This milestone reinforces Cross River State’s dedication to institutionalising inclusive, evidence-based, and community-led WASH governance.
By TheInvestigator
The Cross River State Government has taken a major step to bolster grassroots water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) governance with the inauguration of the Obubra Local Government Area Task Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LTG-WASH).
The event, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Water Resources, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA), Self Help Africa (SHA), and the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), took place over two days at the Obubra Local Government Council Secretariat, starting on January 27, 2026.
Declaring the programme open, Dr Okon Ita, Chairman of the State Task Group on WASH (STG-WASH), emphasised that the initiative is designed to strengthen WASH systems in light of Obubra’s current status.
He stressed that meaningful development in the sector is impossible without a functional LTG-WASH, urging members to commit fully to their roles.
Represented by Engr Eni Nkanu, a director in the Ministry of Water Resources, Dr Ita assured ongoing support from his office to advance WASH service delivery without compromise.
Hon Kingsley Arikpo, Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, welcomed participants and thanked the state government and partners for supporting the people of Obubra.
Represented by Hon James Ekoh, he described the LTG-WASH inauguration as a bold and welcome move toward better services.
The session included an overview of the WASH System for Health (WS4H) programme, delivered under SHA’s coordination.
Mr Ferdinand Anok, SHA State Coordinator, explained that the four-year initiative, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) aims to strengthen WASH systems for sustainable, reliable, resilient, and inclusive service delivery in Nigeria (focusing on Kano and Cross River States) and Sierra Leone.
Furthermore, he said the emphasis on systems is intentional to promote long-term sustainability, rather than relying solely on short-term interventions.
During the event, participants assessed the capacity of the new Obubra LTG-WASH members and the council’s WASH department to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
The Obubra LTG-WASH members being addressed by the representative of the Leader of Council.
The newly inaugurated leadership includes:
– Chairperson: Mrs Florence Asuk
– Co-chairperson: Mr Nyiam John
– Secretary: Otu Ekanem
– Mobilisation Officer: Mr Oyom Ayang
– Public Relations Officer: Mr Ovat Obo
This milestone reinforces Cross River State’s dedication to institutionalising inclusive, evidence-based, and community-led WASH governance.
It advances the goal of universal access to safe water, improved sanitation facilities, and enhanced public health outcomes in Obubra and across the state.