Metro

UNICEF report says 48m Nigerians still practicing open defecation

Published

4 weeks ago

September 13, 2024

A new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that over 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation which continues to cause environmental health hazards.

The United Nations body which released the report on Thursday during a two-day ‘Media Dialogue on Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria and Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases’ held in Lagos, said it has entered into a partnership with journalists, government officials and other relevant stakeholders to end open defecation and eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases, (NTDs), in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Jane Bevan, emphasized that the partnership is essential to bring the campaign to every corner of the country.

Highlighting the dangers associated with open defecation, Bevan noted that NTDs, which are caused by bacterial infections, should not be overlooked, stressing that proper defecation practices could help prevent such diseases.

“We can’t do this alone; we want Nigeria to be open defecation-free. We need everyone on board the government, private sector, banks, and people from all walks of life,” she said.

“The media plays a huge role in publicizing this accurately. It was mentioned yesterday that the campaign in India was successful because people heard about open defecation everywhere in the media, schools and hospitals.

“To achieve the same impact in Nigeria, we need to put it in people’s minds that defecation should only occur in toilets.”

Also speaking, the Coordinator of Clean Nigeria, Chizome Opara, lamented that 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, saying immediate action is needed from all stakeholders to arrest the ugly trend,

According to Opara, this action, if effectively managed could reduce the transmission of NTDs and engender improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

“As we explore strategies for collaboration, share success stories, and discuss challenges in achieving an open defecation-free Nigeria, let’s work together to create a more secure environment for Nigerians,” she said.

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Metro

All the choices we have made are for sustainable, inclusive growth— Tinubu

Published

2 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that all the choices his administration has made since assuming office 17 months ago have been made to stop the country’s decline and put it on a path to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Tinubu, who made the assertion at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was encouraging that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth for the first and second quarters of 2024 was positive, giving credence to his reforms and policies.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, noted that it was gladdening that inflation was on a downward trend, and the foreign exchange market was stabilising, with encouraging investment signals.

“We are continuing with innovative reform measures: digitisation of revenue collection and government services, consumer credit system to boost manufacturing and enable access to goods and services,” Tinubu said in his address to the audience.

“Our reforms include removing punitive subsidies to the economy. Revenue bleeding has reduced, and the three tiers of government are receiving higher allocations, which enable more support to vulnerable populations.

“Social investment spending is increasing, the minimum wage has increased, student loans are available, and interventions to support NANO, MSME, farming, fishing, and the livestock sector have increased.

“Our collective vision for Nigeria’s future is anchored on strengthening our institutions and nurturing a pervasive culture of accountability,” he said.

He added that his government was committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost transparency and efficiency and cultivate strategic partnerships to pave the way for sustainable development.

Metro

10 Zambian miners confirmed dead, 20 feared trapped in Mumbwa mine tragedy

Published

20 hours ago

October 8, 2024

Isaac Dachen

At least 10 Zambian miners have been confirmed dead, with 20 others feared missing after the collapse of the Lwiili Mine located in the Mumbwa region.

The devastating accident, which was confirmed by the Member of Parliament representing Nangoma, Collins Nzovu, and the Zambia Police, was said to have occured on Monday.

Search efforts are ongoing to locate the missing miners.

“I regret to confirm a tragic mining accident at Lwiili Mine in Nangoma, where 20 lives are feared lost. As of now, nine bodies have been retrieved, with 10 confirmed dead,” Nzovu stated in a video posted on his official Facebook account.

He also stated that President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango had been informed of the incident and urged residents and the bereaved to remain calm.

The Central Province Police Chief, Charity Chanda, who also confirmed the incident in a statement, said five miners were also injured.

“An unknown number of people were conducting mining activities when the earth collapsed on them,” Chanda said.

He added that rescue teams recovered six injured miners, but one later died at Nangoma Mission Hospital.

The police chief also said bodies of the deceased have been taken to Mumbwa General Hospital Mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at Nangoma Mission Hospital.