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Tag: Ebonyi

  • Prospective Corps member dies, others injured in Ebonyi crash

    Prospective Corps member dies, others injured in Ebonyi crash

    At least one prospective member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was killed in a road accident in Ebonyi state on Wednesday.

    The dead prospective corps member was among a group of 12 prospective corps members in a 14 seater bus involved in the accident.

    Sources in the area said the corps members boarded the bus in Enugu on Wednesday and were heading to the NYSC orientation camp located in Afikpo town, Afikpo local government area for their three weeks oriental course.

    They were believed to be prospective members of the 2024 Batch C Stream II set of corps members who resumed camp same day.

    The Enugu North Mass Transit bus was said to have rammed into a parked truck beside the road.

    The female corps member, whose name could not be ascertained, was said to have died from injuries while her colleagues and other passengers sustained various degrees of injuries.

    They were rescued by residents and security agencies from the mangled bus and rushed to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) where they are receiving treatment.

    The source said: “Corps members had accident while going to NYSC camp. The accident happened at Amenu community in Okposi. A female corps member died.

    “The bus is a 14 seater bus with 12 of them being corps members. Others sustained injuries”. 

    A source at the hospital confirmed that the accident victims were brought to the hospital.

    “Yes I saw them in the evening. They were brought by and Security officials. They are responding to treatment”, they source said. 

    The Ebonyi state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps,  Igwe Henry confirmed the accident.

    He, however, said he has no details of casualties as the victims were rescued before his officers got to the scene.

    He said: ” At the time our men from Amasiri Unit Command got the information, and got to the scene, the victims had been rescued. They didn’t directly carry out the rescue, and therefore could not ascertain specifics of what happened.

    “However, the crash occurred on 22nd January about 14.00 hours. The route was Amasiri-Okiigwe, where they call Amenu village in Okposi.

    “Two vehicles were involved, one was a Toyota commercial bus, grey color,  and the other was a Mercedes-Benz tipper(truck), a commercial Mercedes-Benz tipper, the regular Tipper that you see around. 

    Read Also: Ebonyi sends 745 students for local, international advanced degrees

    “So, from preliminary findings, it may have been caused by excessive speed on the part of the commercial vehicle, that is the bus. 

    “But the details as to the number injured and so on have not been ascertained, because like I said, the victims were actually rescued by bystanders and then taken to David Umahi Hospital in Uburu.

    “And then the items recovered at the scene, I understand, is in the custody of one Chief Amos, of Amenu village in the same Oposi. 

    “At the King David’s Hospital, where my men went,  the ones they saw were actually in stable condition”, he said. 

    Ebonyi State Coordinator of NYSC, Foluke Oladeinde also confirmed the accident.

    Visibly in state of shock, Mrs Oladeinde could only confirm the accident but didn’t give further details. 

    “I am not in a right frame of mind to talk now. I am in the hospital now. Yes the accident occured but I can talk right now”, she said.

  • One killed, houses burnt as two Ebonyi communities clash

    One killed, houses burnt as two Ebonyi communities clash

    One person was killed and at least ten houses burnt to ashes in Ndieguzu Agalegu Omege Community located in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    It was gathered that many people were injured after suspected hoodlums attacked the community.

    The crisis allegedly erupted between the people of Omege Agalagu and Ukwuinyima.

    Details of what led to the clashes were still sketchy, but a source in the community said the crisis was because of a fight that happened in November 2024 when they buried one woman that was allegedly raped and killed.

    “More than 10 houses and property worth millions of naira have been burnt to ashes. The government needs to do something”.

    Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu confirmed that one person was killed in the incident.

    He said two youths from the two communities fought and one of them from Omege was stabbed.

    He, however, died later in hospital.

    Read Also: Ebonyi govt denies awarding N4.1bn projects without due process

    “His death led to members of his community attacking Omege and burning down some mud houses with thatch roofs.

