By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev has tasked State Governments, Development Partners, and Civil Society Organizations to scale up initiatives toward making Nigeria Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2025.
Represented by Mr. Olu Daniels Ibiyemi, Director IV of the Department of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Prof.Utsev made this urgent appeal during the celebration and award presentation recognizing Ikenne Local Government Area (LGA) in Ogun State for achieving ODF status.
A statement by the Director Information and Public Relations,
Mrs.Funmi Imuetinyan said at the event, held at Ikenne, Ogun State,Prof.Utsev highlighted the profound impact of Open Defecation on health, education, dignity, and economic productivity, particularly affecting women and children. He emphasized the significance of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign, launched in 2019, which aims to eliminate open defecation across the country by 2025 through robust community mobilization, political commitment, and resource allocation.
He added that as of October 2024, 135 LGAs nationwide have attained ODF status; and urged for accelerated investment and action to achieve the 2025 target.
Prof.Utsev commended the efforts of Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, for his unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Ogun State residents.
He also called for a unified, collaborative effort involving households, all levels of government, development partners, and Civil Society to ensure sustainable, universal access to sanitation.
Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of Ogun State and the State-Led Sanitation Ambassador, delivered the keynote address celebrating Ikenne LGA’s remarkable accomplishment as a testament to Ogun State’s dedication to advancing sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives.
Mrs. Abiodun reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun to promoting the well-being of Ogun State residents through sustainable WASH initiatives. She also called for sustained commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that the vision of a Nigeria free from open defecation becomes a lasting reality.
In her welcome address, Hon. Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan, Commissioner for Rural Development of Ogun State, emphasized the award ceremony’s importance as an inspiring example for other communities in Ogun State.
Hon. Ilori-Oduntan encouraged all communities to align with the government’s vision for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6—universal access to clean water and sanitation.
Speaking on the scope of the achievement, Mr. Sola Ogunbo, Programme Manager of the Ogun State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), announced that 171 communities within Ikenne are now Open Defecation Free. Mr. Ogunbo emphasized the need to maintain this progress for enduring improvements in sanitation standards across Ogun State.
The event was marked by goodwill messages from Development Partners, a drama presentation, and a dance exhibition celebrating the progress made toward sanitation improvement in Nigeria.
