Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang said his administration has taken a firm stand against open defecation, saying, “I can’t stand the health implications of open defecation in my state.”

He promised that the state would do all it takes by providing clean and potable water supply and sanitation facilities.

Speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2025 World Water Day with the theme, “Glacier Preservation”, in Jos on Friday, put together in partnership with Nelmaco Industries Limited, the governor said that not only does the practice of open defecation poses serious health risks but also contaminates the state’s water sources.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nicholas Bamlong, said that more than ever before, the state is committed to protecting the environment which is under threat due to climate change.

He said, “Here in Plateau State, we recognise the significance of protecting our environment and natural resources. We will continue to work towards reducing our carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices.

“Another critical issue we must address is open defecation. It’s unacceptable that in this day and age, many of our citizens still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, hence our ranking as the second state in the practice of open defecation.

“To combat this as a government, we have vowed to change the narrative by intensifying our efforts towards creating an enabling environment to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to all citizens…

“Some of our strategies will include: Sustained Improving Water Supply: We have taken immediate steps to introduce the renewable energy to power the facilities of Plateau State Water Supply Agencies for sustainable access to water supply across the State and  promoting sanitation and hygiene practices in collaboration with World bank Sustainable Urban Rural water supply and sanitation and hygiene under the SURWARH programme in rural small town and urban areas of Plateau State and supporting the construction of toilets and sanitation facilities within those jurisdictions.

Chairman, Nelmaco Industries Limited, Dr. Nelson Uba Mkparu, pledged the cooperation of his organisation readiness to live up to the United Nations Standard by ensuring that Plateau State continues to have access to clean water.

A highlight of the occasion was the signing of commitment by representatives of the 17 local government areas to end open defecation in their different localities.

Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has granted amnesty to 51 youths involved in the conflict between Ekoli community, Edda Local Government Area, and neighbouring Cross River communities.

Ekoli and Egbor/Urugbam communities in Biase LGA, Cross River, clashed in 2021 over ownership of a palm plantation.

According to a reporter by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the conflict caused several deaths and destruction of properties valued at millions of naira.

Announcing the amnesty on Friday at the 134 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ezillo, Ishielu LGA, Nwifuru urged beneficiaries to embrace peace and a new path.

The governor said the state government was working with the Nigerian Army to achieve lasting peace in the conflict-affected areas.

“Our disarmament programme marked a turning point, showing the youths’ willingness — once vigilante members — to surrender arms and embrace peace,” the governor stated.

He said the voluntary surrender of eight mortar bombs, 29 AK-47 rifles, and 21 pump-action guns demonstrated their commitment to peace and a brighter future.

“We honour this commitment by granting amnesty to 51 of our brothers previously trapped in a cycle of violence,” Nwifuru said.

He emphasized that the amnesty symbolised both a pardon and a fresh start, offering hope for a brighter future.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced a new curfew of 6pm to 6am daily on Ilobu and Ifon communities in the state, following a resurgence of the crisis between the two warring communities until lasting peace is restored.

It is instructive to note that following the outbreak of incessant communal clashes in the two communities, Adeleke, a few weeks ago, ordered the imposition of a curfew.

The new time frame of 6pm to 6am was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Friday by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi.

The commissioner also quoted Governor Adeleke as expressing dissatisfaction over the resurgence of the crisis in the warring communities.

Here is the full text of the statement:
“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon.

“To this end, the Governor has directed that the initial 10pm to 4am curfew now be extended to 6pm to 6am effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice.

“Mr. Governor has equally directed that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness.

“In addition, the Governor has directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, 22nd March 2025, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict.

“Finally, His Excellency urges all sons and daughters of the two communities, as well as their traditional rulers, to follow the path of peace and harmonious co-existence. Anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the pogrom will be dealt with accordingly.”