National
FG urges States to prioritise water safety plans
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources has urged State Governments to prioritise water safety plans at all times, so as to reduce contamination from point of production to consumption.
Mrs Abosede Orimoloye, Assistant Director, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Collaborations, made the call at a Workshop for the Development of Cholera Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan in Asaba, Delta.
She said people who use alternative water sources apart from public water points should treat their water sources four times in a year, saying new innovation had been recorded in treating water in the country.
She said the importance of water safety plan was to minimise contamination of drinking water sources, prevent contamination during storage, distribution and handling.
She said Nigerians ought to be aware of the risks posed along the water chain and how to manage those risks, saying this would reduce the prevalence of water borne diseases.
“We must all do what we can to prevent contamination, don’t wait for it to happen, multiple barriers can be used so that if one barrier fails, the water stays safe.
“We must use management systems that are improved and worth it, this helps to improve public health especially in reducing water borne diseases.”
The assistant director however stressed the need for more research on water treatments, adding that this would modify systems that would suit different settings.
Orimoloye said safe water chain could be achieved from water source, transport and consumption, saying communities to benefit from Water safety plans must be open defecation-free, safe from insurgence and communal conflicts.
A staff of the ministry, Mr Charles Ebofin, said states must develop Cholera Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan, so as to forestall possible illnesses and deaths.
He said the plan would help in cholera forecasting and preparedness so as to know areas of interventions.
“The 2022 floods came with a lot of problems, many states delayed in giving accurate information that would help us in managing emergency interventions, so we want a change”.
Headline
Indefinite Strike: NLC set to announce suspension of indefinite action

The Organised Labour has agreed to suspend its planned nationwide indefinite strike.
According to AIT, the Labour bodies reached the agreement after a closed-door meeting with Federal Government officials at the Presidential Villa Abuja, on Sunday.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who was said to have addressed newsmen after the four-hour meeting, disclosed that the N25,000 announced by President Bola Tinubu in his Independence Day anniversary broadcast is now applicable across board and not only “low-grade workers”.
Leadership of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, will meet with organs of workers’ unions across the country to announce a decision to suspend the planned nationwide indefinite strike.
The indefinite industrial action was scheduled to begin from midnight of Tuesday, October 3.
Meanwhile, the meeting between FG officials, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, will continue on Monday to further streamline issues surrounding fuel subsidy removal interventions.
National
Independence: How Nigerians should mark anniversary — NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says there is reason for hope in the country, in spite of the challenges that have beset it.
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, said this in a statement on Saturday, on the commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence Day, marked on Oct. 1.
He urged Nigerians to mark the 2023 Independence Day with a renewed sense of purpose.
Ajaero charged them to acknowledge the past, confront the present challenges, and collectively work toward a brighter future for Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria remains a nation with enormous potential.
“Our young and dynamic population, if properly empowered, can be the driving force behind our resurgence.
“It is imperative that we invest in education, skills development, and job creation to harness the untapped potential within our youth, “ he said.
The labour leader also called on Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders, adding that the days of impunity and unbridled corruption must come to an end.
He called on all Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process, holding elected officials to the highest standards of integrity and performance.
“We must then in the spirit of this year’s independence go beyond questioning why we have found ourselves in the cesspool of poverty and despair.
“Also, we must build a determination to put a stop to this inexorable march to the cesspit and morass of excruciating pains and impoverishment.
“The citizens have a strong role to play in our collective quest for freedom from the shackles of mindless exploitation and pauperisation.
“Holding our leaders accountable is one of the very critical roles we must all play to free ourselves from the gyres of the oppressive forces of retrogression.
“It is the highest form of participation in the democratic space; if we cannot hold our leaders to account for every of their action then, we lose our democracy and we lose our nation.
“It therefore remains our patriotic duty for those that truly love our nation to rise at this time and speak truth to power.
“This is to ensure that the salvation of our nation becomes real and our people from the North, the West, South and the East are able to enjoy the full benefits of their “Nigerianness” which holds a great promise, “ Ajaero said.
The leader, while noting that NLC was the voice of Nigerian workers, said that it had tirelessly championed and would continue to champion the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and people.
He said, however, the numerous challenges that persisted could not be overlooked.
“Issues such as unfair labour practices, inadequate safety standards, and insufficient protection for workers continue to plague our labor force.
“It is imperative that we work together to address these issues and create an environment where every worker can thrive, “ he said.
-
Foreign7 days ago
Manufacturers sack 3,567 workers, unsold goods hit ₦272billion – MAN
-
Headline7 days ago
Eid-Maulud: Jigawa declares Thursday work free day
-
Foreign6 days ago
Coup attempt in Burkina Faso
-
News6 days ago
Over 4,000 registered for Kano mass wedding
-
Headline6 days ago
Why Tinubu appointed new management team for CBN – Aide
-
Headline5 days ago
FRSC launches 2023 “Ember” months campaign in Abia, warns against overloading
-
Headline5 days ago
WHO releases $16m to tackle cholera, says Director-General