Abuja (Federal Ministry of Water Resources Report) – The Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Reng Ochekpe has recently commended the efforts of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its Capacity Development Plan initiated in the water sector to improve on service delivery.
The monthly activities review report for October 2014 published by the Publicity Department of the Ministry on Tuesday November 11, 2014 revealed that the Minister gave the commendation in Abuja when the Terminal Project Team led by the Executive Director of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) and Chairman of the Team, Olusanjo Bamgboye (Dr) paid her a courtesy visit. Adding, the capacity development plan was initiated to enhance the function of the ‘Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Centre’ in efficient capacity development in the National Water Resources Institution (RWSSC).
Speaking at the occasion earlier, the Chief Representative of JICA, Seki Tetsuo said that the project which started in 2011 was completed in October 2014, established to effectively manage the National Water Resources Capacity Building Network. He observed that it ought to be accessible to all stakeholders in the sector.
The report also said that during the period under review, the Nigerian Government participated in the Global Hand Washing Commemoration Day which held on Wednesday October 15, 2014. “The event, it said took place at the Police Officers Wives Association Children School in Area 11, Garki – Abuja.” While flagging off the event, the Minister of Water Resources remarked that hand – washing with soap and running water has the capability to prevent cholera, diarrhea and other diseases.
According to the publicity, the Country Representative of WaterAid, Micheal Ojo (Dr) in his remarks delivered at the commemoration day affirmed that hand washing with soap and running water is very important in the prevention of communicable diseases.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba represented by the Deputy Inspector – General of Police, Mamman Tsafe thanked the Minister of Water Resources for deciding to use the Police facility for commemoration of the programme. The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Ambassador (WASH), Ebele Okeke in her speech urged all Nigerian children to imbibe the culture of hand washing at all times as this would make them healthy and enable them have enough dedication to their studies.
In another development, the report indicated that the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on Thursday October 16, 2014 organised a lecture in tribute to the Minister of Water Resources to mark her conferment with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
“The lecture titled: “Service Above Self: Sarah Ochekpe” was delivered by the Managing Director of African Independent Television, Tosin Dokpesi who was represented by Omolara Owoeye-Wise,” the report stated.
“Declaring the event open, the NAWOJ President , Ifeyinwa Omowole said that the 35% affirmation given to women must be applauded as it has afforded women, especially the Minister of Water Resources the opportunity of contributing to national development through the Ministry’s giant strides in the transformation of the water sector.”
In her response to the address, the Minister of Water Resources applauded NAWOJ for considering her worthy of the tribute; noting that the President must be commended for appointing women of high moral integrity in the Transformation Agenda drive.
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