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

Published

3 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.

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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

22 hours ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

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