By Stella Odueme
In a major step towards improving sanitation and hygiene nationwide, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Benue State Government has convened a Stakeholders’ Sensitization meeting aimed to scale up advocacy and implementation of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign.
The meeting which held at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall, Makurdi is to consolidate existing gains of ODF campaign in the State toward achieving ODF status across Benue State.
According to the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan in a statement on Friday, the initiative reaffirms the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, eliminating open defecation, preventing waterborne diseases, and improving public health across Nigeria.
In her opening remarks, the National Coordinator of the Campaign, Mrs. Chizoba Opara, emphasized the far-reaching impact of sanitation on education, health, productivity, safety, and national development.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment through key actions including: Implementation of the National Roadmap to End Open Defecation in Nigeria by 2030; Revalidation of the Campaign by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Declaration of a State of Emergency in the WASH sector under the National Action Plan; Execution of the Sustainable Urban and Rural WASH (SURWASH) programme; Scaling up of the WASH Information Management System (WASHIMS); Establishment of multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms; Conduct of the annual WASHNORM survey and Enforcement of Executive Order 009 on Open Defecation.
Mrs. Opara added that open defecation is a national issue that demands collective responsibility, urging all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to achieve and sustain ODF status in all communities.
The Benue State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Ugwu Odoh welcomed participants and acknowledged that 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state have already attained ODF status—namely: Gboko, Konshisha, Ushongo, Tarka, Vandeikya, Kwande, Obi, Oju, Apa, Agatu, and Ohimini.
He commended the dedication of traditional leaders, local councils, implementing partners, and the BERWASSA team.
He however emphasized the need to sustain the efforts until all 23 LGAs in Benue State achieve ODF status, noting that plans are at an advance stage to upgrade existing WASH units into fully functional departments to improve coordination and ensure long-term sustainability.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Akaa Nyam highlighted the importance of the meeting in accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for all. He acknowledged the progress made since the campaign’s launch in 2019 and called for sustained community engagement, awareness creation, and behavior change.
The Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources and Environment in Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Godwin Abu Edoh in his closing remarks, praised the initiative and advocated for a grassroots-focused approach. He emphasized the need for strong enforcement, particularly in rural areas, and urged all tiers of government to maintain consistent funding and commitment.
The meeting featured presentations on; Overview of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign; The roles of LGA WASH Departments; Handwashing and sanitation system strengthening; Innovative strategies for eliminating open defecation in the remaining 12 LGAs; Stakeholder engagement sessions with local government officials, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations Group discussions on implementing the revised Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC) Roadmap.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of UNICEF, Self-Help Africa, Benue State Ministry of Health, BEN GONET, and the representative of Gwen East LGA Council Chairman.
