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Over eight million Lagosians lack access to good water – CSO

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Over eight million Lagosians lack access to good water – CSO

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa has said over eight million Lagos state residents still lack access to potable water due to inaccessibility to good water on privatisation.

The Chief Executive Officer of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, made this known on Friday while commemorating the annual World Water Day under this year’s theme of ‘Water for Peace.’

Olufemi stated, “In Nigeria alone, a staggering 113 million people suffer from painful hardship and crippling deprivation of water. This saddening neglect is not due to a scarcity of resources but rather a consequence of the profit-driven logic adopted by state authorities in managing water supply and amenities.

“The relentless pursuit of commodifying public resources, at the expense of community welfare, has led to the deterioration of vital public utilities and social services.

“While this plight is widespread across the country, the situation in Lagos State is particularly alarming for us. Despite the state’s reputation as a lodestar and mega-city, over 8 million of its residents—equivalent to roughly 60 per cent of its population—grapple with limited access to potable water,” Oluwafemi stated in a statement made available by the organisation’s communication’s officer, Robert Egbe.

Meanwhile, the Gombe State Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Fawu, has provided reasons for the shortage of water supply in the metropolis, despite the government’s N150 million monthly expenses in ensuring clean and safe water for public consumption.

According to him, illegal connections to the main water line from Dadinkowa Treatment Plant to the reservoir have reduced distribution to neighbourhoods.

Fawu disclosed this in a press briefing on Friday, at the ministry, where he decried the activities of some residents who had colluded with Gombe Water Board staff to connect illegally to farms, block industries, and mostly homes.

He said, “Water supplied into your residence, and clean drinking water comes from Dadinkowa Treatment Plant. It’s important to note that it’s not just pumped from the dam it has to be treated and it costs the government more than N150 million monthly just to treat the water and ensure that the water is clean excluding electricity costs. The N150m is just for the treatment of the water.

“The distance from the treatment plant to the reservoir is almost 60 km and, unfortunately, the plant is at a lower elevation than the reservoir. So we need electricity to pump after treatment but, unfortunately, the water is not coming as it should the pressure is not enough. This is because of a lot of illegal connections on the main line that comes from Dadinkowa due to this; all our reservoirs don’t get full capacity.”

Also speaking, General Manager Gombe State Water Board Engineer Abubakar Sadiq, called for maximum cooperation, urging residents to register with his office for proper identification to pay apportioned rates.

Why young female FRSC personnel must wait for two years before marriage – Evaluation head

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Why young female FRSC personnel must wait for two years before marriage – Evaluation head

Head, Managing and Evaluation, Federal Road Safety Commission, Emma Fekoya, told TEMITOPE AINA how the posting of married women by the agency affects marriages and households, and how the problem can be addressed

Can you share your experience on the job?

One of my biggest experiences in the job is meeting people, interacting with them, and relating with them. I get to meet people and solve problems. We do a lot of rescue work, such as rescuing people from death. Adding value to people’s lives brings joy to me, especially those who are ignorant of the use of the road. I consider it a blessing that I can teach people how to use the road since it makes me happy to know that I have improved road users’ driving abilities. I think it’s good that we’re being proactive in averting crashes rather than turning into undertakers. I consider that a blessing.

What are the major challenges in the job, especially for women?

Posting is a problem that women generally encounter, and I believe it affects every other agency as well. It is an extremely terrible scenario to be posted away from your family. You must now use a proxy to operate your house. You have to look after your family while away. It is a significant task. It’s a difficult task emotionally on its own, but you will have to retrain yourself to survive, which is a difficult task for women in general. This is something you cannot change for the time being. However, I have got better at transforming obstacles into chances for me to pursue my goals over time. Thus, they are no longer challenges in my eyes. They seem to me to be catalysts for progress.

Do you think this challenge makes married women in the agency lose their marriages or have to choose between their homes and careers?

It has affected a countless number of homes. Since I lack the necessary data, I am unable to assign a percentage to it. All I can say is that a lot of houses and people have been split up. This posting issue has destroyed a lot of households. You can’t keep coming up with reasons to skip work, not even in the most remote locations. Because of this issue, the majority of agencies prefer that we remain single for two years in the FRSC. We therefore dedicate ourselves for the first two years because, as women, employers must naturally safeguard their jobs after marriage results in pregnancy. We understand that aspect of the job. But we can’t rule out the fact that it affects a woman. Because once you’re married and you get pregnant, you’re no longer the same person. So it has a way of affecting everyone, except for some strong women; yes, they choose to remain the same.

