News

73% Of Abia Residents Drink Water Contaminated With Faeces — Study

Published

2 years ago

October 15, 2024

A recent study by Water Sanitation and Hygiene Natural Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) has revealed that 73% of Abia State residents consume water contaminated with E. coli (faecal matter), while 2% of the population still practice open defecation.

The WASHNORM survey, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the National Bureau of Statistics, with support from UNICEF, the World Bank, WHO, and other development partners, highlighted the grave health risks linked to drinking contaminated water.

During a press briefing/seminar in Enugu on Global Handwashing Day, organized by UNICEF and the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, Mrs. Rebecca Gabriel, UNICEF Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, expressed concern over the widespread contamination and its impact on public health. She emphasized that handwashing with soap and running water is essential to preventing diseases.

Discussants at the event attributed the high level of water contamination in Abia to open defecation by 2% of the population, which leads to faecal matter contaminating water sources. Poorly placed boreholes, often close to soak-aways and toilets, were also blamed for the pollution.

The WASHNORM survey revealed that only 35% of schools and 30% of healthcare facilities in Nigeria have access to basic handwashing facilities. In public spaces like markets and motor parks, the figure drops to just 8%.

UNICEF estimates that 167 million people (83% of the Nigerian population) lack access to basic handwashing facilities. The organization identified five critical times for handwashing: before preparing meals, before and after eating, before breastfeeding, after changing diapers, and after defecating.

Mrs. Maureen Zubie-Okolo, UNICEF’s Officer in charge of Planning and Monitoring, reiterated the importance of hand hygiene during the event. She stated, “UNICEF is committed to promoting hand hygiene among the communities we serve. We believe that by fostering a culture of handwashing, we can contribute to a healthier and safer world for all.”

UNICEF continues to support national handwashing campaigns and integrates hand hygiene into health, education, and nutrition programs across more than 90 countries. In collaboration with WHO, UNICEF also monitors handwashing practices in households, schools, and healthcare facilities globally.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.