Rivers
Reactions Trail RSHA Ban On Open Defecation
Reactions have trailed the adoption of a motion by the Rivers State House of Assembly for the ban on open defecation in the state.
A cross session of environmentalists who reacted to the ban commended the Assembly for the move, describing it as timely.
They, however, said the ban should not only be on paper but should be translated into reality.
Speaking with The Tide, the Acting General Manager of the Rivers State Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Napoleon Adah, said the motion was timely inview of the fact that past Administrations in the country have already signed Order 009 banning open defecation across the country.
He said RUWASSA and the Ministry of Water Resources are happy with the move by the State Government toilet facilities in public places in the state.
Adah said his Agency will continue with its sensitization campaign against open defecation in the state.
Also speaking, an Environmentalist, Mr. Blessing Jackson Tiko, also applauded the the House of Assembly for adopting the motion.
Tiko, who spoke with The Tide in Port Harcourt, said the motion was timely inview of the current outbreak of cholera across the country.
He said open defecation is a danger to public health, adding that enlightenment is also needed to change people’s behaviour on the issue of open defecation, especially in the rural areas.
TIko, who was Deputy Operation Officer, Phalga Environmental Taskforce, also urged for collaboration with other agencies to ensure that open defecation is eradicated in the state.
It would be recalled that The Rivers State House of Assembly had during its legislative sitting last week passed a resolution that public toilets facilities be constructed across the 23 Local Government Areas as a way of curbing open defecation in the State.
The Assembly also directed the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and The Rivers State Waste Management Agency to check further defecation under flyovers in Port Harcourt.
It also advocated for regular monitoring, evaluation and active participation of relevant ministries and Stakeholders in the fight against open defecation.
The resolution was sequel to a motion presented by the Deputy Speaker, Adolphus Timothy Orubienimigha, on the floor of the House during its legislative sitting last Tuesday.
Deputy Speaker, Orubienimigha, while presenting the motion, prayed the House to direct the Ministry of Health and Environment to work collaboratively in order to develop a comprehensive action plan to eradicate open defecation in the State.
He said the motion was in line with the International Community’s commitment towards achieving acess to sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030, adding that Rivers State should never be left behind.
“Mr. Speaker and my distinguished colleagues, this is not just a sanitation issue, it’s a matter of public health, dignity and environmental responsibility”, he said.
The Deputy Speaker stressed the need for the House to declare a state of public emergency on the practice of open defecation and prohibiting its practice in the state.
Other demands include that the House should direct the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Health to work collaboratively in order to develop a comprehensive action plan to eradicate open defecation in the state.
Also, to urge the Rivers State Government to allocate funds for the speedy implementation of these action plans, including the construction of public toilet facilities in the state capital and Communities where the practice is most prominent.
The Deputy Speaker also called for the implementation of sensitization and awareness campaigns to promote behavioral change.
Others are: to ensure and enforce the compliance of existing sanitation laws and health regulations; to engage stakeholders to actively participate and champion the fight against open defecation; and to request the relevant ministries to submit a progress report on the implementation of this action plan one month for the House’s review and further action.
Leader of thw House, Sokari Goodboy Sokari, while seconding the motion as moved by the Deputy Speaker, condemned the act of open defecation and described the motion as timely.
Speaker of the House, Victor Oko-Jumbo, at the end of the debate on the motion, said the prayers are in tandem with the motion.
Oko-Jumbo, who amended some of the prayers, called on traditional council leaders, private organizations and NGOs to support the speedy implementation of the action plan on open defecation.
All members present voted in favour of the resolution through a voice vote.
John Bibor
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.