The others are thrilled that they can help themselves. That’s just their personality. That transformation has changed them a lot. And if you add transfers to some other places to it, it is devastating.

What actions is the agency taking to lower the rate of transfers of female personnel?

I am aware that the present Corps Marshall holds the opinion that transfers ought to take place inside your zone. Thus, you don’t travel very far in a unique way. I would like to think that the organisation is investigating further ways to assist further regarding these problems, but some cannot be implemented. But I am aware that they are looking for solutions.

What are the major obstacles that the agency’s personnel are faced with?

The public’s acceptance ranks first. People only accept us when we respond to emergencies; when we use force, they object to that part of it. Naturally, you spank a misbehaving child like a mother would, and we implement that as a corrective action. There are minimums when it comes to our fine rates. It is therefore a corrective action. Even though the fines are only N2,000, N3,000, and N5,000, you can still witness people acting very combatively. We have, for the most part, disagreed on that matter rather than accepting the correction.

What are the major causes of accidents on the road and how can they be prevented?

We continually remind people that everyone has a shared responsibility for road safety. We have everything we need if we all take responsibility for using the roads safely and make sure that those around us do the same. However, many individuals are not prepared due partly to ignorance; and then, there is attitude.

The fact that some of these signs are continually appearing makes me ignorant in that I have no idea how to use the road, either as a pedestrian or a driver. Many times, there are a lot of people who are not prepared to learn. The goal of road safety education is to teach you how to drive.

By even establishing platforms, we have gone one step further. We visit your premises at a time that works best for you, asking questions and ensuring that you understand how to use the road. If they’re not ready, how many will open their doors to us? There is still ignorance.

I am aware that I am a driver and that I must fasten my seat belt. However, I won’t use it again. I do not wish to be put under any duress by anyone. That is an issue with attitude. Even though I know I should be doing this, I won’t. However, I hold off until I spot any of the agencies driving by.

We’ll all have it simple if we all assume ownership and responsibility for concerns about road safety, but we just live it for the agency. Each person is an expert in their own right. Then these cars will still be with us. The government built the highways to make things easier for people. We tell them that speed kills because it gives them a rush.

What steps does the agency intend to take to discipline officials who take bribes?

The road safety industry is a disciplined one. We also don’t waste time on unnecessary flushes. Yes, in accordance with the blockchain, anyone found wanting is handled according to the laws. The laws are to guide and respond to recalcitrant personnel. You can find them everywhere. The laws help to correct, mould, or punish those found wanting. The FRSC is a disciplined organisation and won’t take it kindly with any staff member who is found wanting after an appropriate investigation is carried out. Disciplinary measures ranging from a query for officers to fatigue for junior marshals to dismissal from the corps are spelled out in the order of the offence(s) committed if found guilty.

Are there any aspects of your work that you regret? If so, what are they?

My only regret back then was that I neglected to pick up my daughter from school since I was so focused on my work. She was the only person still at the gate when I remembered and arrived at the school. And she asked, ‘Why mommy?’ That’s the reason for my regret at the time; I felt so horrible that I considered quitting my job.

What general advice do you have for members of the public for their safety?

First, I will ask them to possess a copy of the Nigeria High Way Code. The Nigeria Highway Code is a manual for every road user. Basic information about the road and how to use the road safely is documented there. Secondly, for drivers, please ensure you attend an accredited driving school and are licensed to drive. Do not let your safety be determined by others. Also, ensure you are visible on the road, either day or night. Don’t overtake at bends or cross the road in between parked vehicles or at bends where you are not easily seen. At night, ensure that you wear reflective clothing or use a reflective jacket.

Ensure that you are healthy enough to use the road, either as a pedestrian or a driver. The motoring public is advised to ensure that their eyesight and hearing are checked. Some are long-sighted, short-sighted, or have partial blindness, and are ignorantly using the road without knowledge of their eye status. Some have been knocked down or they knock down others as a result of this. Being on the road needs 100 per cent concentration. You can’t afford to be distracted. It’s dangerous.

You must apply emotional intelligence to the use of the road, especially now more than ever before. This will help eradicate every form of road rage, tailgating, etc. The safety tips are inexhaustible, as the vehicles that convey members of the public are meant to be in good condition to ensure safe movement.

Kizz Daniel melts hearts with show of love to wife

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Kizz Daniel melts hearts with show of love to wife

Popular singer, Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe, aka Kizz Daniel, undoubtedly has a lot of female admirers. By virtue of his good looks, talent, fame and wealth, it is not surprising that many women fall over themselves to get his attention.

