News

UNICEF: 46m Nigerians Lack Access To Toilets

Published

4 years ago

November 19, 2021

As Nigeria joins the world to world mark the 2021 World Toilet Day, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) office in Nigeria announced, yesterday, that its data indicated that 46million Nigerians lack access to toilets which is key to ending open defecation thereby boosting health and total well-being.
As a result, many people in the affected communities end up with different preventable ailments which often lead to death.
UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Dr Clement Adams, in his presentation at a one-day media dialogue in Maiduguri, yesterday, noted that northeast states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, are among the states with high number of people that practice open defecation.
Precisely, he said that 16per cent of the population in Borno State and 32per cent of the population in Yobe State still practice open defecation with devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of the affected people.
He suggested that stakeholders must review existing mechanisms with a view to improving access to toilets, reduce disease outbreaks and tackle malnutrition in conflict-affected children.
“Valuing toilets, being the theme of 2021 World Toilet Day is apt. Evidence has shown that access to toilets and water benefit people and nations, and promotes the wellbeing of the workforce and contribute to the reduction of stunting in children. Undoubtedly, ending open defecation helps to protect the dignity of women and girls and reduce the incidences of gender-based violence,” he said.
He confirmed that since 2018, UNICEF has supported north-east states with the construction and rehabilitation of 4,752 and 2,976 toilets, respectively, across IDP camps and communities, and about 200 sites have been supported with hand pump boreholes, while 126,690 non-food items have been distributed to displaced and vulnerable families.
Additionally, he said that UNICEF has built capacities of state departments and LGAs to deliver safe and sustainable Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services to communities and Internally Displaced People (IDPs), and also supported Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to undertake rapid response to cholera outbreaks.
He added that, at a time when the Federal Government intensified effort to make open defecation free through the nationwide Clean Nigeria Campaign, it is important for states adopt a mission mode to become open defecation free by 2025.
He encouraged practical steps towards ending open defecation, thus advocating construction of more toilets and water sources, especially among the most vulnerable population IDP camps or host communities.
“In addition to that, schools, markets and other public places must not be left out even as we promote behavioural change among the people. National and state budgets must reflect the importance of toilets and water sources to the health of children and workforce.
“We must prioritise investments in physical and human resources and scale up existing programmes targeting expansion of toilet and water services. Evidently, inability to access toilets is costly. It robs children of their health and peace. When people die of cholera complications, children are sadly stripped of parental care and the most basic protection,” he said.
He promised that UNICEF will continue to work with states and RUWASSA, especially in the north-east states, to promote the wellbeing of conflict-affected people and safeguard the rights of their children to life and good health.
He also promised that UNICEF will continue to advocate for one more toilet and borehole across north-east states until every IDP camp, home, school and market have adequate sanitation and hygiene and facilities that safeguard the wellbeing of all.
Meanwhile, the General Manager, Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Dr Mohammed Musa Aliyu, highlighted the challenges being faced in the state to provide portable clean water for Borno rural communities.
“But in spite of that, especially the insecurity, we have been able to provide water in communities in various hard-to-reach local government areas including Gwoza. For instance, we faced difficult times providing for Pulka, a community that is 116km from Maiduguri and a border town with Cameroon.
“We had to use the security agents to transport equipment for the water, use helicopter to transport the workers, in addition to several sabotage from people who are benefitting from the absence of water in the community.”
He also highlighted the roles being played by the community and religious leaders towards eradicating open defecation practice in the state.
“We are on the verge of declaring some local governments open defecation free.”
Similarly, the General Manager, Yobe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Alhaji Abubakar Liman Baba, in a presentation, explained that efforts of the state and other partners led to the declaration of one of its local government, Machina LGA, Open Defecation Free (ODF).
He appreciated the support received from the state government and other partners which has led to the success achieved so far in the fight against open defecation.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor