The Oyo State Government says it is targeting an open defecation-free status by 2025 by collaborating with the United Nations Children’s Funds to train stakeholders in the state on the measures necessary to tackle open defecation
The state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement on Saturday, stressed that the training was initiated under the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program of UNICEF through the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.
According to Ojelade, the training that commenced with traditional rulers in the Ibarapa East Local Government Area of the state would be extended to other local government areas.
While quoting the RUWASSA chairman, Adeduntan Adeniyi, Ojelade noted that the workshop would also help the state to achieve the Open Defecation Free status by 2025 and further curb water and sanitation diseases in the state.
“The workshop was aimed at 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.”
Reacting on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Onilanlate of Lanate, Olatunji Samuel, assured of the support of their people in achieving the goals.
Samuel added, “This will enhance the glory of the state and our land, and it will make Ibarapa East Open defecation free.”
He also expressed the readiness of his people to support the program.
The UNICEF WASH specialist, Monday Johnson, was quoted as saying that the sensitisation program would help the pioneering local government to achieve the Open Defecation Free status in the next six months.
Johnson also encouraged other local government Council Areas to emulate the policy by focusing on behavioural change towards the implementation of ODF.
He, however, stated that UNICEF would not construct toilets for the residents of the state but rather educate the people on the importance of maintaining cleanliness.
