News
Will court compel Adamu, Ogbeh to account for spending on water?


There is prospect Nigerians keen on knowing why the country’s water and sanitation infrastructure have continued to deteriorate despite budgetary allocations on the sector may soon have some answers, as Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has won the latest round in the legal battle to compel the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh to account for the spending of trillion of naira on water projects between 1999 and 2016.
Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos last week ruled that “I have looked at the papers filed by SERAP and I agree that leave ought to be granted in this case to apply for judicial review and an order of mandamus, in the interest of justice.” The Court also ruled that the Defendants be put on notice and adjourned the matter to Friday, 29th June 2018 for mention.
Justice Shagari granted the order for leave following the hearing of an argument in court on exparte motion by SERAP counsel Ms Bamisope Adeyanju.
The suit number FHC/L/CS/632/18 filed in April followed Freedom of Information requests by SERAP requesting Mr Adamu and Mr Ogbeh to “explain why millions of Nigerians have to resort to drinking water from contaminated sources with deadly health consequences, despite the authorities claiming to have spent trillions of naira of budgetary allocations on the sector since the return of democracy in 1999.”
Although Mr Adamu in a letter with reference number FMWR/LU/S/374/I, and dated March 12 responded to the FOI request, saying that “The Federal Ministry of Water Resources will work hard to provide SERAP with the details of spending, and the information requested as they relate specifically to Water and Sanitation projects from 2010 to 2016”, the organization told Justice Shagari that the Minister has so far failed to fulfil his commitment, hence the suit.
Mr Ogbeh has so far failed to respond to the FOI request.
The order by Justice Shagari has now cleared the way for SERAP to advance its case against the Minister of Water Resources and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The suit read in part: “The interest of the public in making this information released is far greater than any other interest Mr Adamu and Mr Ogbeh may be trying to preserve, considering the grievous consequences associated with lack of access to clean and potable water and its impact on other sectors of the economy and on the realisation of other human rights.”
“Many toilets in public offices are out of order because of lack of water while millions of Nigerians remain desperate for water in their homes, often resorting to contaminated sources and drilling their own boreholes that can become easily mixed with sewage, with negative environmental impacts, and devastating for people’s health.”
“Millions of Nigerians do not have access to clean and potable water and adequate sanitation. There is no water to show for the huge budgetary allocations and purported spending and investment in the sector since the return of democracy in 1999. Successive governments have failed to improve the affordability of water for millions of low-income Nigerians, thereby denying them access to water.”
“The right to water to which the information requested relates is a human right which places certain responsibilities upon the government, and in this case, Mr Adamu and Mr Ogbeh to ensure that people can enjoy sufficient, safe, accessible and affordable water, without discrimination.”
“The alleged stealing and mismanagement of large sums earmarked for water projects may be responsible for the lack of access of millions of Nigerians to clean and potable water, with its attendant consequences. Due to inadequate maintenance of water facilities, Nigerians have contacted various water-borne diseases like typhoid fever, cholera, hookworm, infections and Hepatitis A; and some others have died because of these diseases.”
“Democracy cannot flourish if governments operate in secrecy, no matter how much open discussion and debate is allowed. The very nature and quality of public discussion would be significantly impoverished without the nourishment of information from public authorities and to guarantee freedom of expression without including freedom of information would be a formal exercise, denying both effective expression in practice and a key goal which free expression seeks to serve.”
“In its General Comment 15, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights asserts inter alia that the human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic uses, noting that an adequate amount of safe water is necessary to prevent death by dehydration, to reduce the risk of water-related diseases and to provide for consumption, cooking, personal and domestic hygienic requirements. Nigeria has ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”
The suit is seeking the following reliefs:
- A DECLARATIONthat the failure of the 1st Respondent to urgently compile and furnish the Applicant with information on the details of its expenditure and budgetary spending on specific water and sanitation projects, with details of their locations across the country, for the years covering: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 (1999-2010); as well as details of allocations to the 36 states of the federation, for the period is unlawful as it contradicts and is in conflict with the obligations of the 1st Respondent under the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
- A DECLARATION that the failure of the 2nd Respondent to urgently compile and furnish the Applicant with information on the details of its expenditure and budgetary spending on specific water and sanitation projects, with details of their locations across the country, for the years covering: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 (2010-2016); as well as details of allocations to the 36 states of the federation, for the period is unlawful as it contradicts and is in conflict with the obligations of the 2nd Respondent under the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
- AN ORDER OF MANDAMUScompelling the 1st Respondent tourgently compile and furnish the Applicant with information, including wide publication on a dedicated website, on the details of its expenditure and budgetary spending on specific water and sanitation projects, with details of their locations across the country, for the years covering: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 (1999-2010); as well as details of allocations to the 36 states of the federation, for the period.
- AN ORDER OF MANDAMUScompelling the 2nd Respondent to urgently compile and furnish the Applicant with information, including wide publication on a dedicated website on the details of its expenditure and budgetary spending on specific water and sanitation projects, with details of their locations across the country, for the years covering: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 (2010-2016); as well as details of allocations to the 36 states of the federation, for the period.
- AN ORDER OF MANDAMUScompelling the 1st & 2nd Respondents to immediately explain to Nigerians why Nigeria’s water and sanitation infrastructure have continued to deteriorate and millions of Nigerians have resorted to drinking water from contaminated sources with deadly health consequences, despite the authorities claiming to have spent trillions of naira of budgetary allocations to the sector since the return of democracy in 1999.
- ANY OTHER ORDERS that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances in this suit.


The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.
Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.
While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.
News
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka


The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.


The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
News
Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative


More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
-
Sports3 days ago
We’re Confident in the Super Eagles – Karl Toriola
-
News2 days ago
NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union
-
Spotlight3 days ago
MTN Go MAD Campaign Inspires Aba’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
-
GRBusiness3 days ago
Five WhatsApp Business Features Every Small Business Should Be Using