Residents of Kertyo community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have raised concern over acute water scarcity, calling on the state government to urgently provide potable water.
The residents made the appeal during a community meeting convened to discuss issues affecting the growth, unity and development of the area.
They also urged prominent sons and daughters of the community, as well as organisations and development partners, to support efforts aimed at providing clean water supply.
Speaking to journalists in Kertyo, a lecturer at the Federal University of Lafia, Dr. Felix Upav-Saaior, said the gathering was organised to bring together Tiv indigenes resident in the state to reflect on issues affecting their collective progress.
According to him, the community meeting is a longstanding tradition designed to assess challenges facing the people and chart ways forward.
He noted that aside from water scarcity, the community is also grappling with security concerns linked to clashes between herders and farmers.
Upav-Saaior lamented that despite having a population of more than 10,000 residents, Kertyo does not have a single government-provided borehole.
“This is a community that has more than 10,000 people and ironically there is not even a single government borehole in Kertyo community,” he said.
He appealed to the Nasarawa State Government, Obi Local Government authorities, non-governmental organisations and corporate bodies to intervene and provide basic infrastructure.
“Lack of water has posed a great challenge to the entire community because there is no single government borehole in the community,” he added.
In his remarks, the President of the Tiv Development Association (TIDA), Comrade Simeon Apusu, emphasised the need for unity and cooperation among Tiv people in Nasarawa State.
He said the association remains committed to promoting peace, mutual understanding and socio-economic development among its members.
A resident of the community, Jor Usa, commended the leadership of the association for creating a platform that promotes dialogue and community development.
He urged Tiv indigenes to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to the welfare of their community.
Also speaking, Thomas Asongu, a former secretary of Obi Local Government Council, praised the association for organising the meeting and urged residents to respect constituted authorities.
The gathering also featured the inauguration of the Tiv Youth Organisation (TYO) President, Hon. Atimism Philip, alongside other executives of the Tiv Development Association (TIDA).
Participants at the meeting discussed issues related to socio-economic development, security, collaboration among stakeholders and youth participation in community leadership.
The meeting concluded with a commitment by members to work collectively toward peace, unity and development of Tiv communities across Nasarawa State.
Umar Muhammed, Lafia
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