    “But Police mobilised and stopped them from inflicting further damage. The crisis has been curtailed at the moment.”

    The spokesperson said the Police were maintaining order in the area and had also launched an investigation.

    He said the man who stabbed the dead victim had also been arrested.

    Commissioner for Information in Ebonyi State, Jude Chikadibia Okpor, said the State was aware of the incident and was doing their best to control the crisis.

    He said: “It was a misunderstanding between two youths from the villages you mentioned that degenerated into a free-for-all fight and resulted in the unfortunate incident.

    “However, it has been brought under control.”

  • Don’t toe Ekpa’s footsteps, Nwifuru warns Ebonyi scholarship beneficiaries

    Don’t toe Ekpa’s footsteps, Nwifuru warns Ebonyi scholarship beneficiaries

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has warned the 206 scholarship students of the state who have been sent to the United Kingdom (UK) for further studies not to toe the path of Simon Ekpa.

    Ekpa became a Biafra political activist after his studies abroad.

    While in Finland, he declared the activation of the Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE), and made himself the leader-Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile.

    He has been accused of causing insecurity in South East through his activities.

    The Biafra agitator is facing terrorism charges in Finland.

    Nwifuru, while addressing the 206 scholarship students in  Ezza South local government area before their departure to the UK, said the State will regret sending them for the oversea scholarship programme if they toe Ekpa’s path 

    He urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and focus on their studies to achieve excellence.

    Nwifuru implored them to return after their programmes to give back to the state.

    He said, “The achievements we are expecting from you is very heavy, the new innovation we are expecting from you is very heavy. 

    “Don’t dare to think of how to disappoint us, we will never take it and we must compel you to deliver.

    “Remember our brother that is causing(trouble), that is asking people to kill people in this state, Simon Ekpa. 

    “Remember, he was sent to Finland to study on scholarship, don’t toe his paths. If you do, we must regret sending you abroad for this scholars. Do you want us to regret sending you abroad? So, I want you to know this.

    “This will justify the huge amount our state committed to ensure that you attain this great height for the overall benefit of our dear state.

    “As you embark on this transformative journey to world-class institutions abroad and across Nigeria, let me remind you of the immense responsibility that comes with this privilege. 

    “You are not just students, you are Ambassadors of our state. Your actions, your words, and your achievements will reflect not only on you but on our collective identity as Ebonyi people.

    ” At all times. In your private and public undertakings, be guided by this. We have expectations that you will graduate on record times and return to contribute your quota towards the development of Ebonyi State. 

    “Your case must be different from that of Simon Ekpa who instead of reciprocating the gesture of sending him abroad for scholarship turned round to constitute himself a nuisance to the entire Country. We expect you to graduate on record times as I said before and return immediately as this will pave the way for others to benefit.

    “Therefore,I urge you to immerse yourselves fully in your studies, embrace the cultures you encounter, and build networks that will be invaluable to your growth. But remember, your ultimate mission lies here at home. Upon completing your studies. For emphasis , we expect you to return to our state and channel your expertise into sectors that need your innovation, creativity, and leadership.

    “The challenges we face as a state are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With the right minds and the right commitment, we can transform our education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology sectors into models of progress. 

    “I  firmly believe that the solutions to our problems lie in empowering you, the youth, with opportunities like this. Once again, I would also like to use this medium to thank the dedicated team that made this scholarship scheme a reality. Your vision and determination have laid a solid foundation for a brighter tomorrow anchored on renewed minds which forms the core policy thrust of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.

    Read Also: Umahi endorses Nwifuru for second tenure 

    “To our scholars, I leave you with this: “Never forget where you come from”. I would want you to allow the aspirations of our people inspire you, and let the challenges we face as a state fuel your determination to succeed. While there, do not forget we are counting on you to return to our state as leaders, innovators, and agents of change. 

