By WASH Media
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, Dr Fred Okem, has assured that the council will provide budgetary support for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) programmes through a supplementary budget expected before June 2026.
Dr Okem gave the assurance during a four-day advocacy visit by the Network of Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) to the council headquarters in Yala. The advocacy team, led by the Cross River State Coordinator of NEWSAN, Mr Anthony Kedang, also engaged council officials, members of the traditional institution, and staff of the WASH Department on the need to strengthen sanitation and hygiene interventions in the area.
The council chairman acknowledged the devastating impact of water-borne diseases that previously affected several communities in Yala, including Wanakom, Otekpa, and parts of Southern Ukelle.
“Our people have suffered greatly from water-borne diseases. I know how devastating guinea worm outbreaks were in communities such as Wanakom, Otekpa, and Southern Ukelle,” Dr Okem said.
He commended NEWSAN and its partners for implementing the WASH Systems for Health Programme (WS4H), noting that the initiative has brought visible improvements in sanitation practices within the council area.
According to him, open defecation was once common even among council staff, but the situation has significantly improved.
“Staff here used to go into the bush to defecate, but that is no longer the case. Following our last meeting in Calabar, I requested a supplementary budget after the main budget presentation, and between now and June, the process should be concluded,” he assured.
NEWSAN Demands Release of WASH Funds
Earlier, NEWSAN State Coordinator, Mr Anthony Kedang, expressed concern over the non-release of budgeted funds for WASH activities in Yala over the years, including the 2026 fiscal period.
He said available budget records showed zero releases to the WASH Department despite existing budgetary provisions, a development he described as a major setback to sanitation and hygiene interventions in the area.
“We are here to advocate for the release of the budgeted ₦57 million allocated to the WASH Department for routine implementation and monitoring of WASH activities in Yala LGA. We want to understand why there have been no releases and how the challenge can be addressed to guarantee smooth implementation,” Kedang stated.
He stressed that the continued failure to release funds has negatively affected WASH infrastructure and service delivery across the local government area.
Also speaking, NEWSAN State Advocacy Lead, Mrs Juliet Orok, urged the council leadership to prioritise the approval and release of funds for WASH projects.
“We are here, like Oliver Twist, to ask for more. What is hindering the release of funds for Yala WASH projects? These interventions are critical to improving the livelihoods of the people and should not be taken for granted,” she said.
The advocacy team further encouraged the council to intensify efforts toward reclaiming Yala’s Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, which it once attained alongside over 50 other local government areas across Nigeria.
Budgetary Support for WASH: WASH Department Laments Poor Funding
During a separate meeting with the WASH Department staff, officials lamented inadequate funding, a lack of operational equipment, and limited support for monitoring and project implementation activities.
Head of the WASH Department in Yala LGA, Pastor William Agbor, expressed confidence in the department’s ability to deliver improved results if adequately supported.
“We are committed to delivering results, and we welcome every effort aimed at strengthening the department for more effective service delivery,” he said.
Other staff members, including Mr Ariku Francis Ebinyi and Mrs Beshel Scholastica, called for the urgent release of funds to support the department’s operations.
They noted that existing allocations do not cover critical needs, including motorcycles for field monitoring, laptops for data management, generators for office operations, and logistics for project implementation.
The meeting ended with renewed optimism about the future of WASH interventions in Yala, alongside a group photograph and signing of the attendance register by participants.
Traditional Institution Backs WASH Advocacy
As part of the advocacy tour, the NEWSAN delegation also visited the Paramount Ruler of Yala, His Royal Majesty Ogamode Eje Ipoule, who pledged the support of the traditional institution for the success of WASH programmes in the area.
The monarch identified sustainability and implementation as major challenges confronting community development projects.
“Our challenge has always been sustainability and proper implementation. Projects like these should be backed by laws and enforced by security agencies; otherwise, they may not survive,” the royal father said.
He emphasised the need for bye-laws to tackle open defecation and prosecute violators of sanitation regulations.
“For the traditional institution, our doors remain open. We are always available to support efforts aimed at ending open defecation and improving sanitation in our communities,” he added.
Earlier, NEWSAN State Coordinator, Mr Anthony Kedang, underscored the importance of collaboration with traditional institutions in driving successful WASH interventions.
“NEWSAN recognises the critical role traditional rulers play in the implementation and sustainability of WASH projects,” he noted.
Also speaking, Mr Mark Odey Obaji, a member of the Local Task Group on WASH (LTG-WASH), commended NEWSAN and Self Help Africa (SHA) for their interventions across Yala, particularly the repair and upgrade of over 40 boreholes within the local government area.
He described the release of funds to the WASH Department as essential for the effective implementation of sanitation and hygiene programmes across the council area.
Highlights of the visit included the traditional breaking of kola nuts, interactive sessions with the royal cabinet, and group photographs.
The week-long advocacy tour, which commenced on Monday, concluded on Friday, April 24, 2026.
See more photos below:
Converseer is part of WASH Media Network in Cross River State.