However, the hearts of many of those female fans were shattered when the singer revealed some years ago that he had birthed triplets, though one of them later died. But, some of the female fans and admirers were still hopeful, because the singer did not indicate that he was married.

But, even for those ones, their hopes were dashed when the singer recently revealed that he had been married for a while.

In the course of promoting his new Extended Play album titled, ‘Thankz Alot’, the singer posted a video of him and his wife dancing to some of the songs on the album.

It is believed that ‘Showa’, one of the songs on the album, is dedicated to her.

While engaging with some of his social media followers, the singer highlighted some of his wife’s strong points. He implied that she tolerates his bad habits, sometimes wakes up at odd hours such as 4am to prepare breakfast for him, and other traits.

The singer also posted a video of her getting her first endorsement deal with Mikano Motors. He added the caption, “Congrats, wifey @mrsanidugbe on bagging your first endorsement deal @mikanomotors, seven days on scene. Proud of you. cc @uthy_omg @sucrehouseofent take care of her.”

In a statement sent to Saturday Beats, the ‘Buga’ singer stated that the album was his way of expressing gratitude to his fans for their support over the years. He said, “I am incredibly grateful for the love and support I have received from my fans throughout my career. This album is my way of expressing my appreciation and giving back to them for their unwavering support.”

The songs on the album are ‘Twe Twe’, ‘Too Busy to be Bae’, ‘Showa’, and ‘Sooner’.

Delta urges sensitisation as Lassa fever kills two

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Delta urges sensitisation as Lassa fever kills two

The Delta State Government on Friday confirmed two deaths following the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

The state commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, who confirmed this in Asaba while speaking to journalists listed the affected local government areas where the cases were recorded as Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ndokwa East council areas.

He said, “Emergency Operation Centres have been set up across the state to monitor the situation and ensure residents are aware of what is going on.

“In week 12, we have four confirmed cases so far recorded with a fatality rate of 50 per cent though the general fatality rate for Lassa fever is 1 – 15 per cent so we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that we curtail the transmission from patient to health workers and from patients to relatives.

“We are working closely with Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State, and have been able to achieve less than 24 hours of getting test results on Lassa fever as against what was commonly obtainable which was within the range of 72 hours.”

He advised residents to keep their environment clean always and ensure that rats do not breed in or around homes.

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Victor Ademofe, Olabisi Julius, others speak at trumpet conference

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Victor Ademofe, Olabisi Julius, others speak at trumpet conference

Musicians, trumpet players and performers stormed the venue of the maiden Lagos Trumpet Conference, which recently held at the Saxophone Hub, in Surulere, Lagos.

The convener of the conference, Victor Ademofe, noted that it was a rallying point to bring artistes and trumpet players under one roof to learn and inspire one another unto greatness.

Speaking on his encounter with the late trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, which transformed his career, Ademofe said, “After playing at a forum some years ago, the legendary Hugh Masekela called me and told me he appreciated my performance. He said he saw the potential in me, and encouraged me to be original. He said, ‘The world doesn’t just need jazz players, they need real men who are true to themselves. Go back to your root and find out who you are’.”

Addressing participants at the event, Ademofe added, “You have to find your voices. We have something others are looking for. Our cultural heritage is a goldmine. Go and discover your roots.

“Trumpet players are supposed to be prophets. There is a distinct and penetrating sound in the trumpet. We are leaders. But, before we lead, we must know where we are going.”

Other trumpeters, including Olabisi Julius and Etuk Ubong, also took turn to encourage the trumpeters to stay true in their craft, and constantly evolve their sounds.

A medical doctor and trumpeter, Victory Emmanuel, also spoke on the implications of health and wellness on trumpet players, while disabusing myths that discourage parents from allowing their children to be trumpeters.

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El-Rufai’s visit to SDP not political, says national secretary

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El-Rufai’s visit to SDP not political, says national secretary

The National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, Dr Olu Agunloye has said that the visit of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Abuja National Secretariat of the party is not political.

Agunloye specifically said that the ex-governor’s visit had nothing to do with the 2027 general election.

El-Rufai, who had abandoned political activities since he failed to clinch the ministerial slot in President Bola Tinubu’s government, returned to the political limelight with a surprised visit to the SDP National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, on Wednesday.

The APC chieftain was among the ministerial-nominees of President Tinubu, but was not cleared by the Senate.