    “This will justify the huge amount our state committed to ensuring you attain greater heights for the overall benefits of our people. Do not be swayed by the euphoria of luxury in overseas and looss in chase of dreams. 

    “Being guided by this, we can build together, the prosperous future our state deserves. Thank you, and may your journey be successful and rewarding as proud Ambassadors of Ebonyi State.”

  • Ebonyi govt denies awarding N4.1bn projects without due process

    Ebonyi govt denies awarding N4.1bn projects without due process

    The Ebonyi State government has refuted claims that it awarded N4.1 billion worth of projects without following a bidding process to ensure competitiveness.

    The clarification came in response to an online publication alleging the absence of due process in awarding the projects.

    Jude Okpor, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, addressed the issue on Thursday in Abakaliki, the state capital. 

    He dismissed the report as baseless, describing it as a “self-conceived, subjective, and unresearched account” aimed at misleading the public without adherence to journalistic ethics.

    He said: “In as much as we do not regard the report as deserving of our diligent response, we wish to make few comments in order to assuage the reading public whose sensibilities may have been insulted by the obviously mischievous headline.

    “The State Government has over some period of time, followed the reports and some clandestine activities of some of the reporters in the organisation.

    “We have come to a conclusion that the online media organization reporters are deliberate mischief makers who for want of news content dabble into self-conceived, subjective and unresearched reports, dishing out lies and half truths to the public without recourse to the ethics of journalism. 

    “We simply wish to assure them and their pay masters that their incessant media attack on Ebonyi State Government tantamounts to effort in futility as the present government can never be distracted by such infantile diatribes.

    “The online media organization in the  report, alleged that multiple companies were not chosen to bid for the projects. Such allegation is unfounded because it needed to have been lectured that in Open Tender, the state does not chose or select companies that will bid. 

    “All companies are allowed to submit bid for the project. It’s only in SELECTIVE TENDER that the state chooses companies that will participate in the tender. On the projects in question, the procurement method used was OPEN TENDER”, he said.

    Mr Okpor noted that the tenders were advertised for 30 days on the state e-Procurement system adding that if only one company paid tender fees and submitted a bid, that company can be awarded if their bid is responsive. 

    He explained that Section 35 (2a) of the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Law (2020) specifies provisions to re-advertise a tender, and single bid submission is not among the conditions that should warrant re-advertising a tender.

    “According to the State Public Procurement Law (2020), the Bureau of Public Procurement is not required to cancel the Tender process if only one company showed interest/submitted bid for an open tender that has been advertised. 

    “In this case,the BPP proceeded with the evaluation and award of the project because the bids submitted were responsive.

    “Good enough, the reporter in the report recognized that all the school projects were not awarded to only one company but different companies for each”, he noted 

    The Commissioner said tha that Governor Francis Nwifuru administration had enthroned democratic and open processes in the way it conducts businesses.

    Read Also: Ebonyi govt arrests man for illegal taxation of petty sellers

    He noted that as a result the administration has gained multiple commendations from various reputable organisations such as the World Bank, USAID-State to State and State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS)

    “We are emboldened by these recognitions as one of the best states that have enthroned transparency, accountability and effectiveness in her e-procurement and other governance processes in line with global best practices.

    ” It is our sacred commitment to continue to conduct all our affairs with the principles of open governance as enshrined in our manifesto: “The People’s Charter of Needs,.

    “No amount of mudslinging will ever cajole us to deviate from our set  standards or eclipse those facts which have placed Ebonyi as a model from which other states subscribe to learn”, Okpor added.

  • 9 missing in recent Ebonyi land crisis – Ahamba

    9 missing in recent Ebonyi land crisis – Ahamba

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ahamba has lamented the killing of Umuobor, Akaeze people of Ivo local government area of Ebonyi state, in a land tussle with their neighboring community.

    The Legal Luminary also alleged that 9 persons are still missing in the recent clashes which broke out between the people of Umuobor and their neighbouring Ogwor community in Ishiagu town.

