Nation
Handwashing: FG Seeks Private Sector Involvement
Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, has called on the private sector and other stakeholders to do more to encourage handwashing practice in all public places across the country.
Adamu made the call at an event to commemorate the 2022 Global Handwashing Day with the theme, ‘Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene’ in Abuja, Monday .
Represented by the Deputy Director, Water Quality Control, Elizabeth Ugoh, Adamu noted that handwashing was the first line of defense against diseases, and stressed the need for contingency plans to forestall possible outbreaks.
Adamu stated that the Handwashing facilities should be adapted for the most vulnerable persons, like those living with disabilities, saying this would promote inclusive development.
“All of us; government, donors, civil society, private sector, media, researchers and community, must commit to playing our part in ensuring that opportunities for handwashing are provided for everyone, everywhere.
“We should strive to eliminate existing disparities and inequalities in access as we promote effective handwashing through policy, programmes and advocacy at all levels towards making it a national culture that is imbibed by all’’.
He said behavioural change required that the action be performed consistently at key times, adding that strategies that would ensure the sustainability of these practices should be engaged.
Adamu noted that the ministry had demonstrated the necessary political will needed to drive a lasting change in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sectors (WASH) in Nigeria.
Also speaking, UNICEF Representative, Job Ominyi, said the theme for the day had shown partners’ coordination through the inauguration of the Hand Hygiene for All Roadmap.
He said all stakeholders must urgently play their commensurate roles to make universal access to hand hygiene a reality.
Ominyi stated that universal embrace and practice of hand hygiene was capable of significantly reducing numerous diseases.
”UNICEF continues to be available and committed to collaborate with other development partners in supporting the FG to realise universal access to hand hygiene”, he said.
WaterAid Nigeria Representative, Emmanuel Iorkunbur, said there was need for the private sector to make hygiene materials available, affordable and accessible to all including disadvantaged populations.
“Together, we must invest in hygiene behavior promotion, citizens must practice hand washing and make it a lifestyle across all states local government and rural communities.
”As a member of the global handwashing partnership, WaterAid Nigeria will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders, especially government at all levels to strengthen systems and build industry partnerships’’, he said.
National Coordinator, Organised Private sector in WASH, Dr Nicholas Igwe, said cholera outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic had raised the importance of handwashing as an effective way of disease prevention and control.
Igwe said public health was important for the prosperity of the country, adding that the private sector was working to realise this through sanitation.
October 15 is celebrated as Global Handwashing Day, to increase awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing, as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.
The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.
In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.
The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.
They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.
The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.
“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.
The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.
“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.
The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.
“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.
The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.
“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
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