Featured

Stakeholders Call for Enactment of Water Law as A’Ibom Marks World Water Day

Published

5 years ago

March 23, 2021

… 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.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

Share on Facebook