    Ahamba, who is the legal representative of Umuobor community, made the call in a petition to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state.

    He called on the state government and the Police in the state to arrest the killers of some members of the community in the land tussle between them and their Ogwor neighbors in the local government.

    Umuobor and Ogwor communities have been at war for over five decades over a vast fertile land known as Elueke which has claimed many lives with properties worth billions of naira destroyed.

    Various courts judgement including that of the nation”s apex court which ruled that the Elueke land belongs to Umuobor village, ought to have ended the crisis.

    But the crisis took a more bloody twist last year when many killings, destructions and abductions on both parties were recorded.

    Angered by the killings Governor Francis Nwifuru, convened a meeting of both parties where he threatened that government will take over the dispute land and declared it a buffer zone.

    The governor at the stakeholders meeting set up committee with a view to resolving the crisis.

    Ahamba, in the letter listed some members of the community killed in the crisis as John Chukwueke, Okaru Okoro and Sunday Eleke.

    He urged the state Commissioner of Police to investigate their killings and prosecute those behind the dastardly act.

    He called on the governor for to enforce the ruling of the supreme. Court which ruled that the disputed Elueke land belongs to the Umuobor people.

    While noting that Mr Nwifuru is a law graduate, Mr Ahamba warned that failure to emforce te judgement will set a very nasty precedent for the future..

    The petition reads in parts “Your Excellency, many people have in recent days been killed with nine people missing and feared dead. Some of the people confirmed killed are ; John Chukwueke, Okaru Okoro and Sunday Eleke.

    Read Also: Ahamba: Imo governor not exclusive right of Owerri Zone

    “Your Excellency, why the perpetrators of these heinous acts of disobedience culminating in multiple acts of murders are not arrested by the police, is beyond my understanding.

    “My very humble request is that you use your good offices to impress it on the security agencies in your state, and Chairman of the local government of the need to get Ogwor people to appreciate that the dispute has ended by the Supreme court decision instead of sharing of the land their point of settlement.

    “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides in Section 287(1) this: “The decision of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by Courts of subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.

    “Your Excellency, your government is one such authority in that State. Fortunately, you are a Lawyer.

    “It is also very necessary that you call on the Commissioner of Police to be very proactive in these circumstances. Failure to enforce this judgement by due process, will set a very nasty precedent for the future”.

  • Oyo tragedy: Ebonyi cancels Makinde’s birthday lecture

    Oyo tragedy: Ebonyi cancels Makinde’s birthday lecture

    Leaders of Ebonyi State and the Southeast region on Thursday cancelled the birthday lecture for Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State due to the tragedy that claimed the lives of over 30 children on Wednesday. 

    The event organisers announced the cancellation at the venue in Abakaliki, the capital of the state, to guests who had gathered for the event. 

    Makinde and his Ebonyi counterpart, Francis Nwifuru, were scheduled to attend the event. 

    The event, themed “Igbo Culture of Nwanne Di Na Mba, the Oluseyi Makinde paradigm,” featuring Senator Ben Obi as guest lecturer, was, however, postponed indefinitely because of the tragedy in Makinde’s state. 

    A children’s end-of-the-year funfair had ended in tragedy in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. 

    A stampede at the venue of the event led to the death of more than 30, mostly children. 

    The event was organised by Women in Need of Guidance and Support, whose founder is believed to be Queen Naomi Silekunola — the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. 

    Chairman of the event, Senator Sam Egwu, and Chief Organiser, Ali Odefa, spoke to the guests at the event, after which a one-minute silence was observed in honour of the victims. 

    Ali Odefa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noted that the Governor and Oyo State cannot be mourning while the event goes on. 

    He said: “My friend had prepared to come here and be with us today. In fact, he sent an advance team two days ago. The advance team has been here, and the Chief of Staff was here two days ago. 

