The Oyo State Government has announced that it wants to be open defecation-free by 2025 through collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), News About Nigeria reports.
It aims to train stakeholders in the state on how to combat open defecation and improve sanitation practices.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, it was revealed that the training initiative is part of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program of UNICEF, facilitated through the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).
The training commenced with traditional rulers in the Ibarapa East Local Government Area and is slated to be extended to other local government areas across the state.
The goal is to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2025 and mitigate water and sanitation-related diseases, particularly in rural areas.
According to RUWASSA chairman Adeduntan Adeniyi, the workshop will instill behavioural change among residents to promote improved sanitation practices.
“The workshop was aimed at helping the state to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and improved sanitation by 2025 under the WASH project supported by UNICEF.
“It would also assist in reducing water and sanitation-related diseases, particularly in rural areas of the state.”
Expressing support for the initiative, the Onilanlate of Lanate, Olatunji Samuel, assured that traditional rulers and their communities are committed to the goals of the programme.
According to Monday Johnson, a UNICEF WASH specialist, the local government would benefit from the sensitisation programme by becoming Open Defecation Free within the next six months.
He urged other local government areas to adopt similar policies and focus on promoting behavioural change to ensure sustainable sanitation practices.
Johnson clarified that UNICEF’s role is not to construct toilets but rather to educate residents on the importance of cleanliness and proper sanitation maintenance.
