Business
Lagos Ramps Up Institutional Capacity On Regulation Of Wash Sector
…As LASWARCO undertakes a study tour of the world’s renowned National Water and Sanitation Council (NWASCO), the foremost regulator in Africa
Olushola Okunlade Writes
The Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) is poised to strengthen the regulatory framework and institutional capacity towards efficient and effective regulation of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector with the overall objective of progressing towards universal access to water and sanitation services as enshrined in the United Nations SDG Goal 6.
To this effect, LASWARCO in collaboration with WaterAid Nigeria under the leadership of its Country Director, Evelyn Mere has embarked on a study tour of the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) Zambia, in furtherance of its efforts to improve service delivery by the water and wastewater utilities.
Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, said the study tour to NWASCO which is reputed as a world-class regulator of water supply and sanitation services became expedient in view of the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of LASWARCO for WASH regulation in Lagos State for the supervisory oversight of the Service Provider (LWC) in a manner that will improve service delivery and pave the way for significant and sustainable engagement in water supply and wastewater management while protecting the interests of consumers.
“Regulatory effectiveness is a core driver of improved water and sanitation services. Active regulation involves incremental change, extensive consultation, and testing.
“As a Commission, we have a mandate under the Lagos State Environmental Management Protection Law (2017) to protect consumers interests regarding quality, price, and reliability of services provided by both the public and private operators, to review standards of performance of services towards license utilities, set tariffs, develop guidelines or provision of WASH facilities, establish and enforce standards for water supply or sanitation services with the aim of ensuring that water supply and sewerage services are properly carried out without compromising vital ecosystems.
“The ever-increasing population of Lagos State has undoubtedly put intense pressure on the institutions providing basic social services in the State. However, the State government is sparing no effort in providing affordable and equitable access to clean and safe drinking water for all residents by the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as he is particularly committed to the wellbeing of residents and protecting the environment as enshrined in the health and environment component of the THEMES Agenda” she said.
Giving further details, Adepoju said: “The visit to Zambia is essentially to study and understand the basic factors responsible for the rapid progress achieved in regulating the WASH sector of the country in recent times, especially how the country responded to its WASH crisis and the steps taken to turn around their water supply and sanitation crisis, including the models, applied, sources of funding, challenges faced and lessons learned.
“The visit also afforded us the opportunity to have a clear understanding of the policy statements in terms of content and context that generated a rapid positive response to reforming the WASH sector, as well as the processes and procedure that informed the positive response of both government officials and the citizenry to the reform.
“We also shared notes on how Private Sector Engagement and intervention of non-state actors are operating in the WASH sector, especially the role of government as the regulator of Private Sector Engagement at ensuring the sustainability of the system, while also discussing how regulation through NWASCO is helping to improve access to clean water and management of wastewater in the country.”
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde emphasized the need for regulation towards ensuring that operators are kept on their toes to provide the best services for consumers.
“The monitors and inspectors from NWASCO are monitoring their people and ensuring that utilities are kept on their toes to do what they are supposed to do for the people. The bottom line is that the people should get the best service.
“The level of dedication from the enforcement arm is awesome as all hands are on deck. It shows that a lot can be done for the water sector in terms of getting people access. The importance, therefore, of regulation is that it positively impacts service delivery. The good thing is that Lagos State already has a Regulatory Commission and part of strengthening the institution for better utility performance is the reason for this trip,” Shodeinde said.
The visit to the Shimabala Pumping Station, Iolanda water intake and waterworks, booster Station at Chilanga, and the main Stuart Park Reservoirs in Lusaka waterworks revealed a hundred percent capacity utilization.
The Lagos State delegation, led by Shodeinde, was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Republic of Zambia, Joe Kalusa; The Managing of Director of the Lusaka Water and Sewage Company, Jonathan Kampata; the Director of the National Water and Sanitation Council (Regulator); the Director-General of the Water Resource Management Authority, and Country Director, WaterAid Zambia, Pamela Chisanga.
…Eyes Leadership in African Technology Sector
Task Systems Limited, a pioneering force in the West African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Gozy Ijogun as its new Managing Director effective April 1, 2023.
