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FG says states must key into open defecation-free campaign for progress, sustainability

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The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, says for Nigeria to make progress in the open defecation-free (ODF) campaign, states must key into the process and show more political will.

Adamu, who spoke at the ongoing Nigeria Media Water Week in Abuja on Tuesday, said it is worrisome that only few states have inaugurated their roadmap towards ending the open defecation practice.

According to him, whatever policy that the Federal Government is doing is not meant for it alone, but for the states and the entire nation.

“State governments need to key into these programmes. What we are saying is that the key to the success of this open defecation campaign is with how much state actors are willing to prioritise it to give it all the political support that it is getting at the national level.

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“If the political will at the national level is similarly obtained at the state level, I think we can quickly get rid of this problem, but if we at the national level are driving a programme and it is not getting the same push at the state and local government levels, then that is a huge challenge’’.

He said the entire ODF campaign is hinged on advocacy and behaviour change for everyone to build and use their toilets, saying the Federal government would continue to pass that message with the state governments.

The minister noted that annually, the ministry, in partnership with the development partners, brings out the Water, Sanitation Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) survey to ensure that progress is made to improve WASH in parts of the country.

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“We are monitoring how much states have fared in terms of improving access to potable water and toilets, handwashing and we share it with the states.

“I believe that at some point, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) may come on board, naming and shaming activities may begin to unfold just the same way it is happening in India.

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“Kids were given whistles, if they fund anyone defecating openly, they would blow the whistles and harass them to stop, that was how the ODF was achieved’’.

Also read;Former senior provincial official arrested for taking bribes

Adamu added that the ministry had inherited 116 ongoing and abandoned projects, with some lacking funding, and those not viable were dropped and others prioritised to be completed in stages.

The ministry said since 2015, it had pursued the goal of completing the many inherited hydropower projects across the country and had recorded successes in this direction, explaining it is not privatising its dams, rather some of the facilities are on concession, particularly those for power generation.

Also, Adamu outlined nine completed and ongoing hydropower projects being prepared to add 2,672 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, consisting of nine projects located in five states including Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Benue and Nasarawa.

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They include the 30MW Gurara I hydropower project in Kaduna, completed and put on concession; 360MW Gurara II plant, also in Kaduna, with its engineering, procurement and construction contract already awarded.

Others are the Kashimbila, Dadin-Kowa and Itisi hydropower projects with capacities for 40MW each and located in Taraba, Gombe and Kaduna states respectively.

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The government said both the Kashimbila and Dadin-Kowa hydropower projects had been completed and are ready for concession, while a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on the Itisi project.

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Edo Assembly recalls suspended lawmakers after five months

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Edo State Assembly recalls suspended lawmakers

Edo Assembly recalls suspended lawmakers Donald Okogbe and Adeh Isibor after five months for allegedly plotting to impeach the Speaker.

 

The Edo State House of Assembly has recalled lawmakers Donald Okogbe and Adeh Isibor after a five-month suspension for allegedly plotting to impeach the Speaker.

The recall follows the earlier reinstatement of Bright Iyamu in June. Speaker Blessing Agbebaku announced the decision during the assembly’s plenary session on Wednesday.

 

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Also read: Edo State Governorship: Labour Party’s Kadiri Claims Vote-Buying Hindered Election Victory

 

The Edo State House of Assembly has recalled the last two suspended lawmakers, Donald Okogbe (PDP-Akoko-Edo II) and Adeh Isibor (APC-Esan North-East I), following a five-month suspension.

The lawmakers were initially suspended on May 6, 2024, alongside Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South) for allegedly plotting to impeach the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, and other principal officers.

While Iyamu was reinstated in June after expressing remorse, Okogbe and Isibor remained suspended until now. During the plenary session in Benin on Wednesday, Agbebaku announced that the Assembly had reached a consensus to lift their suspension, thereby reinstating them to their legislative roles.

The Speaker also used the opportunity to congratulate Edo’s governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, following his victory in the recent governorship election.

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Agbebaku expressed optimism that the new governor would serve all Edo people and urged him not to be swayed by sycophants.

Additionally, the Assembly approved a 57-sitting day calendar for the second quarter of its second session, resuming legislative activities after a long recess.

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Agbebaku commended the lawmakers for their commitment to passing impactful bills and resolutions that serve the state’s best interests.

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Samuel Ortom attributes 2023 senate loss to lack of divine consultation

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Samuel Ortom 2023 Senate loss

Former Benue governor Samuel Ortom blames his 2023 Senate loss on not consulting God. He will not run for office in 2027, following divine guidance.

 

Former Benue governor Samuel Ortom attributed his 2023 Senate election loss to not consulting God. He has announced that he will not contest in 2027, following divine guidance.

Former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom revealed that his loss in the 2023 Senate election was due to his failure to seek divine guidance before contesting.

 

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Also read: Submit to EFCC, Ortom advises Yahaya Bello

 

Ortom shared this during a courtesy visit by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G-14 group in Makurdi. He admitted that his decision to run was made without consulting God, leading to his defeat.

Ortom announced that he would not seek any political office in 2027, as God had advised him against contesting. He stated, “God has revealed everything to me.

He has asked me to wait for him.” The former governor also expressed his continued support for the PDP and its ambition to reclaim the Benue Government House in 2027, stressing that no personal ambition should outweigh the party’s interest.

Reflecting on his time in office, Ortom mentioned that he made sacrifices, often prioritising state matters over family and friends.

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He remains committed to the party, particularly the G-14, a group comprising PDP elders from 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas.

Dr Laha Dzever, chairman of the G-14, affirmed the group’s support for Ortom’s leadership, emphasising the group’s importance in keeping the party united since 2015.

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Dzever stressed that only Ortom, as the party leader in the state, has the authority to disband the G-14.

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Governor Fubara confirms Rivers State local government election on October 5, 2024

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Rivers State local government election October 5, 2024

Governor Fubara confirms Rivers State local government election for October 5, 2024, despite rumours of disruption, assuring a free and fair process.

 

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara confirms the local government election will hold on October 5, 2024, dismissing disruption rumours.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced that the local government election will take place on October 5, 2024, despite widespread rumours of planned disruptions.

 

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Also read: Governor Fubara urges traditional rulers to promote unity and fairness in their communities

 

Fubara made this declaration during a visit to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, where he was welcomed by Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli and other key officials.

Fubara, expressing frustration, stressed that no legal barriers exist to prevent the election and issued a stern warning that no one should attempt to interfere with the process, regardless of their position or influence.

He emphasised the importance of fairness and inclusivity, noting that Rivers State belongs to all its people.

The governor assured that RSIEC has full authority to conduct the election, and security agencies would be available to ensure the process runs smoothly.

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Fubara promised that the election would be free and fair, calling it one of the best in Rivers State’s history.

His statement comes amid tensions, with accusations from the PDP against the APC, alleging that the opposition is instigating unrest in the state, including pushing for Fubara’s impeachment.

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