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

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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

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2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas

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2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas

By: Michael Mike

As Nigeria gears up for season of electioneering, the United Nations has called on political parties to focus their campaigns on policies and ideas, not insults or divisive rhetorics.

During a speech at the Roundtable on Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall said as we head to the 2027 elections. “Allow me to share some recommendations. First, political parties must lead by example. Campaigns should focus on policies and ideas, not insults or divisive rhetoric.

“Second, parties should commit to codes of conduct that reject hate speech and promote information integrity. Third, cooperation with media and digital platforms is essential to ensure that harmful content is not amplified, while factual, reliable information reaches voters.

“Above all, we must remember that elections are about people, their dignity, their rights, their future. Hate speech strips people of their dignity and undermines the very foundation of democracy. As leaders, you have the power and the responsibility to set the tone, to show Nigerians that politics can be conducted with respect, truth, tolerance, and integrity.”

Fall added that: “On this International Day of Democracy, I call upon you today: let us work together to make democratic participation in Nigeria free from hate and grounded in information integrity and respect for human rights. Let us affirm that words matter and that in choosing our words carefully, we choose peace, unity, and progress for Nigeria. Let us act collectively to strengthen and protect democracy in and beyond Nigeria.”

He stated that this International Day of Democracy with theme “Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity” should remind us that democracy is not only about holding elections, but about ensuring inclusion, pluralism, and public participation of everyone in a respectful and inclusive manner.

He noted that: “When falsehoods spread unchecked, especially during elections, they weaken public trust, mislead citizens, and undermine democratic choices. Promoting information integrity means ensuring that Nigerians can access reliable information, that public debate is grounded in facts, and that voters are empowered to make informed choices free from manipulation.”

He insisted that: “In Nigeria, the stakes are high. Vibrant political discourse and engagement should be moments of ‘no gree for anybody’, unity, and pride. But they can be harmful if hateful language and hostile narratives are allowed and accepted; it can incite hostility and result in violence. We know from history that hate speech has been a precursor to some of the worst atrocities, including genocide.

“The Rabat Plan of Action, endorsed by the United Nations, reminds us that advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility, or violence must be prohibited by law and that these laws must comply with international human rights standards, including the right of association, expression, and assembly.

“This is a cornerstone of democracy. Restrictions must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, never a pretext to silence debate. The challenge before all of us here today is to strike the right balance: engaging in open political discourse while safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting Nigerians from the harms of hate speech.”

On his part, the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu noted that since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has made notable progress in democratic development.

He said: “We have witnessed successive electoral cycles, the strengthening of civil society, and the expansion of political space. Yet, our democracy remains a work in progress. Challenges such as low voter turnout, weak internal democracy in political parties, electoral violence and malpractices, weak institutional accountability, and limited inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities and harsh political climates continue to undermine public trust and democratic consolidation. Above all of these, our democratic and political processes including communication have often come under immense challenges of poor values, deep-seated hate-filled and divisive rhetoric threatening the core foundation of our nationhood.”

He noted: “The National Human Rights Commission has been at the forefront of efforts to promote ethical and hate-free politicsin Nigeria. In the 2023 elections.”

Ojukwu stated that hate speech is intricately related to human rights, either in its form or outcome, adding that: “To the person spreading hate speech, it is about right to freedom of expression, opinion, speech or belief. To the recipient of hate speech, it is a violation of the rights to dignity of human person and the freedom from discrimination based on religious belief, political, ethnic, gender, cultural or other affiliations, amongst many other human rights.

“When applied to politics, hate speech and unethical communications breed political divisions that facilitate violence, weak voter electoral participation, stifles plurality and social cohesion.”

He said: “As we count down to the 2027 General Elections, the NHRC is alarmed at the high level of hateful politics and unethical practices that seemed to have taken the centre stage with some of our political actors. Achieving a culture of responsible and value-laden political process continues to remain a challenge for Nigeria. From the independence of the election management body to unethical actions of political parties, their candidates and agents to the inappropriate use of security and law enforcement agencies.

“Vote buying and inducements of various sorts during past and recent elections have become worrisome indicators of the fragility of the Nigerian electoral culture with severe consequences on the freedom of association and the right to participation.”

He noted that: “The Roundtable on Ethical and Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria which we are convening today in partnership with the United Nations is aimed at forging a shared understanding of the drivers, patterns, and impacts of hate speech and unethical political communications in Nigerian electoral and democratic processes and to secure practical, rights-based commitments from key actors to promote ethical politics, reduce hate speech and protect pluralism and inclusive participation—especially for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minority communities in the electoral processes leading to the 2027 elections and beyond.”

2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas

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Troops recover rifle, ammunition during a raid on the hideout of a notorious gunrunner in Plateau

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Troops recover rifle, ammunition during a raid on the hideout of a notorious gunrunner in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on the hideout of a notorious gunrunner in Plateau State.

Zagazola learnt that the operation was conducted in the early hours of Monday at Kurra Berom village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines and 38 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Sources said the operation was based on credible intelligence. However, the suspects fled the hideout before the troops arrived.

They assured that efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while reiterating their commitment to mopping up illicit arms and ammunition in the area.

Troops recover rifle, ammunition during a raid on the hideout of a notorious gunrunner in Plateau

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AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

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AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

By; Zagazola Makama

The African Union Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.

The agreement was signed on Sept. 8 by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

The MoU provides a framework to enhance cooperation and coordination between the AU and Nigeria on counterterrorism initiatives.

Adeoye said the partnership underscored the commitment of both parties to addressing the growing threat of terrorism through coordinated strategies, capacity building and information sharing.

The areas of collaboration include real-time information sharing, deployment of NCTC experts to the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AUCTC), joint research, as well as support for victim recovery, deradicalisation and reintegration.

A Joint Working Group is to be established to monitor progress and oversee the implementation of the MoU.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of Nigeria and the African Union to promote peace and security across Africa.

AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

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