    “But when this incident occurred, there was no way a state could be mourning; some families, because of this incident, do not know the meaning of Christmas anymore. 

    “They cannot be crying while we are dancing and rejoicing. So, it is painful, it is sad, but that’s the reality. 

    He said the leaders at the event met and took the decision to postpone it. 

    “The leaders have met. If you look at this place, you will see that this is a gathering of Igbo leaders, non-partisan. We are not talking about party A or party B. These are a collection of Igbo leaders sitting here. So, we have decided to cancel the event for today and shift it to another time. 

    “We will inform you of the date when that one has been fixed. And we will make efforts to bring all of you together again, particularly this beautiful choir group. They would have given you some renditions that you will remember for a long time. 

    “So, I want to appreciate everybody who has left whatever they were doing to be present here today. I cannot thank you enough. All these leaders have one thing or another they would have been doing in their various places. 

    “But they left it and came here to join me and one of my friends. I also want to thank my group. I have been attending all of your meetings,” he said. 

    Senator Sam Egwu, who would have chaired the event, also mourned the deaths of the children and commiserated with the families, the governor, and the people of Oyo State over the tragedy. 

    “This event was to honour the Governor of Oyo State, but unfortunately, we can see he is not here with us. Together with the host governor, this is due to the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday. 

    “You must have all heard that more than 30 children lost their lives due to a stampede that took place yesterday in Oyo. 

    “Because of a function, a student function that was organised as part of the Christmas activity. Unfortunately, there was a stampede, and as I am speaking to you, more than 30 children have been confirmed dead. 

    “So because of what has happened, the celebrant and others are not here. And we, as leaders, in consultation with Chief Odefa and his wife, have decided to cancel the function. 

    Read Also: Christmas: Makinde’s wife distributes food, cash gifts to women

    “It would not be right to hold a function when the chief celebrant, the person we have gathered for, is mourning. 

    “It is also not right that parents who lost their children are mourning and crying while we are here celebrating. And because of that, we feel that the people who lost their lives are Nigerians. 

    “The parents of these children are mourning. Nigerians are mourning. And our brother, for whom we are here, is also mourning. We wish to mourn with him. 

    “We want to mourn with the people and the government of Oyo State. Because the Bible says when your brother is mourning, you should mourn with him. So, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is because of this that we have decided that this function has to be cancelled temporarily until further notice. 

    “I wish to thank all of you who are here, but you see what has happened is beyond our control. And as people who have sympathy for our fellow human beings, we have decided to stand this down. 

    On this note, I want to thank you for coming. I want to call on us all to stand up for a one-minute silence in honour of the people who have lost their lives,” Egwu said.

  • Ebonyi govt arrests man for illegal taxation of petty sellers

    Ebonyi govt arrests man for illegal taxation of petty sellers

    The Ebonyi State Government has announced the arrest of a man seen in a viral video extorting vegetable sellers at the International Market.

    The government stated that the suspect violated the Executive Order banning the taxation of perishable goods in the state.

    It will be recalled that on March 20, 2024, while swearing in members of the Ebonyi State Revenue Appeal Commission, Governor Francis Nwifuru warned against the indiscriminate taxation of less privileged individuals selling farm produce in local markets.

    In a statement, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect would soon face the law.

    Oketa emphasized that Governor Nwifuru had repeatedly declared that petty traders selling perishable goods in Ebonyi State must not be taxed.

    Read Also: Ebonyi workers to receive N150,000 Christmas bonus

    “Unfortunately today, a video is making rounds on social media about an unknown person who is seen in the video, going against the Executive Order of the Governor by taxing sellers of perishable goods – vegetables and tomatoes at International Market,” he said.

    He said that the agent seen in the video does not represent the Government of Ebonyi State in any shape or form as his activities are not known to Government.

    “His dealings are in stark contrast to the Executive Order of the Governor.

