Month: June 2024

he Kano State Government has earmarked over N1.9 billion in its 2024 budget for the development of water and sanitation infrastructure to improve the lives of its residents.

Mrs Binta Lawani, Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Rural Community Development, announced this at the two-day WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) National Training Workshop on Thursday in Abuja.

The WS4H programme, convened by Self Help Africa, is a 5 million Pound Sterling FCDO-funded initiative to improve access to inclusive, reliable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services in Cross River and Kano States.

Lawani said that the intervention was necessary, following Kano’s large population and the urgent need to enhance access to potable water and sanitation facilities.

She said that the state recognised addressing the issue as a priority for inclusive development and environmental improvement.

Lawani also said that the written agreement demonstrated the government’s commitment, not only in terms of counterpart fina
ncing but also in allocating budget funds where they were most needed.

Joy Aderele, Country Director of Self Help Africa, noted that the workshop aimed to strengthen institutions, political will, and stakeholder commitment, vital for sustainable WASH initiatives.

According to her, there is a need for a holistic approach to WASH, emphasising that it should be a comprehensive service rather than just infrastructure, as this can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

‘Defining clear indicators to measure the strength of the WASH system is vital; these indicators should cover aspects such as accessibility, reliability, sustainability and impact on health.

‘Regular monitoring and evaluation will help track progress and identify areas for improvement,” she said.

The country director, however, said that leveraging learnings from SHA’s 24 projects across 10 countries could provide valuable insights and best practices.

She added that adapting these learnings to the Nigerian context would be critical
to effectively address local challenges and opportunities.

Shadrack Guusu, Head of WASH Programmes at SHA, said there was need to strengthen local institutions and communities for effectively managing and sustaining WASH services.

He said the approach aimed to empower communities and enhance resilience, ensuring continuous access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Guusu stressed SHA’s role in advocacy and policy influence, working closely with government and policymakers to prioritise WASH in development agendas and secure necessary resources for implementation.

He also emphasised the importance of exploring sustainable financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to ensure long-term funding for WASH initiatives.

John Wali, WS4H Programme Manager at SHA, emphasised the importance of government support, noting that Kano government had committed funding for WASH initiatives.

He expressed optimism that other states would follow suit, saying that the ultimate goal was to create an ena
bling environment for the successful implementation and scale-up of the programme.

‘We are looking forward to continued government support to ensure the programme’s success.

‘The collaboration with our in-country partners is crucial, and their expertise in market-based sanitation will be vital in achieving our sanitation goals,’ he said.

Will Tillett, the Senior Global WASH Advisor with Self Help Africa, stressed the need to address WASH challenges, including open defecation, sustainability of rural water services, and inclusivity.

Tillett highlighted the importance of robust foundations to ensure the effectiveness of larger investments in the sector.

He said that through system strengthening and securing increased sector finance, the programme aimed to greatly benefit Nigerians by promoting long-term sustainability and inclusivity in WASH services.

In his goodwill message, Mr Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised stakeholder collaborations and urged subnational o
wnership in WASH service delivery.

Adamu, who is the Chairman of SHA’s advisory board, also said that getting water and sanitation services right would solve all basic health problems in the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the deaths of two South African National Defence Force soldiers, following a mortar attack at their base in Sake in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Twenty other soldiers sustained injuries.

As Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), President Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to the families of the fallen troops as well as their commanders and colleagues.

The President’s thoughts are also with the SANDF members who are recovering from their injuries.

‘As we mourn the deaths and casualties inflicted on our soldiers, we value and are humbled by the sacrifices they have made for the cause of peace and stability in our region, and they shall not be forgotten,’ the President said in a statement on Thursday.

The President also assured the bereaved families and the injured troops that the SANDF will take the utmost care to provide the necessary logistical and psychosocial support to all those affecte
d.

South African forces are part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) which was deployed on 15 December 2023 to support the Government of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC.

This was in response to an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups.

Source: South African Government News Agency

_: A professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics, Elvis Otobo, says collaboration with international bodies is key for best practices in the implementation of successful archival systems in Nigeria.

Otobo, media aide to the Founder/Visitor, Caleb University and Proprietor Caleb Group of Schools, Dr Oladega Adebogun, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

According to him, in order to achieve the much needed national transformation and accelerated economic growth, effective records and archives management is critical.

Otobo, also Africa’s pioneer Archival Science and Diplomatics Professor, said that archival science and diplomatics played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and administrative history of not just Nigeria, but Africa at large.

He added that it was also not just an academic achievement, but also a pivotal step toward enhancing the country’s records and archives ecosystem.

