The Country Director of TASTE, Mr. Nuhu Yakubu Chayi, has disclosed that North Central is the worst in open defecation in Nigeria with Kogi State leading and closely followed by Plateau State.
Quoting the United Nations World Water Development Report, Chayi said that 70 million Nigerians lack access to clean and safe drinking water while 114 million lack access to basic sanitation facilities.
Speaking in Jos, during an activity to commemorate the 2024 World Water Day, themed, “Leveraging Water for Peace’, Chayi highlighted the significant role that water plays in promoting peace and stability in Nigerian communities.
According to him, water is a fundamental right and access to clean and safe water is essential for the well-being of individuals and communities.
He lamented that the 2023 United Nations report has it that about two billion people around the World do not have access to clean and safe drinking water while approximately 3.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation services.
“Today, we have the opportunity to reflect on the power of water as a catalyst for peace-building. By understanding and addressing the challenges related to water management, we can foster cooperation, collaboration and dialogue among key actors and communities.
“Water can serve as a common ground, bringing people together to find peaceful relationships,” the Country Director said. He was happy that the Plateau State government has taken the bold step to ensure adequate water service is provided by awarding a N5b contract to restore the water treatment plant in Wase, Langtang North and Bokkos local councils. The keynote speaker, Prof. Ezekiel Best of Sociology Department, University of Jos, underscored the importance of clean water.