    Mr Oketa equally confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force, Abakaliki, were alerted yesterday when the issue came up and they have arrested the ‘agent’ and he would be prosecuted according to Law.

  • Ebonyi CP pledges partnership with media to safeguard state

    Ebonyi CP pledges partnership with media to safeguard state

    The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Anthonia Adaku-Uche-Anya, has pledged to partner with journalists to safeguard the state.

    This was as she condemned assaults on some teenagers and a journalist in the state, Chinedu Ngwuta by some members of the public and some policemen on duty.

    Receiving members of Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state led by Comrade Uchenna Inya in her office at the police headquarters, Abakaliki the state capital, Uche-Anya described journalists and policemen as partners in progress in the task of securing the nation through effective policing and information dissemination.

    She implored the Journalists to be investigative and objective in their reportage.

    The CP frowned at the assault on two teenage girls in Ngbom, Ohaukwu local government area of the state who were stripped naked and flogged for stealing chicken and ordered that the suspects who are in police custody be prosecuted, describing it as barbaric.

    “How can you naked two secondary school girls and treat them like common criminals? These are young girls and they were flogged mercilessly because they stole chicken when people committed heinous crimes and were not treated like this.

    “The suspects are already in our custody. We are making efforts to get the families and others so they can give evidence in court because, in matters like this, people are usually reluctant or afraid to give evidence. Once we are done, the suspects will be prosecuted”, she stated.

    She also condemned the attack on an online TV broadcast Journalist in the state, Chinedu Ngwuta by a policeman attached to the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru after a road walk organized by her and directed that the matter be investigated.

    I am not aware of this Journalist issue you just brought to my knowledge. We are employed to protect lives and properties and not to assault people.

    “I thank you for bringing this matter to my knowledge and I will not sweep it under the carpet, I will surely look into it. I don’t tolerate anything bad and a civilian, I don’t “, the police commissioner said.

    Read Also: Polls: Ebonyi CP assumes duty in Abia

    Uche-Anya promised a hitch-free yuletide period in the state and urged members of the public to report criminal activities and the elements to the police for prompt action.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel in the state, comrade Uchenna Inya, lauded her for peace in the state and urged her to ensure that Ebonyi remains safe

    He explained that the courtesy visit would strengthen the relationship between the police and the press as partners in progress and urged policemen to always see journalists as such and not as enemies.

    Inya, the state correspondent of Daily Sun Newspapers, commended the Commissioner for the professionalism and sanity he has brought to the state police command within the few months she came in.

  • 25,000 to get free treatment from Ebonyi lawmaker’s health outreach

    25,000 to get free treatment from Ebonyi lawmaker’s health outreach

    The Member representing Ohaozara/ Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi at the National Assembly, Nkemkanma Kama has flagged off the 2024 Ohanivo Health Outreach.

    At the flag-off in Oshiri in Onicha Local Government Area, the lawmaker said at least 25,000 persons would be treated free of charge in this year’s outreach.

    He promised to sustain the medical outreaches to enhance the health well-being of his constituents.

    Kama noted that such outreaches would continue until health centres and hospitals in the constituency are fully functional.

    “The outreaches would be conducted annually as about 16,000 indigents benefitted from last year’s outreach.

    “We are expecting between 20,000 to 25,000 beneficiaries this year as we have included surgeries, and cancer screening, among others.

    “We have already distributed 100 glasses and I have directed that arrangements should be made for more 100.”

    Kama said complicated or severe cases are being referred to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) for adequate medical attention.

    He thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for his support of his activities which has made him excel in the House of Representatives.

    “He is only interested in whoever is working for the people and not the political party one belongs to.

    “We would continue doing our best for Oshiri people and other constituents and the one we can’t do, we plead with the governor to intervene,” the lawmaker said.

    Read Also: Ebonyi begins data capturing of underage beggars, hawkers

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma commended the lawmaker for the outreach and urged the people to ensure they promote their health and wellbeing.

