The Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Water Resources, in a strategic partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA), Self Help Africa (SHA), and the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), has inaugurated the Obubra Local Government Area Task Group on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LTG-WASH).
This initiative is designed to bolster governance and improve the delivery of essential services at the community level.
The inauguration took place during a comprehensive three-day institutional strengthening exercise held at the Obubra Local Government Council Secretariat, weekend.
The event served as a platform for State officials, local leaders, and international development partners to align their efforts toward a common goal: ensuring that every resident of Obubra has access to sustainable and safe water and sanitation facilities.
In his opening the ceremony, Dr. Okon Ita, Chairman of the State Task Group on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (STG-WASH), and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized that the move was a deliberate attempt at "system strengthening."
He pointed out that analyzing the LGA’s current WASH status was critical to identifying gaps, noting that no sustainable development can occur without the foundational oversight of a dedicated local task group.
Representing Dr. Ita, Engr. Eni Nkanu, a Director in the Ministry of Water Resources, the PS called on the newly appointed members to serve with total commitment as WASH ambassadors in their domain.
He pledged the full support of the Ministry in making Obubra Open Defecation Free, vowing that the State would "leave no stone unturned" in its mission to upgrade the quality of public health and hygiene infrastructure within the region.
In his welcome address,the Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, expressed deep appreciation for the State government’s intervention.
Represented by Hon. James Ekoh, the Chairman described the inauguration as a "bold step" toward alleviating the challenges faced by the people of Obubra, specifically highlighting the history of water-related health issues in the area.
A key highlight of the event was an in-depth overview of the WASH System for Health (WS4H) program. This four-year initiative, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is currently being implemented by Self Help Africa. The programme is designed to build resilient systems that can withstand environmental and social challenges while remaining inclusive for all citizens.
Mr. Ferdinand Anok, the State Coordinator for Self Help Africa, who moderated the technical sessions, explained that the WS4H project operates in both Nigeria and Sierra Leone and that in Nigeria, the project focuses specifically on Kano and Cross River States, utilizing a deliberate "systems-first" approach to ensure that improvements in water and sanitation are permanent rather than temporary.
The inauguration marks a milestone in Cross River’s broader strategy to institutionalize community-driven governance. By focusing on evidence-based planning, the state aims to meet universal access goals and significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases like cholera, which has historically affected rural populations in the Obubra region.
As part of the three-day activities which commenced on January 27, 2026, the newly formed committee underwent a rigorous capacity assessment. This ensured that the members of the LTG-WASH and the Council’s existing WASH department are equipped with the technical knowledge and management skills required to oversee large-scale sanitation projects.
The newly inaugurated leadership of the Obubra LTG-WASH includes Mrs. Florence Asuk as Chairperson and Mr. Nyiam John as Co-chairperson. They are supported by a dedicated team comprising Otu Ekanem (Secretary), Mr. Oyom Ayang (Mobilization Officer), and Mr. Ovat Obo (Public Relations Officer), all of whom are tasked with driving the local hygiene agenda forward.
Nakanda Iyadim
