Connect with us

Uncategorized

Borno celebrates world water day as Zulum promises ten earth dams this year to increase water supply to residents

Published

on

Borno celebrates world water day as Zulum promises ten earth dams this year to increase water supply to residents

By: Bodunrin Kayode

In a bid to increase drinking water for residents, Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has said that ten more earth dams would be built to cushion the effect of water scarcity in the state.

He said that such dams would be multi purpose so that residents will not suffer mich from the aridity of the savanna which has increased in recent times.

This was revealed by the General manager Borno State rural water supply and sanitation Agency (RUWASA) Dr Mohammed Aliyu during the celebration of today’s “world water day” at the maiduguri office of the agency.

Equally the Gm said that the government has been able to drill 218 hybrid bore holes across the 27 council areas of the state since 2019.

The new boreholes with super reservoirs were constructed alongside “free flowing” boreholes common in Borno north council areas like Mongunu, Mafa, Ngala, Kukawa and Abadam.

The Gm represented by Hawa Anas a director in the agency noted that three additional water works were also provided in Moramti, Konduga, Ngarannam, MMC, Azare and Hawul adding that three more waterworks are presently undergoing construction at Madinatu, Shokwari and Musari for the increasing water consumption needs of residents in greater Maiduguri.

“Furthermore the State government has constructed 462 hand pumps, rehabilitated 316 solar powered bore holes and 464 hand pumps reconnecting over two million people to clean and safe drinking water.

” The state government has also approved and commenced the construction of ten standard earth dams across the state” said the Gm.

Dr Musa Aliyu called for the use of alternative ways like solar to generate energy that will drive boreholes that are not free flowing for drinking water.

“We also need to change the narrative, let us discard our traditional ways of doing things and use innovations to sustain our facilities.

” We need to think outside the box from isolated boreholes to mini schemes, from communal fetching points to house to house connections.

” we need to redesign our approaches strengthening community participation and ownerships in our projects. We should all know that the development we are yearning for is achievable via peace and this is mainly determined by the availability of water, thereby justifying the theme of this year’s commemoration which is water for peace. “

Keynote speaker for the event Dr Musa Aji a hydrogeologist from the geology department of the University of Maiduguri posited that water scarcity was a condition in which the demands for drinking water was not being met.

He frowned at the indiscriminate construction of unauthorized dams upstream which affects communities along the route downstream towards Lake Chad where the river source from kano empties is itself.

Aji called on political leaders to take the lead in the restoration of the ecosystem which has been badly damaged and which is responsible for the scarcity of water myriad of residents are experiencing within north east Nigeria now.

In his remark titled “Water Management in Northeast Nigeria. The humanitarian context,” Dr Timothy Paul Daret noted that in the context of northeast Nigeria, humanitarian water management faces multifaceted challenges exacerbated by ongoing conflict, displacement, and environmental factors.

He observed that the region has been plagued by protracted conflict, leading to widespread displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of basic services, including water supply and sanitation.

This situation he revealed has left millions of people in dire need of access to safe and clean water, particularly in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities.

“Moreover, the arid and semi-arid climate of the region poses additional challenges, as water resources are scarce and often contaminated, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Dr Tim advised that, humanitarian water management efforts must navigate these complex dynamics by implementing strategies that not only address immediate water needs but also promote long-term sustainability and resilience in water infrastructure and management systems.

“To address these challenges, humanitarian organizations operating in northeast Nigeria are implementing comprehensive water management strategies that prioritize both emergency response and long-term development.

” These strategies involve the provision of safe drinking water through the construction and rehabilitation of water sources, such as boreholes, wells, and water treatment facilities, in both IDP camps and host communities. Additionally, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions focus on promoting hygiene practices, such as hand washing and safe water storage, to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

” Moreover, there are ongoing efforts of building the capacity of local communities and authorities in water management and infrastructure maintenance to ensure sustainability beyond the immediate humanitarian response. By adopting a multi-sectoral approach and collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, humanitarian organizations aim to address the complex water management challenges in northeast Nigeria as they contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of affected populations.

He stressed that as stakeholders celebrate the 2024 world water day with the theme “water for peace”, they should remember that; access to drinking water is a human right.

” Cooperation on water paves the way for cooperation on all shared challenges. Water can be a tool for peace. ” he maintained.

Highlights of the occasion was a dance drama by children of the Nigerian Airforce primary school and several goodwill messages from non governmental organizations including a representative of the vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri Professor Babagana Kolo.

Borno celebrates world water day as Zulum promises ten earth dams this year to increase water supply to residents

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara

Published

on

Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces in Zamfara State have arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mannir Adam, for allegedly transporting 800 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in the fuel tank of a motorcycle.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a resident of Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, was intercepted at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway.

He was arrested at a security checkpoint in Yankara while riding a red Boxer motorcycle.

According to the sources, a search conducted by the operatives led to the discovery of 800 rounds of live ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, which had been carefully hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly picked up the ammunition from the Bawa area in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He was reportedly transporting the ammunition to Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where it was suspected to be destined for armed bandits operating in the area.

Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

The suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in the illegal arms supply chain.

Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau

Published

on

Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.

Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.

According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.

Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.

Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.

The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.

Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission

Published

on

Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission

By Ayo Ajayi

In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.

For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.

Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
‎His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.

‎Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.

Dr  Lucky  Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.

Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.

Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.

Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.

Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.

Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights