News

UNICEF Urges Bauchi Govt To Initiate Policy For effective Faecal Sludge Management

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2024

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office has called on the state government to initiate a deliberate policy that would ensure the effective management of faecal sludge.

The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Bauchi, Dr Tushar Rane made the call in Bauchi on Tuesday during a three-day Strategy Development Workshop on Climate-Resilient Faecal Sludge Management and Operative Guidelines for Bauchi State.

According to him, poor practices around faecal sludge disposal presented a devastating health impact on the people especially, children and women.

He explained that the strategy document that would be developed from the workshop would present approaches for the service delivery and the enabling environment needed to implement and regulate safe Faecal Sludge Management in the state.

The UNICEF boss added that the document would also include technical guidelines, standard operating procedures, monitoring and evaluation framework and the estimated investments needed for Faecal Sludge Management in Bauchi state.

“The outcome of this workshop is envisaged to serve as the operational guidelines for all the service providers and relevant stakeholders within the faecal sludge management value chain.

“UNICEF, with the generous support of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will continue to work closely with the Bauchi State Government and other development partners to encourage safe and environment-friendly faecal sludge management,” he said.

Rane, who acknowledged that Bauchi state is a leading state in the implementation of WASH related interventions in Nigeria, said effective management of faecal sludge would contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

Also speaking, the Bauchi state Commissioner for Environment and Housing, Mr Danlami Kaule thanked UNICEF for the technical support provided to the state.

He said that the collection, transport, treatment and end use or reuse of excreta constituted the value chain of fecal sludge management.

“I’m sure you will all agree with me that, that Faecal sludge management has been very poor in most of our states but the story is now changing in Bauchi State,

“BASEPA as a regulating Agency under the Ministry of Environment is doing a good work by formalising all the key actors along the fecal sludge value chain in the State.

“The Agency has come up with a draft guidelines for the faecal sludge management, and organised a series of capacity building workshops to faecal sludge manual and mechanized emptiers across the State.”

The workshop was organised by the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply & Sanitation Agency with support from UNICEF and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

8 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

9 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

10 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.