Environment
FG Moves To End Open Defecation …Plans To Partner Telecom Firm
The Federal Government has indicated plans to partner with IHS Towers, a telecommunication infrastructure company, for disseminating behavioral change messages to end open defecation practice in the country.
Acting Coordinator, Clean Nigeria, Use The Toilet Campaign Programme, Mrs Chizoma Opara, told the Tide that this partnership would involve the formulation and sending of accurate and timely information to subscribers.
Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared telecommunication infrastructure in the world.
She said IHS Towers had indicated interest and commitment, saying they were already working with major mobile network operators to pass effective messages to change the narratives of poor hygiene practices.
“We have begun discussion with IHS Towers to see how we leverage on their communication infrastructure to pass messages of hygiene promotion.
“The messages are already being composed, so that mobile telecommunication subscribers get the information on their phones on how to stop open defecation practice.
She said the role of private sector in scaling up water and sanitation services in the country was very important, commending the efforts of the Organised Private Sector (OPS-WASH) in bringing multinationals into the sector.
She added that the secretariat of the Clean Nigeria, Use The Toilet Campaign Programme, had begun engagement of radio stations to disseminate information on behavior change toward ending open defecation.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), there are over 170 million active mobile telephone users in Nigeria, with industry projections suggesting that the smartphone adoption rate in sub-Saharan Africa will double by 2025.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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