Gozy Ijogun, known for her transformative leadership, has a rich professional history in the digital technology realm. At the age of 25, armed with a degree in Chemistry from University College London and a Master of Science degree in Accounting, Organizations, and Institutions from the London School of Economics, Gozy made a significant impact on the digital landscape of Nigeria by setting up TD-Mobile, Nigeria’s first structured mobile devices distribution company. She propelled the company to generate a substantial N38 billion in revenue within its first year of operation, guiding the organization from its initial team of seven to become TD Africa Distributions Ltd., now a dominant player in technology distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, representing more than 25 top global brands and introducing a plethora of ICT solutions that consolidated its standing as a solutions-focused tech firm.
“Gozy’s proven leadership, strategic acumen, and passion for technology make her the perfect fit for Task Systems Ltd,” Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Task Systems Ltd said. “Her impressive track record and innovative vision align seamlessly with our growth trajectory. We are excited to usher in this new era under her stewardship.”
Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, New Managing Director.
Reflecting on her appointment, Gozy said, “I’m honoured to join Task Systems, a company that has consistently been at the forefront of tech innovation. We have a remarkable opportunity to grow and become Africa’s leading integrated technology and services company, and I am enthusiastic about leading Task Systems into this future.”
Besides her commercial accomplishments, Mrs. Ijogun is also deeply committed to social change. She was instrumental in launching “This is Me”, a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative championed by TD Africa to aid individuals and uplift their dignity.
With 36 years of industry leadership, Task Systems has consistently provided innovative ICT solutions across various industries, including oil, banking, media, manufacturing, and the public sector. The company has received over 27 global awards for its exceptional contributions.
With the visionary leadership of Mrs. Ijogun, Task Systems is poised for unprecedented growth and success.
Know About Task Systems Ltd: For over three decades, Task Systems has been a pioneer in the tech sector, introducing revolutionary ICT solutions across a broad spectrum of industries. Known for its trailblazing contributions, Task Systems remains a significant player in providing support solutions to numerous Nigerian companies.
Rashidat Okunlade Writes
Employees of Airtel Nigeria, under its CSR initiative, Employee Volunteer Scheme Initiative, paid a visit to Kuramo College, a government secondary school in Lagos, and donated modern routers, each equipped with 100GB of data and a two-month roll-over access fee.
The connection devices were donated by Airtel’s Information and Technology team, with a mission to empower students with enhanced digital connectivity.
Speaking during the event, Director, Information and Technology, Seun Solanke, said, “Airtel aims to empower young minds by equipping them with the connectivity to imagine and unlock a world of knowledge and opportunities.
“For Airtel, it is no longer about being a smartphone network but giving people a reason to imagine, so that people can explore the possibilities powered by technology and connectivity. The world is evolving, young Nigerians now have access to unlimited possibilities and can now create their own job titles and descriptions, which is why we now have YouTubers, social media Influencers, and the likes.”
Left-Right: Head of IT Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Adebanjo Adeola; Head of Information Security & Business Continuity (IT CISO), Airtel Nigeria, Joy Omoruku; Director, Information and Technology, Airtel Nigeria, Seun Solanke; Principal, Kuramo Senior College, Abdulwahab Babatunde Lawal and Head of Project Release Management, Airtel Nigeria, Akinkunle Oyafajo during the presentation of Routers to Kuramo college in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 24th May 2023.
Left-Right: Head of IT Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Adebanjo Adeola; Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie; Head of Information Security & Business Continuity (IT CISO), Airtel Nigeria, Joy Omoruku; Director, Information and Technology, Airtel Nigeria, Seun Solanke; Principal, Kuramo Senior College, Abdulwahab Babatunde Lawal and Head of Project Release Management, Airtel Nigeria, Akinkunle Oyafajo during the presentation of Routers to Kuramo college in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 24th May 2023.
He concluded by encouraging the students to maximize the provision of connectivity to back up their future imaginations with the right information and resources, in other to ensure a bright future.
The activities under the Airtel Nigeria Employee Volunteer Scheme, said Airtel management, aligns with the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in the country and enabling students to leverage the power of the internet, as the distribution of routers with data plans will ensure that students have uninterrupted access to educational resources, research materials, and online learning platforms, regardless of their socio-economic background.
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