He later traveled abroad, and after spending some time overseas, returned to the country while maintaining a low political profile amid rumoured defection.

The former governor’s visit to the SDP secretariat has again brought him to the political limelight, even as some political observers are linking his visit to the 2027 general election.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday According on Thursday, the SDP national secretary described El-Rufai’s visit as casual and did not have any link with politics.

He said, “Everybody has been friends with El-rufai. The National Chairman and El-Rufai were in the PDP at some point. El-Rufai and I were in (Olusegun) Obasanjo’s cabinet. He only came to visit his old friends. So, what can come out of that? I don’t know. Anything can and nothing may.

“It wasn’t as if there was an appointment for the visit. If you were in Abuja and came to the office, you would meet us because we are all here. So, it was a friendly visit.

When asked if El-Rufai would consider joining the SDP, he said, “It depends on him. If he wants to join, there is no problem at all. Of course, he will be welcome. If you want to join the SDP, we will welcome you, If President Tinubu wants to join the SDP, we will welcome him.”

He added, “But the issue at the moment is beyond whether someone is joining a party or not. There are issues on the ground which is how to save Nigeria.

“People must come together across party lines and across religious borders to address the problems. Things are not going right in Nigeria. It goes beyond just turning to God to save us as if it is God that put us in this mess.”

Why govs no longer sign death warrants – Ogun, Rivers

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Why govs no longer sign death warrants – Ogun, Rivers

Ogun, Niger and Rivers State governments have explained the reasons why governors have always shunned signing death warrants for the execution of condemned criminals.

This followed the continuous debate on whether the state governors would begin sign the death sentence like former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomole, did in 1999.

The states have shown the lack of readiness to implement law guiding death sentence for persons who have been convicted by courts despite its constitutionality.

In 2023, the Nigerian Correctional Service disclosed that 3,413 inmates were currently on death row across the country’s custodial centres.

The service also put the total number of inmates in these facilities at 77,849, adding that 53,836 individuals were awaiting trial, with 52,512 males and 1,324 females.

It was noted that the high number of awaiting trial persons was challenging for the Service.

It was disclosed that the service was spending N800 per day to feed each of the 900 dogs in the service while oly N750 was being allocated to feed each prisoner, the majority of whom were awaiting trials, at N250 per meal.

According to the 2024 budget, NCoS will spend N24,447,582,237 on the supply of catering materials and foodstuffs.

Meanwhile, in 2012, the then Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, signed the death warrant bill into law. Four persons were convicted to death as of this time.

Similarly, the former governor of Kano State, Ganduje, in 2019, signed a bill approving the death penalty for anyone found guilty of kidnapping across the state.

The law provides for the death sentence for kidnappers who abduct and kill their victim, while kidnappers who abduct but did not kill their victim, if apprehended and found culpable, would be jailed for life.

Speaking on the matter, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Ogun State, Olusina Ogungbade, told Saturday According that he was not aware of any pending death warrant waiting to be signed by the governor of the state.

The commissioner explained that the inexhaustible debate on the appropriateness of death sentence, which he said, many countries of the world had abolished, contributed to the state governors’ general reluctance towards signing a death warrant for the killing of condemned criminals.

Ogungbade noted, “I am not aware of any warrant awaiting the signature of His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun. Again it takes a long time for a condemned person to exhaust the appeal process and as you know, a death sentence cannot be carried out when an appeal against it is pending.”

“In addition, I don’t think it would help to approach this issue on a state-by-state basis. It is better to look at it from the national perspective. For a long time, there has been unwillingness by governors to sign death warrants.

“This is partly due to the long-lasting debate about the appropriateness of the death penalty. You will recall that at a time, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, took the matter to the Supreme Court.

Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, explained why he could not sign death warrants for condemned persons.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, who spoke in a telephone interview with Saturday According, said Governor Fubara was a human being who had human feelings, adding that it was not his priority to do so.

Johnson stated, “The governor is a human being and cannot sign a document that will take the life of another. For my governor, I think that anybody who is humanitarian may not be quick to sign the death warrant of another person. So, we are human beings; it is not anybody’s priority to sign a death sentence of another person.”

Also, it was gathered that neither the current Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago nor any chief executive of the state has signed any death warrant since the country returned to democratic rule in 2023.

A government official, who declined speaking on record, disclosed that no Niger State governor since the inception of democratic rule in 1999 had signed the death penalty.

Meanwhile, the former Chairman of the Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Bamigboye, said that governors’ refusal to sign death warrants of convicted criminals was unconstitutional and was an attempt to blackmail the judges.

