of them in the society.’

Mr Chib
uzor Akubuike, a parent, emphasised the need for boys to be God-fearing, disciplined, and respectful, saying male children should be taught to express themselves.

Akubuike restated that boys should be taught to study hard to improve their grades in school, live healthily, and imbibe gratitude as a lifestyle.

Mr Bishop Adamu-Chitumu, a parent, told the boys to imbibe the qualities of their superheroes.

‘The essence of the celebration is to encourage proper upbringing of male children to enable them to become superheroes, imbibe good morals, and become professional as doctors, nurses, teachers, pilots, policemen and engineers.

‘To build the character of the male child to be kind, strong, brave and disciplined,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria