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World Water Day: Open Defecation, Old Facilities Frustrating Supply Of Potable Water In Cross River

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Bassey Otu

World Water Day: Open Defecation, Old Facilities Frustrating Supply Of Potable Water In Cross River

World Water Day: Open defecation, old facilities frustrating supply of potable water in Cross River. Mr Oko said that providing potable water was in Cross River State gradually becoming a challenge.

The Commissioner for Water Resources in Cross River, Bassey Mensah, has said that aging water facilities are limiting the performance of the state’s Water Board.

Mr Mensah said this on Saturday in Calabar during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the board to commemorate the World Water Day.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Glacier Preservation.”

The event comes up every March 22 to create awareness about water and inspire actions to tackle global water shortages.
The commissioner expressed concern over how people still queue up at commercial borehole points to buy water due to the shortage of supply from the water board.

He said, “In the 1970s, we fetched from public pumps and there should be no reason for system failure that made it difficult for us to access potable water. Cross River saw ahead and  established the best water facility in the nation but  it could not manage it because of erratic power supply. We also have nine treatment plants.

“The Calabar plant alone can feed four other Local Government Areas but the pipes laid 22 years ago are old and many had even been vandalised.”

Mr Mensah said that the state government was taking steps to revive the water board by putting together a Cross River Water Bill already passed by the  House of Assembly and awaiting the governor’s assent.

He said that immediately the water bill was agreed to, the water commission would into full implementation.
He stated, “This will disallow anyone to just  drill boreholes without proper assessment, which is dangerous to the environment.”

The General Manager, Cross River Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Sunday Oko, said that providing potable water was gradually becoming a challenge, especially in the rural communities.

Mr Oko described rural communities as the “national headquarters of open defecation,” which finds its way back into the water bodies that the people consume.

Bassey Otu

Bassey Otu

He added that Obanliku LGA was the first to attain the Open Defecation Free status but things were gradually going bad again.

He said that it was not enough to provide facilities but “the facilities need to be maintained by all and not vandalised.”

Appealing to the governor to assent to the water bill, he urged all hands to be on deck for the preservation and protection of potable drinking water.

“Activities like open defecation, excessive mining and many other activities inimical to the environment are also negatively affecting potable water supply; we need to stop,” he said.

Economy

FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets

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PenCom

FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of over ₦28 trillion in pension assets.

Speaking at the ceremony, the SGF, Senator (Dr.) George Akume, charged members to uphold strong corporate governance while maintaining a clear boundary between oversight and management.

PenCom

PenCom

The Board, led by Chairman Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, pledged to safeguard contributors’ funds and support national development, while the Director-General Omolola Oloworaran reaffirmed commitment to collaboration in delivering secure and timely retirement benefits for Nigerians.

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Economy

SEC Sign MoU With NYSC To Fight Ponzi Schemes

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SEC Warns Again Violation

SEC Sign MoU With NYSC To Fight Ponzi Schemes

SEC sign MoU with NYSC to fight Ponzi schemes. The initiative was designed to sensitise young Nigerians to the risks of fraudulent investment schemes and promote sound, legitimate investment practices.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and National Youth Service Corps have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a community development service group focused on investment education for corps members.

The initiative was designed to sensitise young Nigerians to the risks of fraudulent investment schemes and promote sound, legitimate investment practices.

According to a statement by the SEC on Sunday, the MoU was recently signed by its director-general, Emomotimi Agama and NYSC director-general, Olakunle Nafiu.

It was also meant to promote financial literacy and sound investment habits among young Nigerians.

In addition, the collaboration will help equip corps members with essential knowledge and skills to identify and avoid Ponzi schemes and other illegal investment practices.

It will also help enhance public awareness campaigns against illegal financial schemes across all LGAs in the country, among other objectives.

“Based on the scope of the collaboration, SEC shall develop and provide relevant and up-to-date educational content, materials, and training modules on capital market operations, safe investment practices, and the identification and avoidance of Ponzi schemes.

“SEC will also be responsible for the content, resources and funding of training sessions for selected corps members and NYSC supervisors who will serve as trainers and facilitators in their respective communities.

SEC Warns Again Violation

SEC

“On its part, the NYSC shall facilitate the integration of anti-Ponzi scheme education into its Education and Enlightenment CDS programme. This may involve dedicated sessions, workshops, or awareness campaigns during orientation camps and throughout the service year,” said the statement.

The parties shall collaborate on joint awareness campaigns, utilising various channels and platforms, including social media, traditional media, and community outreach, to disseminate information on safe investment and expose fraudulent schemes.

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Economy

Persistent Grid Collapse, Weak Power Supply Worsening Economic Hardship: Oyintiloye

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DisCos Generate

Persistent Grid Collapse, Weak Power Supply Worsening Economic Hardship: Oyintiloye

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye said the situation had continued to deteriorate despite assurances and reforms introduced by authorities.

He described unreliable electricity as a major setback to the federal government’s reforms in the power sector.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene, noting that poor power supply is worsening economic hardship across the country.

Oyintiloye said the poor supply has compounded the effects of the current heatwave, making living conditions more difficult for many Nigerians.

The former lawmaker called for the constitution of a panel to investigate recurring national grid collapses and persistent supply challenges despite significant investments.

“It is a terrible situation across Nigeria with persistent poor power supply,” he said.

“Many small-scale businesses and large industrial players are affected, while most homes cannot boast of even three hours of electricity supply daily for domestic use.

“Despite numerous reforms and promises, the national grid continues to collapse. The situation is now compounded by gas supply shortages, weak transmission infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment across the power value chain.

“Nigerians are groaning, and urgent action must be taken by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and his team. The situation cannot continue like this.”

Oyintiloye warned that the situation has already triggered protests in parts of the country and could escalate if not addressed promptly.

“The situation must be quickly addressed before it becomes a national embarrassment. Nigerians need to be informed whether the issue is due to structural failure or sabotage within the power sector,” he said.

DisCos Generate

Electricity

“This epileptic power supply has led to a series of peaceful protests nationwide. I appeal for the President’s intervention before these protests turn violent.

“Electricity is essential for households and the survival of businesses. Since the end of last year, there has been no stable power supply across the country, despite assurances by those in charge and huge investments in the sector.

“Poor power supply should not be added to the challenges Nigerians are currently facing. The high cost of fuel has also made it difficult for those relying on generators to cope.”

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