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About 25 Percent Nigerians Openly Defecate, Laments FG
About 25 Percent Nigerians Openly Defecate, Laments FG
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has decried that about 25 percent of people living in the country still defecate openly, insisting that this has led to high rate of diarrhea that is the second highest killer of children in Nigeria.
Nigeria is populated by over 200 million people, and according to the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas has about 48 million people still practicing open defecation.
Speaking at a joint press briefing of the Ministries of Environment, and Water Resources and Sanitation to highlight the activities scheduled for the World Toilet Day, Abbas said this year’s theme: ‘Accelerating Change’ “is quite apt as it inspires every individual to take personal action to help improve toilets and sanitation systems. It underscores the fact that every sector and every Nigerian can do something and has a role to play in tackling the sanitation crisis.”
He noted that “toilets are a foundation stone of public health and they play an important role in protecting the environment. They effectively and hygienically remove human waste away from the home, reducing the exposure our loved ones have to human waste and diseases.
“Unfortunately, toilets and the sanitation systems that support them are underfunded, poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world including Nigeria with devastating consequences for health, economics and the environment particularly in the poorest and most marginalized communities. Right now, about 4.2 billion people in the world live without safe toilets and about 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, as many people still use the bush and water bodies as their regular means for excreta disposal.
“Many institutions, public and private, do not have sanitary facilities and where they exist they are either not functioning or misused. Most urban areas do not have sewerage systems and safe collection of sewage. Therefore, disposal becomes a huge challenge as many of the water bodies including rivers and streams become a repository for sewage and wastewater.”
He added that: “The sanitation crisis poses a threat to our natural environment and the health of citizens, particularly women, girls and other vulnerable groups. One of the major consequences of poor excreta and sewage disposal is the high rate of diarrhoea disease which is the second cause of high morbidity and mortality rates among children under the age of five. The persistent re-occurrence of annual incidences of cholera outbreaks in some of our states are also manifestations of inadequate toilet facilities. Yet this could also be prevented through safe excreta disposal by every individual.”
Abbas revealed that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to addressing the sanitation challenges in the country and ensuring proper management of excreta. This commitment is demonstrated by Mr. President’s declaration of a state of emergency on water, sanitation and hygiene in the country and the signing of Executive Order No. 009 on Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025. Equally, the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with critical stakeholders has reviewed and validated the 2005 National Environmental Sanitation Policy including its policy guidelines on safe excreta and sewage disposal, which will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment is also continuing with its community-based intervention on the control of open defecation programme as well as the Clean and Green Programme aimed among others at promoting the provision of safe and adequate toilets across the country, particularly in public places and ensuring proper excreta management.”
He disclosed that modern public toilets have been provided in communities and markets across the Federation under these programmes. “To strengthen the capacity of our Environmental Health Officers, this year, the Ministry renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India on technology transfer, technical assistance, capacity building and research development in areas of water, sanitation and environmental management. The CSE has conducted specialized training on affordable toilet designs and feacal sludge management and reuse for at least fifty (50) Environmental Health Officers and Sanitation Desk Officers across the 36 States’ Ministry of Environment including FCT.”
Abbas while highlighting the activities to mark the day which is scheduled for next Tuesday, said. “I am using this opportunity to appeal to all National, State and Local Government stakeholders in environmental sanitation not only to do the talking but take practical steps and actions individually and collectively as agents of change to ensure everyone has access to toilets in their domain. Likewise, all commercial entities such as petrol stations, shopping malls etc are encouraged to launch functional toilet facilities for the public as part of their corporate social responsibilities.”
On his part, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev said: “The Government recognizes that access to adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services is a critical factor for the socio-economic development of any nation with implications for human capital outcomes such as early childhood survival, health and educational attainment.
“In addition, the practice of open defecation due to the dearth of sanitation facilities is directly correleated with sanitation-related diseases, poor educational outcomes and loss of productivity. This is beside such as other consequences such as the concomitant lack of dignity, inconvenience and violence experienced by women and girls, when practising open defecation.”
He said: “In recognition of the cross-cutting nature of the Government’s interventions, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is collaborating with other partners under the auspices of the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) in commemorating the 2023 World Toilet Day. The commemoration activities are targeted at mobilizing actions at all levels through building synergy to improve sustainable access to sanitation in the country. It is our target to reach every Nigerian with a message on safe toilets and sanitation systems in the course of these engagements. The modest achievements recorded through our interventions were made possible through the collaboration of partners. I will be remise without acknowledging their partnership and support for our initiatives in the Sanitation and Hygiene Sector.”
About 25 Percent Nigerians Openly Defecate, Laments FG
Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical and steadfast in protecting the nation’s democracy in line with its constitutional mandate.
Shaibu stated this on Saturday at the Passing Out Parade of the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 held at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji.
He reiterated that the subordination of the military to constituted civil authority remains the foundation for professionalism, urging officers and soldiers to uphold democratic values at all times.
“We must safeguard this constitutional democratic governance that promotes the values and interests of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion,” he said.
“I charge all Nigerian Army personnel to be proud champions of democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties.”
Shaibu assured Nigerians that the Army remains committed to protecting lives and property across the country, adding that troops are working round the clock to secure the territorial integrity of the nation and support other security agencies.
The COAS commended the Commandant of NASI and the training staff for the successful conduct of the course, noting that the achievements recorded in training and operations were made possible by government support.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and sustained assistance to the Nigerian Army, reaffirming the loyalty of officers and soldiers to the government and the Constitution.
Shaibu also thanked the Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, and the people of the state for their cooperation and support to Army formations and institutions.
He congratulated the passing-out cadets and their families, wishing them successful careers as they prepare to join units and formations across the country.
“The Nigerian Army awaits you all in the field,” he said.
Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS
COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 to uphold professionalism, integrity and loyalty as they begin their careers in the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday during the Passing Out Parade of the course at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, Kaduna State.
The COAS described the occasion as a significant milestone and congratulated the cadets for successfully completing the rigorous training that qualifies them for the Presidential Commission.
He urged the new officers to remain focused as they take up responsibilities in various operational theatres across the country.
“Your pips will be unveiled shortly, and you will begin individual and collective journeys filled with opportunities, challenges and important decisions,” he said.
“Amidst these, one thing must remain sacrosanct Nigeria must come first in all decisions and actions throughout this new phase of your careers.”
Shaibu emphasised the need for right character, courage, professionalism and resilience, assuring the cadets that the Nigerian Army Officers’ Corps would always stand with them as comrades and brothers-in-arms.
He advised them to rely on the training received at NASI and their experiences in service, stressing that in moments of doubt, their training should remain their guide.
The COAS reminded the officers that leadership required the ability to inspire confidence and make sound decisions.
“A bad plan is better than no plan at all, so ensure that you always have a plan,” he said.
“Always act with the hope for success and not the fear of failure.”
Shaibu highlighted the Army’s efforts to address welfare concerns related to their type of commission, assuring them of measures to support their professional and personal development.
He urged them to pursue continuous improvement through courses and trainings available in the Army, aligning with his Command Philosophy to transform the force into a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready institution.
COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji
News
COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, describing the project as a major milestone in strengthening operational training and military education in the country.
Shaibu, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning ceremony, said the state-of-the-art centre would significantly enhance the capacity of officers to engage in advanced operational planning, mission rehearsal and strategic decision-making.
He said the completion of the project demonstrated the military’s collective resolve to equip officers with the skills required to address contemporary and future security challenges.
“This centre is not only significant to this College but to the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
“The successful completion of this project is a bold statement in our determination to deepen officers’ operational planning capabilities, enhance military education and further prepare our officers for emerging threats.”
The COAS commended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence in producing high-quality middle-level officers who contribute to national defence objectives.
“As a proud graduate of this College, I am pleased to remain associated with its continuous transformation,” he added.
Shaibu applauded the progress recorded by the Department of Land Warfare, noting that the execution of several key projects by his predecessors had contributed to improved academic outcomes and a more effective learning environment.
He described the new Wargaming Centre as a necessary complement to the Lt Gen T.Y. Buratai Operations Centre, adding that it would enhance the training of officers in land warfare doctrine and joint operations.
The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army,” saying such support made the execution of strategic projects possible.
He also thanked the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM HI Alhaji, for his commitment to improving the college’s infrastructure and training systems, and commended the Director of the Department of Land Warfare, Brig.-Gen. N.U.C. Ogili, for ensuring the timely and quality completion of the project.
Shaibu acknowledged the contributions of the directing staff, administrative officers and college community, noting that they were collective stakeholders in ensuring the effective utilisation and maintenance of the new facility.
He urged students, who are the primary beneficiaries, to make optimal use of the centre to enhance their understanding of operational art, strategic planning and battlefield decision-making.
“I congratulate the Commandant, staff and students of AFCSC on this historic achievement,” he said.
COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS
COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji
COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
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