Ukorebi Esien | March 29, 2026
CALABAR – The Cross River State Chapter of the WASH Media Network has raised concerns over inadequate water and sanitation facilities in secondary schools within the state, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable interventions.
This came during a school outreach at Government Secondary School, Anantigha, Calabar South Local Government Area, held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to mark World Water Day. As part of the programme, over 100 sanitary pads were distributed to students to promote menstrual hygiene management.
Speaking at the event, Archibong Jeremiah, Coordinator of the WASH Media Network, noted that despite the school's proximity to the local government council, it still suffers from poor water supply and insufficient sanitation facilities. He questioned the conditions of more remote schools, emphasizing that "if a school near government authorities struggles, those farther away may be facing even greater challenges."
The outreach also included lectures on safe water practices and hygiene education. Mr. Augustine Oyongha of the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN) educated students on protecting water sources and maintaining borehole infrastructure, warning that "when the water source is contaminated, you're eating faeces."
Mrs. Abenmire Williams, Secretary of the WASH Media Network, addressed menstrual hygiene management, urging boys to refrain from stigmatizing girls during menstruation and encouraging girls to confidently seek guidance from teachers and parents when needed.
The school principal, Mrs. Valarie Ekpenyong Henshaw, expressed gratitude to the WASH Media Network and partners for the outreach. She highlighted the school's struggle with water supply, noting that a previous borehole installed by the Cross River State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA) stopped functioning after two years, leaving students and staff without reliable water access.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, validation remarks by the Vice Principal (Administration), Mrs. Felicia Archibong, and the distribution of sanitary pads to female students, reinforcing the importance of menstrual hygiene education.
As part of the World Water Day commemoration, the WASH Media Network also organised a two-day radio town hall on Sparkling 92.3 FM and HIT 95.9 FM, featuring discussions with water and sanitation stakeholders under the theme "Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows."
Through these initiatives, the Network aims to highlight the critical link between water, hygiene, and gender equality, while urging the government and community partners to invest in sustainable water infrastructure for schools across Cross River State.
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