According to him, it promises a future where the
country’s historical narrative is preserved with integrity and shared with the world.

‘Diplomatics is the study of ancient documents, which assists in verifying the authenticity of historical records; thus, safeguarding the accuracy and legitimacy of African history, reflecting on its past and informing its present as well as shaping a more informed future.

‘Across Africa, archival science ensures that valuable records are properly organised, stored and made accessible for research, which is vital for understanding the continent’s post-colonial history and development,’ he said.

Otobo added that well-kept records were also essential for transparent governance, legal certainty and attracting investment.

He said that Nigeria had yet to achieve much in the archival science and diplomatics space.

‘Nigeria’s performance in records management has been a mixed bag.

‘Studies have shown that there are challenges in the practice of records management in the country’s public and private sectors.

‘Inadequate facil
ities and lack of coherent policy are prevalent.

‘However, there are also positive developments, such as the implementation of eNictronic records management, which has had a positive impact on national development in areas like security control, collaboration and efficiency,’ he said.

The professor told NAN that about 98 per cent of organisations in Nigeria lacked a strong record management policy, which could lead to inefficiency, corruption and poor job performance.

Otobo said that there was still room for improvement in the broader records management landscape in Nigeria.

He said that a multi-faceted approach was essential to enhance the country’s records and archival systems.

According to him, strengthening the legal framework to ensure protection and management of records and investing in modern technology for digitisation and electronic records management are important.

Otobo stressed the importance of improving professional trainings for archivists and records managers.

He said that conducting r
egular records surveys and acquiring new materials for preservation were also critical steps needed for the revitalisation of the sector.

‘The various laws guiding the management of records and archives must equally be respected and strictly implemented,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

As the world commemorates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Department of Social Development has raised concerns about alcohol as the first drug of choice by youngsters.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on 26 June.

The United Nations General Assembly established the day, which is commonly known as World Drug Day, in 1987 to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, around 269 million people worldwide used drugs in 2018, and these numbers continue to rise.

World Drug Day highlights the global commitment needed to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking through education, support, and rehabilitation.

This year, World Drug Day focuses on investing in prevention and teaching countries the importance of understanding effective drug policies based on science, research, compassion, and full respect for human rig
hts.

The day also emphasises a thorough comprehension of the social, economic, and health consequences of drug use and will highlight ending stigma and strengthening prevention efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

‘By uniting globally and prioritising compassion and education, significant strides toward a drug-free world can be achieved,’ the department said.

According to the department, people can contribute to the commemoration of this day by spreading awareness, supporting local prevention and rehabilitation programmes, participating in community events, and advocating for policies that address drug abuse and trafficking.

The commemoration was preceded by a National Anti-Drug Awareness Week, which commenced on 18 to 22 June 2024.

The department also took the time to engage with community members from Scenery Park, East London, in the Eastern Cape, which is grappling with a high rate of substance abuse, especially among the youth.

The engagement coincided with the remembrance of the t
ragic deaths of 21 teenagers at Enyobeni Tavern two years ago, highlighting the ongoing challenge of drug abuse and community efforts to address the scourge.

‘The department is concerned that alcohol remains the first drug of choice for young people and the Policy of Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders will be finalised for tabling to Cabinet for approval.

‘The policy seeks to empower the country to deal with the abuse of alcohol especially by children and replace effective policies with evidence-based policies.’

Meanwhile, the international conference is currently underway in Greece by the Global Commission on Drug Policy, of which South Africa is a member.

“South Africa’s participation is to align the country’s interventions with international standards and certify practitioners to provide substance use services.

Source: South African Government News Agency

_: President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to work together to meet the needs of citizens, stating that he is willing to provide the needed support to ensure that Nigerians are relieved of hardship.

The president, who spoke during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised the urgency of boosting food production in the country.

He said the nation must boost agricultural productivity, strengthen the economy by creating opportunities in the real sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, as well as provide urgent economic relief for Nigerians.

Tinubu said that the Sokoto-Badagry Highway was a pivotal project as the states within the axis formed the food belt of the nation, and with Badagry being an important artery for food export.

‘Our states must work together to deliver on the critical reforms required of us to meet the needs of our people. Time is humanity’s most precious asset. You can never have enough of it. It is getting late.

‘We are ready an
d able to support you in the form of the mechanisation of your agricultural processes and the provision of high-quality seedlings.

‘We are prepared to provide solar powered irrigation facilities to support our farmers across seasons, but we must now produce,’ he said.

The president added that states must produce enough food for people to eat, and that this would require coordination and intentionality between members of the NEC.

‘There is nothing we are doing that is more important than producing high-quality food for our people to consume, buy and sell.