    The commissioner, represented by Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said the governor was interested in the people’s health as whoever supplements his strides in the sector would be appreciated.

    “We have gone around and seen the caliber of doctors engaged to undertake this outreach. They are consultants from reputable hospitals.

    “What Kama is doing here is to complement the efforts of the State Governor, r Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. The government is happy with you, that is why the Ministry of Health brought mobile X-rays to support this program. “

    Samuel Akuma Igbota, a stakeholder of the area said he lacked words to express his joy over the outreach.

    “We voted for him because he assured us he would not disappoint, and from all assessments, he has not disappointed us.”

    Another stakeholder, John Igboke, said that the outreach was fantastic, adding “One can see how our people came out in their numbers to be part of the programme.

    “The people are getting treatment free of charge and that’s what people want in governance. I pray to continue to protect and promote him,” he said.

    Mrs Okike Elizabeth, a beneficiary, expressed happiness and gratitude to the lawmaker for making the health and welfare of his constituents his priority.

  • USAID State2State seek end to open defecation

    USAID State2State seek end to open defecation

    Stakeholders in Ebonyi state have called for concerted efforts in the fight to end open defecation in the state.

    They made the call during a two-day stakeholders consultative meeting on the review of of the State’s Water Resources Policy.

    The meeting was held with the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity in Abakaliki, capital of the state.

    Speaking on the State of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), the General Manager of Ebonyi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (EBRUWASA), Agwu Joseph, LP said the Agency had drilled 51 boreholes in 2024.

    He noted that the state was able to achieve this after it paid its counterpart fund of N200m for the federal governmen’s Partnership for Expanded Water,Sanitation and Hygiene(P-WASH).

    The GM said that under the partnership more toilets facilities will be constructed in public places.

    The State2State Citizen Engagement and Capacity Building Specialist, Habila Salem urged the state government to invest more in the fight against open defecation.

    He also advised the state government to carry out more citizens sensitization on the need to stop open defecation.

    He said: “State2State is aware of the situation in Ebonyi and that is why State2State is supporting the state to improve wash service delivery.

    “Coincidentally, we are supporting a review of the state policy. That was the state’s wash policy to address the situation and that is fundamental.

    “When we have a robust policy framework for the state, it will support effective service delivery. And we are looking at service delivery that is responsive to all category of citizens of the state.

    “So currently we are doing that to ensure that the state has a robust policy and legal framework for WASH service delivery.

    “The state will need to invest more in cutting down on open defecation, engage with citizens and all stakeholders in addressing this issue.

    “The state will also need to sensitize citizens on the dangers of open defecation. There is need for behavioral change of the citizens regarding open defecation.

    ” So it requires a concerted effort of all. Government alone cannot achieve that. Even private sector participants need to come in. You know, they say for every problem, it may be an opportunity for another to benefit.

    “So business people can also come in to provide services in terms of providing public toilets at public places and make some money out of it too. So it is an opportunity for business for the private sector too. And that will actually go a long way in reducing the problem.

    Mr Salem also said there is need to disabuse the minds of open defecation practitioners who believe that open defecatation supplies manures to crops.

    He said:”That is the wrong notion because when you compare the advantage of providing money through human feces, you understand, and the danger, the risks involved, you just talk about cholera outbreak in the state.

    Read Also: USAID grants N1.72B to combat cholera, improve sanitation in Lagos communities

    “I think the disadvantage outweighs the advantage. So we only need to correct that notion to change behavior of people. There are alternative ways of manuring our farms, not through open defecation. That is not a good idea for me”, he said.

    State2State’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist, Ejiro Okotie, called for an all inclusive water policy and law for the state.

    She highlighted the need for accessibility and availability of water to all including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

    “The law and policy should not be one sided. It should be structured in such a way that it captures all groups.

    “It should reflect social inclusion and take care of needs of PWDs. It should be a policy that benefits all citizens despite their locations”, she said.