Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Federal Government has called on stakeholders in the Environmental health sector to create more awareness on sanitation, and hygiene practice amongst citizens.
The call was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris at an event marking the 2023 National Environmental Sanitation Day on Thursday in Abuja.
“Let me reiterate that the national environmental sanitation day is more than just a day. Sanitation and hygiene should become an integral part of our everyday life.
“National environmental sanitation day is a national advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding fn the importance of sanitation and hygiene,” he said.
“A large number of children die every year due to sanitation and hygiene-enabled diseases. More than 3.5 million children suffer from diarrheal and this is not a small figure. Children, who are less than five years old, are more prone to such diseases.
“The importance and benefit of creating awareness, behavioural change and institutionalisation of sanitation and hygiene practices among the citizens are our drivers in implementing this programme at this time,” he said.
In his address, the Registrar/CEO Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, EHOCON, Yakubu Mohammed Baba, noted that the council is willing and ready to take all measures to enforce all laws domicile within the levels of government to establish a clean environment.
A Director in the ministry, Mr Charles Ikeah, said that open dumping of waste had long been a detrimental practice that not only polluted the environment but also poses serious health hazards to communities.
“The consequences of open dumping are far-reaching, affecting not only the present but also the future generation. It is a problem that demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts.
“By addressing the issue of open dumping, we contribute to the preservation of our natural resources, reduction of pollution and protection of lives,” he said.
