Bauchi Moves to Tackle Water Crisis as Stakeholders Endorse New WASH Policy

By Musa Garba

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have validated the state’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy 2026–2030, setting the stage for a coordinated push to improve access to clean water and sanitation services across the state.

The validation workshop held on Friday in Bauchi reviewed and endorsed the policy, which is expected to serve as a strategic guide for addressing persistent challenges in water supply, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene practices, especially in underserved communities.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Bauchi State Ministry of Water Resources, Samaila Tela, said the document was developed to provide a sustainable pathway for delivering WASH services to residents across the state.

He explained that the validation process was necessary to allow stakeholders to critically review the policy and ensure that it reflects the realities and priorities of communities.

Tela said the framework offers a broad roadmap aimed at expanding access to safe, reliable and inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene services, while also strengthening the institutions responsible for delivering them.

According to him, the policy also places an emphasis on improving infrastructure, encouraging positive hygiene behaviour, and building resilience against climate-related threats that affect the sector.

He said effective implementation of the policy would not only improve public health but also protect the environment and open up economic opportunities for local communities.

Also speaking, a representative of WaterAid Nigeria, Mashat Mallo, said the policy gives priority to expanding water supply services in rural communities and small towns, where access remains limited.

He noted that the strategy includes the rehabilitation of broken water systems, the extension of piped water networks, and the deployment of renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered water schemes, to improve service delivery.

Mallo added that the policy also proposes the construction of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities in schools, health centers, and public spaces, particularly in rural and periurban areas where sanitation gaps remain pronounced.

He said the framework aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

The validation workshop was organised by the Women’s Development Association for Self-Sustenance (WODASS) with support from WaterAid Nigeria, bringing together government officials, development partners, and sector stakeholders to fine-tune the policy before its implementation.

With the endorsement of the document, expectations are now high that Bauchi State will move from policy formulation to action in addressing long-standing water and sanitation deficits.

Outrage as Journalist Allegedly Assaulted by Police During Eid Durbar in Bauchi

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has strongly condemned what it described as a disturbing case of police brutality against a journalist, Mohammed Adamu, during the Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, the IPC—through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub—expressed deep concern over the incident, which it said highlights the growing risks faced by journalists in Nigeria.

According to findings gathered by the IPC-SPJ Hub, Adamu, who works with Albarka Radio, a partner of Wikki Times, was reportedly subjected to physical and verbal assault while carrying out his professional duties at the event.

Recounting his ordeal, Adamu explained that he was at the venue alongside other journalists and an information officer to cover the traditional celebration when he was stopped by a police officer.

“We were at Bununu for the Eid Durbar with other media colleagues. As I approached the area assigned for journalists, a police constable blocked me,” he said.

He further alleged that the situation escalated when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area, SP Jamilu Kabir, ordered him to leave the premises.

“I identified myself as a journalist, but instead of allowing me to work, he began insulting me. Despite my explanation, he started beating me, and other officers joined in the assault,” Adamu recounted.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, described the incident as a grave abuse of authority and a threat to democratic values.

“The excessive use of force against a journalist is unacceptable and undermines press freedom. It also constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights,” Arogundade stated.

The organisation warned that such actions could create a hostile environment for media practitioners, discouraging them from performing their duties effectively.

Calling for accountability, the IPC urged the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The centre also stressed the need for appropriate compensation for the victim, describing the treatment meted out to him as inhumane.

Furthermore, IPC called on the Nigeria Police Force to intensify the training of its personnel, emphasising professionalism, respect for citizens’ rights, and the critical role of journalists in society.

“The police must be reminded that their core duty is to protect all citizens, including journalists, not to intimidate or harm them,” the statement added.

The incident has once again brought to the fore concerns about the safety of journalists in Nigeria and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard press freedom.

 NAWOJ, UNICEF Rally Rural Women in Bauchi to Defend Rights, Promote Health, Justice

By Jamila Muhammad

The Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has intensified calls for stronger protection of women’s rights, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education and access to justice.

The appeal was made during activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held on Thursday evening in Durum Village, located in Bauchi Local Government Area of the state.

The awareness programme was designed to educate rural women about their fundamental rights and the importance of accessing quality healthcare services while also encouraging them to speak out against violence and discrimination.

Addressing participants at the event, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Bauchi State, Hajiya Rashida Yusuf, described the annual celebration as a significant opportunity to enlighten women about their rights and empower them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

She explained that hosting the programme in a rural community was deliberate, noting that women living outside urban centres often lack access to critical information about their rights and available support services.

Yusuf encouraged women to play an active role in reducing child mortality by seeking medical attention at nearby health facilities and ensuring they attend recommended antenatal care appointments. She also urged mothers to prioritise routine immunisation for children under the age of five.

In her remarks, a representative of the Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Habiba Adamu, emphasised the need for expectant mothers to give birth in properly equipped health facilities to guarantee safer deliveries.

She highlighted that the Bauchi State Government has enacted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act to safeguard women and other vulnerable groups from abuse and exploitation.

Adamu therefore encouraged victims of violence or abuse to promptly report such incidents to referral centres established under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development so that appropriate action can be taken.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Halima Yusuf, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Bauchi chapter, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to defending the rights of women and children, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence.

She expressed concern that some families often conceal incidents of sexual abuse and rape, stressing that silence only encourages perpetrators. She therefore urged survivors to come forward and seek justice.

Meanwhile, the Officer-in-Charge of Durum Primary Healthcare Centre, Mr Abdulraahid Bashir, enlightened participants on the benefits of antenatal care, professional medical support during childbirth and the importance of maintaining proper hygiene.

Bashir added that improved sanitation practices were essential in preventing many diseases, especially in rural communities where access to clean water and health education may be limited.