KWSG CERTIFIES FIVE COMMUNITIES AS OPEN DEFECATION-FREE

Representative of the Commissioner for Water Resources and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Christiana Asonibare, addressing the gathering during the event at Ilofa, Headquarters of Oke-Ero Local Government Area. 


The Kwara State Government has certified five communities in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara South Senatorial District as open defecation-free in all ramifications.


The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade stated this on the occasion of the World Toilet Day celebration at Ilofa, Headquarters of Oke-Ero Local Government.


The five certified communities declared as open defecation-free are Imode, Ayedun, Egosi, Ilaojigi, and Ilofa.


The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Christiana Asonibare said that this year's World Toilet Day is tagged Toilet: "A Place of Peace".


Lade explained that the state government recently paid the sum of N300 million as counterpart funding for the exercise as part of its commitment towards eradicating open defecation in the state.


"Today, I am happy to inform you that five communities have attained open defecation-free status in Oke-Ero Local Government Area, and they will be presented the certificate of award", the Commissioner stated.


He emphasized that the same thing is going on in the other two senatorial districts of Kwara Central and North, respectively.


A cross section of the participants at the event at Ilofa, Headquarters of Oke-Ero Local Government.


Lade, however, thanked the host Local Government Chairman, traditional rulers, union leaders, market women, community leaders and the state government, under the amiable leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON), for their support and cooperation towards the success of the project.


Also speaking at the occasion, the General Manager of the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Ilorin, Mr. Olorunfemi Oladipo described the project as the first of its kind in the state.


Oladipo reiterated that it is a landmark achievement and rare feat attained by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.


He urged the benefitting communities to maintain the facilities, adding that they must also guard and protect it jealously against vandalisation.


The RUWASSA boss also stressed that with the usual cooperation and support of major stakeholders, the local government, he said, would soon achieve a 100% open defecation-free status in the rest of the communities.


In his welcome address, the Chairman of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Hon. James Abiodun Fadipe appealed to the people of the local government not to rest on their oars and draw inspiration from today's honorees, advising them to join hands in making the other communities open defecation-free.


"However, while we celebrate this success, let us not rest on our laurels. I urge other communities within Oke-Ero Local Government to draw inspiration from today's honorees and join hands in adopting practices that will make our entire local government open defecation-free. Together, we can ensure a cleaner environment, reduce the spread of diseases, and enhance the quality of life for all residents", the Chairman said.


He expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRazaq, under whose administration his local government has witnessed a deliberate and concerted effort to improve public health, hygiene, and environmental sanitation across the state.


Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Royal Fathers, the Elegosi of Egosi, Oba Daniel Dada said the project was meant to safeguard their lives.


The monarch explained that it is dangerous for people to defecate in the bush, noting that reptiles and other dangerous animals are not friendly with human beings.


Oba Dada appealed to the state government to provide the communities with sanitary inspectors that will ensure compliance with sanitary principles of using the facilities.


He also commended the RUWASSA Management and the state government for the opportunity given to them and their subjects as part of government efforts to curb the menace of open defecation in the local government.


Adamu M Saidu

Press Secretary

Ministry of Water Resources

08038450894

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