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Stakeholders Call for Enactment of Water Law as A’Ibom Marks World Water Day
… Harp on the Need to Value, Conserve Water
By Tony Udoh
As Akwa Ibom State joins the rest of the world to mark the 2021 World Water Day, stakeholders in the water subsector have called for the enactment of water law to regulate and control water supply business in the State.
This was contained in the submissions of the different stakeholders at the event marking the 2021 World Water Day held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno noted that it was significant to appreciate the importance placed on water by the world, adding that it was necessary to value water and conserve it without wastage.
The Commissioner who maintained that the theme of the 2021 World Water Day “Valuing Water” was quite germane, noted that no humane nor any living thing can survive without water.
According to him, “Water has a great value in every living creature on earth. So as a people, we should begin to advocate for the conservation and preservation of the water that we have. We should also monitor to ensure that our people have the best portable water.”
For the records, since 1993, World Water Day, has become a global celebration held on March 22 of every year with a focus on the importance of freshwater.
In a goodwill message, the Member representing Esit Eket and Ibeno State Constituency, Rt Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh commended the Ministry of Lands and Water Resources for hosting the 2021 World Water Day, stressing that the value of water cannot be overemphasized.
Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh who is Chairman, House Committee on Public Utility and Rural Development, expressed willingness and readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders for the development of water resources and ensure potable water for Akwa Ibom people.
The House Member emphatically assured that the “Water Bill” will be given speedy attention to birth a law that will help regulate the activities of water businesses in the State for the good of Akwa Ibom people.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Hon. Ndiana – Abasi Nnana Udom noted that the need for synergy was paramount as there were agencies to access funds in order to meet the water needs of the Akwa Ibom people.
He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for approving the counterpart funds for the implementation of donor agencies intervention in the water sector, adding that they were committed to effective and judicious utilization of the funds in line with the objectives of all Multilaterals and Donor Agencies.
The event featured paper presentations on Akwa Ibom State Water Resources Prospect and Challenges, Akwa Ibom Water Company Road Map, and Water and Sustainable Development Goal by Elder Nse Ekpoataha (Director Water Resources), Engr. Edo Bassey Etuk (MD – Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited), and Saviour Peter Udo (Head of Water Resources Department, AKRUWATSAN) respectively.
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Lands and Water Resources – Barr Christopher Udoh, Directors in the Ministry, Acting Chairman, AK- RUWATSAN, State Chairman –Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society, State Chairman – Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN), and many others.
Featured
Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles
Joel Ajayi
At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.
Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.
What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.
Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.
In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.
Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.
“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”
She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”
The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.
Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”
For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”
Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”
Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.
Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.
Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.
With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.
Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.
“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.
He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.
“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”
Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.
“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”
He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”
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