Speaking with Saturday According, Bamigboye noted that by refusing to sign death warrants for those convicted of capital offences, the governors had run against the constitution which they swore to protect.

Bamigboye said, “The governors’ refusal to sign the death warrant is blackmailing the judiciary and it is a way of disobeying the constitution which they have sworn to protect.”

Another Lawyer, the Secretary of the Ilorin Branch of NBA, Taofiq Olateju, told Saturday According that signing of death warrants by the governors was part of the oath they took during their swearing-in as the governors of their respective States.

He said by constitutional provision, the governors had committed an impeachable offence.

NDDC pledges legacy projects, sustained support for security agencies

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NDDC pledges legacy projects, sustained support for security agencies

The Niger Delta Development Commission has restated its commitment to support and collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies operating in the Niger Delta region to ensure sustainable peace.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this when the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sahid Akinwande, and the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, paid him a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku noted that development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and security, even as he highlighted the contributions of the military to sustain peace in the Niger Delta region and appealed for more professionalism in tackling insecurity in the region.

He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very committed to the peace and development of the Niger Delta region. He has given us a marching order to embark on legacy projects that will stand the test of time and impact lives in the region. We cannot achieve this if there is no peace.

“For us in NDDC, we are ready to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure that there is sustainable peace that will usher in development. The security forces have made so much sacrifice to ensure the safety of the region and we will complement their efforts by executing legacy projects.

“I appreciate the security agencies for the job they are doing in the Niger Delta region because the region is relatively peaceful compared to other regions in the country. I thank the Navy for doing a good job and making sacrifices for our collective well-being.”

Speaking earlier, Rear Admiral Akinwande expressed appreciation of the Nigerian Navy to the NDDC for the support given them over the years.

He said, “We appreciate the support given to the Nigerian Navy so far and we seek your continuous assistance and collaboration as we are ready to partner and cooperate with you in making our maritime environment safe and secure for our people.”

INEC tasks security on peaceful elections in Ondo, Edo

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INEC tasks security on peaceful elections in Ondo, Edo

Ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has urged security agencies to leverage the success of the previous election in both states.

The INEC chairman stated this at the meeting of the inter-agency consultative committee on election security in Abuja on Friday.

The Edo governorship poll is scheduled to place on September 21, 2024, and the Ondo governorship poll will be held on November 16, 2024.

Only 12 parties have uploaded the particulars of their candidates to the INEC portal with only two days left to the deadline ahead of the Edo poll.

Seventeen out of 19 parties have indicated interest in participating in the Ondo governorship election.

Yakubu said, “It is important to start security preparations very early. In particular, the number of personnel and other assets to be deployed to strategic locations should be determined and mobilised early enough.

“Let us replicate the successful conduct of the last governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. In fact, working together, we should ensure that the 2024 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states are an improvement on the success story of 2020.”

Yakubu stated that at the moment, Edo has 2,501,081 registered voters, 192 registration areas/wards, and 4,519 polling units while Ondo State has 1,991,344 registered voters, 203 registration areas/wards, and 3,933 polling units.

The representative of the National Security Adviser, Yahaya Hassan, promised a violence-free election in both states.

Dentists worry over rising oral health problems

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Dentists worry over rising oral health problems

Dentists have raised alarm over increasing oral health problems in the country amid a shortage of experts to take care of them.

They said the major and common oral health problems are dental caries (tooth decay), especially among the younger population; periodontal disease (gum disease) which is common among the older population; maligned teeth, dental plaque, and mobile teeth.

The President of the Nigerian Dental Association, Dr Tope Adeyemi, stated this on Friday.

He said, “Oral health issues are increasing daily among people, because of unhealthy habits such as taking refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and smoking; yet people do not visit dentists at least twice a year. But then some of the reasons are economic in nature.

“People do not have money for routine visits to the dentists and this makes it difficult to bring down the number. People don’t have money to secure the services of dentists because of the economic downturn that we have.

“Currently, we have 4,500 dentists in the country, So, we have one dentist to 54,000 Nigerians and this ratio is further worsened when you go to the rural areas. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation recommended one dentist to 5,000 patients, and the maximum should be one dentist to 7,000 patients.”

Also, a consultant Prosthodontist/Implantologist, Dr Kolawole Obagbemiro, stated, “We hope that the government will ensure that the national oral health policy will be implemented at its lowest level. When that is implemented, people can visit the Primary Health Care centres where they can get basic oral health care services.

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