Yala Local Government Inaugurates Taskforce to Restore Open Defecation-Free Status

In a bid to combat the adverse effects of open defecation and restore Yala Local Government Area’s Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status, the Local Taskforce on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LTG-WASH) has been inaugurated.

The event, which took place at the Council headquarters in Okpoma, was organized by the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) with support from Self Help Africa (SHA).

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of Yala Local Government Council, Dr. Fred Okem, underscored the urgent need to tackle the public health risks posed by open defecation.

“This is a welcomed opportunity for us to address a pressing challenge in Yala,” he stated. “We all know our water scarcity problem. As a result, many people resort to defecating in the bush, which is an unhealthy practice. We must put an end to this.”

Dr. Okem emphasized the critical role of the LTG-WASH in leading the charge for behavioral change and community education. “The task force represents the foot soldiers of this campaign. We are the educators, and together, we must ensure the success of this program,” he charged the group.

Also speaking Mr. Okon Ita, the Chairman of the State Task Group on WASH and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources, urged the members to approach their responsibilities with diligence and commitment.

Represented by Engr. Elemi Nkanu, a Director in the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Ita highlighted the importance of harmonizing all WASH-related initiatives within the local government area.

“The task group will serve as the coordinating body for all WASH activities in Yala. It is imperative that every stakeholder supports this initiative to reclaim Yala’s ODF status,” he remarked.

The National Coordinator of NEWSAN, Mr. Attah Benson, stressed the importance of maintaining hygienic practices and clean environments.

“If you eat, you must defecate. However, it is our responsibility to ensure that toilets and surroundings are kept clean,” he said. “This meeting aims to reorient our approach and strengthen our resolve to achieve lasting change.”

The launch of the LTG-WASH signifies a renewed effort to address water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in Yala Local Government Area.

With the backing of NEWSAN, SHA, and the state government, the task group aims to drive sustainable change, restore the area’s ODF status, and improve public health outcomes for the community.

Comments

BREAKING NEWS: Youths of Ikot Ansa Nab Vandals Destroying Public Utilities, Hand Over to Authorities for Prosecution

In a combined effort to curb the rampant vandalism of public utilities in Cross River State, the youth leader of Ikot Ansa, Prince, Victor Otu Iso JR, alongside his community, successfully apprehended criminals involved in the destruction of vital public infrastructure. The vandals were caught red-handed this morning, 13th day of September 2024, as they attempted to steal Amor cables belonging to state transformers at Ekpo Iso. Acting swiftly, the youth leader invited the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, and his counterpart on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, to the scene. The Special Advisers arrived promptly, accompanied by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from the Federal Division, and took custody of the criminals. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation and prosecution. While addressing the youths of Ikot Ansa, Engr. Dr. Egbe and Barr. Akiba commended t...

Chevron Opens Employment Portal for New Applicants

Chevron, a leading multinational energy corporation, has officially launched its employment portal, inviting qualified applicants from across the country to apply for various job openings. This move is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to create job opportunities and invest in local talent. According to Converseer , the open portal provides opportunities in various fields, including engineering, project management, finance, human resources, and operations. Candidates are encouraged to apply online by visiting the official Chevron employment portal, where they can submit their applications, upload relevant documents, and monitor the status of their submissions. Chevron’s initiative comes at a time when job creation is a top priority for both private and public sectors, aiming to reduce unemployment rates in the country. The company is looking for candidates who are innovative, team-oriented, and committed to achieving excellence in their respective fields. Interested applic...

Mass Communication Alumni: Class of 2006-2010, Donate Public Address System, Lecterns to Unicross Mass Communication Department

The Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Mass Communication Alumni, Class of 2006-2010, have donated a Public Address System and two lecterns to the Department of Mass Communication. This philanthropic act underscores the alumni’s dedication to enhancing educational resources and supporting the development of the institution that played a pivotal role in their formative years. The donation ceremony took place on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the office of the Head of the Department of Mass Communication. During the event, Mr. Usani Ebri Omini, President of the 2006-2010 Alumni Association, expressed the collective sentiment of his peers. "Our time in the department was transformative, and although we lost some colleagues along the way, those experiences shaped who we are today," he said. "We are a young association, but today marks the beginning of our journey to give back. We are committed to supporting the Mass Communication Department continuously." Mr. O...

Detailing News

Search This Blog