In a significant step toward prioritizing public health, six communities in Kwara State have achieved open defecation-free status following a partnership between the state government and Local Government Chairmen.
The achievement was recorded in Oke Ero Local Government Area of the state.
A statement shared on the state government’s Facebook page on Monday noted that the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Yinusa, announced this during a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting themed “Eradication of Open Defecation in Kwara State.”
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Represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Christiana Omolola Ashonibare, he highlighted the government’s sensitization efforts and commitment to public health.
RUWASSA General Manager, Mr. Olorunfemi Adewumi Oladipo, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritizing public health.
He noted that RUWASSA has made progress in eliminating open defecation through partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and development agencies.
Initiatives include Community-Led Total Sanitation, smart toilets, and expanded WASH facilities.
Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by Pharmacist Barakat Olanrewaju, stressed the severe health and environmental impacts of open defecation.
She, however, urged the creation of WASH departments at the local government level to enforce compliance.
Professor Henry Olawale Sawyerr praised Kwara’s progress, citing UNICEF rankings.
UNICEF reports that 120 million people in West and Central Africa engage in open defecation, with Nigeria ranking second globally at 47 million cases.
The state’s efforts mark significant progress toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