‘We create jobs in the production of it. And that is before we generate wealth by exporting the excess. It is not beyond us to achieve this for Nigerians.

‘How much support do you need from me and in what form? I am prepared to provide it. But we must achieve the result. We must deliver on our targets at all levels.

‘Please report back following your consultations and submit to my office within seven days,’ Tinubu said.

The president approved the immed
iate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme to cover all geo-political zones in the country.

He said under the programme, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which would traverse Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos, was prioritised.

Tinubu said other road infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is underway, and the Trans-Saharan Highway, which links Enugu, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja, would also be prioritised.

The president also approved full counterpart financing for Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway; to traverse Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno.

He also approved the Ibadan-Abuja segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway; which would traverse Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano.

Tinubu said, ‘The Sokoto-Badagry road project is specially prioritised for its importance as some of the states it will traverse are strategic to the agricultural
sustainability of the nation.

‘Within the Sokoto-Badagry Highway corridor, there are 216 agricultural communities, 58 large and medium dams spread across six states, seven Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), 156 local government areas, 39 commercial cities and towns, and over 1 million hectares of arable land.

‘In addition, other items under the National Construction and Household Support Programme include one-off allocation to states and the Federal Capital Territory of N10 billion for the procurement of buses and CNG uplift programme.

‘Others are: delivery of N50,000 uplift grant each to 100,000 families per state for three months, provision for labour unions and civil society organisations and deployment of N155 billion for the purchase and sale of assorted foodstuffs to be distributed across the nation.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Over the past 30 years of our constitutional democracy, we have travelled an exciting journey together with many ups and downs experienced along the way. Despite the turbulence, we have always shown our resolve as a nation to rise above our circumstances and reach this pivotal moment where we celebrate 30 Years of Freedom.

To draw South Africans from across the country into our celebrations, the South African Road Agency in partnership with government has launched the Democracy Bus that will travel to different parts of our amazing country – from our nation’s towering cities to deep rural communities.

Through this journey we will share our unique story of South Africa rising from a turbulent past to a vibrant hopeful nation. Reaching this national milestone would not have been possible without the many people across our nation who made an extraordinary impact in both fighting for and preserving our freedom.

Government calls on all South Africans to ‘get on the bus’ so that they can see and experience the c
hanges we have gone through, as well re-live the many pivotal moments in our democratic journey.

Through the various planned activations along the route, citizens will have an opportunity to engage with government and to share their stories and experiences of living in a democratic and free South Africa.

In getting everyone talking, we can appreciate our journey and use our experiences to heal the wounds of the past. Through sharing our stories, we will start realising that we all subscribe to the same basic set of values such as mutual respect, democracy, freedom, equality and justice.

Our stories should create an understanding that our respective journeys to freedom might have been different, but we are united in our love for the country and passion to move the country forward.

The gains made by our society would also be better appreciated when viewed against what life was like before 1994. As a starting point we can undoubtedly say that life has improved and that South Africa is a much better place.

W
e have made significant progress in transforming the apartheid state into a democratic one founded on the values of human dignity, non-racialism and non-sexism, the rule of law, and universal adult suffrage, as enshrined in the Constitution.

We have succeeded in lifting millions of people out of poverty. Millions now have access to water, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and many other basic services, which they did not have before 1994. When looking back over the past 30 years, all South Africans can be proud of the progress we have made as a young nation.

Of course, our trajectory since 1994 has not been without many challenges and headwinds. But what has remained clear is the ability of South Africans to rise above adversity and to pull together in our darkest hours. The story of South Africa has always been about our people and now more than ever the collective future resides in the hands of the people.

Through our dialogue in the Democracy Bus initiative, we can take stock of our de
mocratic gains, as well as track the reach and effectiveness of government programmes thus far. It allows us to focus on what still needs to be done to build a better tomorrow for everyone.

As the bus travels on our roads across all provinces to 30 locations in various parts of our country, citizens will have an opportunity to be part of our ‘Spot the Bus’ campaign. Citizens can keep a look out for information on the bus’s journey through a digital map that will be published on various social media platforms.

The bus is also expected to stop at GCIS Thusong Service centres, which are earmarked as key activation sites. It will also stop at venues for community meetings, Izimbizo and national events, as well as dams, police stations, schools, clinics and hospitals built over the years.

Whilst much has been achieved over our democratic journey, plenty of work remains as we build our nation. Through our resilient and hopeful spirit, there are no limits to what we can achieve as a nation. Let us join in the cel
ebration of our journey thus far and together forge a path forward towards even greater development.

*Vusi Mona is General Manager: Communications at the South African National Roads Agency

Source: South African Government News Agency